Novel flux concentration stitched write head design for high data rate application

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to the fabrication of a thin-film magnetic head. In particular, it relates to a method of fabricating a stitched writer portion of such a head that is suitable for high data-rate recording of magnetic information.

#2. Discussion of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a stitched pole write head with a stepped upper pole piece designed according to the prior art.

#FIG. 2a is the first of a series (FIGS. 2a-2h) of schematic cross-sectional views of a stitched pole write head designed and fabricated according to the objects and methods of the present invention. FIG. 2a is a schematic view of a plated first part of S2, which is the upper shield of the read head portion of the read/write head and also the lower pole piece of the write head portion. Said first part shall be designated S2A.

#FIG. 2b is a schematic view of said plated first part, S2A, over which has now been plated a second part of S2, designated S2B. S2B has been patterned with an opening which, when filled, will become the recessed, embedded step.

#Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown for comparison purposes only a schematic sketch of a stitched pole writer designed in accordance with the prior art and not using the methods of the present invention. The writer consists of a lower pole (1), which can also be the upper shield of a read head element positioned beneath the writer, a write gap (2), an upper pole piece with a front portion (3) and a rear portion (4) and an upper pole yoke that is stitched to the upper pole pieces (5) and magnetically connects them. There is a flux concentrating non-magnetic step (6) formed on the bottom surface of the front portion of the upper pole piece. A coil (7) and insulating region (8) complete the fabrication.

#Referring next to FIG. 2a, there is seen a schematic cross-sectional view of a plated first part of a lower pole piece (10) which forms the substrate for the fabrication of the present invention. Said lower pole piece, which is formed of (80/20) NiFe with a thickness range between 1.0 microns and 2.0 microns, can also serve as the upper shield of a read head portion of the read/write head, said read head portion being advantageously positioned beneath the write head of the present invention.

#Referring next to FIG. 2b, there is shown the lower pole piece (10) of FIG. 2a, upon which has now been formed, by plating, a second portion of the lower pole piece, which are formed together, in two parts (12), (14), with a gap (16) between them. Said second portion can be composed of either (80/20) NiFe or CoNiFe, with a thickness range between 1.0 microns and 3.0 microns and the gap can have a width ranging from 5.0 microns to 30 microns.