A spin transfer torque reversal assisted magnetic recording (STRAMR) device is disclosed wherein a flux change layer (FCL) is formed between a main pole (MP) trailing side and a trailing shield (TS). The FCL has a magnetization that flips to a direction substantially opposing the write gap magnetic field when a direct current (DC) of sufficient current density is applied across the STRAMR device thereby increasing reluctance in the WG and producing a larger write field output at the air bearing surface. Heat transfer in the STRAMR device is enhanced and production cost is reduced by enlarging the STRAMR width to be essentially equal to that of the TS, and where the TS and STRAMR widths are formed using the same process steps. Bias voltage is used to control the extent of FCL flipping to a center portion to optimize the gain in area density capability in the recording system.

A recording head comprises a write pole extending to an air-bearing surface. A near-field transducer is positioned proximate a first side of the write pole in a down-track direction. A heatsink structure is proximate the near-field transducer and positioned between the near-field transducer and the write pole. The heatsink structure extends beyond the near-field transducer in a cross-track direction and extends in a direction normal to the air-bearing surface.

A recording head comprises a write pole extending to an air-bearing surface. A near-field transducer is positioned proximate a first side of the write pole in a down-track direction. A heatsink structure is proximate the near-field transducer and positioned between the near-field transducer and the write pole. The heatsink structure extends beyond the near-field transducer in a cross-track direction and extends in a direction normal to the air-bearing surface.

According to one embodiment, a recording head includes a main pole and a first shield. The first shield includes a distal end portion projecting from an air bearing surface of a slider. The distal end portion includes a distal end surface which includes a first shield edge opposing the main pole with a write gap and a second shield edge spaced apart from the first shield edge in a trailing end side. A distal end portion of the main pole projects from the distal end surface. When a length between the distal end portion of the main pole and the second shield edge is L1, the projection amount of the distal end portion of the main pole is h2, a flying pitch is D1, and a protrusion pitch angle is D2, the recording head satisfies a relationship of: L1h2/(D1+D2).

A near-field transducer has an enlarged portion with a layer of soft plasmonic material. A peg formed of a thermally robust plasmonic material includes an embedded part that is partially embedded within the enlarged portion and has an exposed surface facing away from the enlarged portion. An intersection between a lower edge of the enlarged portion and the embedded part has a discontinuity.

A recording head includes a waveguide core layer that delivers light from a light source to a region proximate a magnetic write pole. A near-field transducer that is formed of a thin metal film is deposited over the waveguide core layer. The near-field transducer includes an enlarged part with two straight edges facing a media-facing surface and at obtuse angles relative to the media-facing surface. A peg extends from the enlarged part towards the media-facing surface. The near-field transducer includes a metal aperture plate at the media-facing surface. The metal aperture plate surrounds at least three sides of the end of the peg.

A data storage device is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, wherein the head comprises a write assist element. Data is written to the disk using the write assist element. A protrusion of the head toward the disk is measured periodically, and an abnormality with the write assist element is detected when a slope of the protrusion measurements indicates the protrusion is increasing.

Devices having an air bearing surface (ABS), the devices include a write pole; a near field transducer (NFT) including a peg and a disc, wherein the peg is at the ABS of the device; an overcoat, the overcoat including a low surface energy layer.

A slider comprises an air bearing surface (ABS) and is configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium. A writer is provided on the slider and comprises a write coil having a media-facing surface situated at the ABS. Cooling arms project laterally from peripheral surfaces of the write coil and extend along the ABS. The media-facing surface of the write coil and the cooling arms are exposed to the ABS to facilitate increased cooling of the write coil at the ABS.

A near-field transducer has an enlarged portion with a layer of soft plasmonic material. A peg is embedded in a lower part of the enlarged portion that faces a media-facing surface. The peg has an elongated outer part that extends from a lower edge of the enlarged portion towards the media-facing surface and an embedded part that is embedded within the enlarged portion. The embedded part could be any shape. The peg is formed of a thermally robust plasmonic material.