Spin transfer torque (STT) devices with multilayer seed layers that can be used in magnetic recording and memory are provided. One such STT device includes a substrate, and a stack of layers formed on the substrate, where the stack includes a first seed layer directly on the substrate and including Cr, a second seed layer on the first seed layer and including Ta, a ferromagnetic free layer on the second seed layer; a ferromagnetic polarizing layer, and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the free layer and the polarizing layer. One such method includes fabricating the STT device.

Spin transfer torque (STT) devices with multilayer seed layers that can be used in magnetic recording and memory are provided. One such STT device includes a substrate, and a stack of layers formed on the substrate, where the stack includes a first seed layer directly on the substrate and including Cr, a second seed layer on the first seed layer and including Ta, a ferromagnetic free layer on the second seed layer; a ferromagnetic polarizing layer, and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the free layer and the polarizing layer. One such method includes fabricating the STT device.

A microwave assisted magnetic recording writer has a main pole (MP) with a write gap formed between the MP trailing side and a trailing shield, a side gap between each MP side and a side shield, and a leading gap between the MP leading side and a leading shield. A spin torque oscillator (STO) is formed in at least each side gap and recessed from the air bearing surface to reduce wear. Each STO has a flux guiding layer (FGL) with a magnetization that flips to a direction substantially opposite to the gap field when a current of sufficient density is applied from the adjacent shield towards the MP thereby forcing additional flux out of the MP at the ABS to enhance writability on a magnetic recording medium. Accordingly, the gap between the recessed STO and ABS is reduced to provide enhanced area density capability without sacrificing overwrite.

A microwave assisted magnetic recording writer has a main pole (MP) with a write gap formed between the MP trailing side and a trailing shield, a side gap between each MP side and a side shield, and a leading gap between the MP leading side and a leading shield. A spin torque oscillator (STO) is formed in at least each side gap and recessed from the air bearing surface to reduce wear. Each STO has a flux guiding layer (FGL) with a magnetization that flips to a direction substantially opposite to the gap field when a current of sufficient density is applied from the adjacent shield towards the MP thereby forcing additional flux out of the MP at the ABS to enhance writability on a magnetic recording medium. Accordingly, the gap between the recessed STO and ABS is reduced to provide enhanced area density capability without sacrificing overwrite.

A method includes forming a write pole layer having a front surface, a leading surface, a trailing surface and side surfaces connecting the leading surface to the trailing surface. The method also includes forming side shield layers proximate to the side surfaces of the write pole layer. A patterned sacrificial layer is deposited over the side shield layers, and a trailing surface bevel is formed on the write pole layer.

A method includes forming a write pole layer having a front surface, a leading surface, a trailing surface and side surfaces connecting the leading surface to the trailing surface. The method also includes forming side shield layers proximate to the side surfaces of the write pole layer. A patterned sacrificial layer is deposited over the side shield layers, and a trailing surface bevel is formed on the write pole layer.

According to one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a magnetic pole, first and second shield regions, and a first stacked body. A direction from the magnetic pole toward the first shield region is aligned with a first direction. A direction from the magnetic pole toward the second shield region crosses the first direction. The first stacked body is provided between the magnetic pole and the second shield region. The first stacked body includes a first magnetic layer including at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, and Ni, a first conductive layer provided between the magnetic pole and the first magnetic layer, and a second conductive layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second shield region. The first direction is aligned with a direction of relative movement between the magnetic pole and a magnetic recording medium. The magnetic pole opposes the magnetic recording medium.

According to one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a magnetic pole, first and second shield regions, and a first stacked body. A direction from the magnetic pole toward the first shield region is aligned with a first direction. A direction from the magnetic pole toward the second shield region crosses the first direction. The first stacked body is provided between the magnetic pole and the second shield region. The first stacked body includes a first magnetic layer including at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, and Ni, a first conductive layer provided between the magnetic pole and the first magnetic layer, and a second conductive layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second shield region. The first direction is aligned with a direction of relative movement between the magnetic pole and a magnetic recording medium. The magnetic pole opposes the magnetic recording medium.

A current-assisted magnetic recording write head has an electrically conductive layer in the write gap between the write pole and the trailing shield. Electrical circuitry directs current from the write pole, through the conductive layer, to the trailing shield. The current through the conductive layer generates an Ampere field substantially orthogonal to the magnetization in the write pole to assist magnetization switching of the write pole. The write head's magnetic throat height (TH.sub.m) is substantially the thickness of the trailing shield at the write gap, while the write head's electrical throat height (TH.sub.e) is substantially the height of the conductive layer in the write gap. In embodiments of this invention, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the readback signal and the soft error rate (SER) of the recorded data can be improved with a write gap structure wherein TH.sub.e is greater than TH.sub.m.

The present disclosure is generally related to a magnetic recording device comprising a magnetic recording head having a first current flow in a cross-track direction through a trailing shield. In one or more embodiments, a second current flows in a cross-track direction around the main pole. The magnetic recording device comprises a main pole disposed between a trailing shield, a leading shield, and side shields. A trailing gap is disposed between the side shields and the trailing shield. A high moment seed layer is disposed between the main pole and the trailing shield. A first insulation layer is disposed within the trailing shield and directs the first current through the trailing shield, guided to the proximity of the main pole. A second insulation layer, disposed below the trailing shield, directs the second current through the trailing shield, or alternatively through the side shields and around the main pole.