Certain embodiments are directed to a spin torque oscillator (STO) device in a microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) device. The magnetic recording head includes a seed layer, a spin polarization layer over the seed layer, a spacer layer over the spin polarization layer, and a field generation layer is over the spacer layer. In one embodiment, the seed layer comprises a tantalum alloy layer. In another embodiment, the seed layer comprises a template layer and a damping reduction layer over the template layer. In yet another embodiment, the seed layer comprises a texture reset layer, a template layer on the texture reset layer, and a damping reduction layer on the template layer.

Certain embodiments are directed to a spin torque oscillator (STO) device in a microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) device. The magnetic recording head includes a seed layer, a spin polarization layer over the seed layer, a spacer layer over the spin polarization layer, and a field generation layer is over the spacer layer. In one embodiment, the seed layer comprises a tantalum alloy layer. In another embodiment, the seed layer comprises a template layer and a damping reduction layer over the template layer. In yet another embodiment, the seed layer comprises a texture reset layer, a template layer on the texture reset layer, and a damping reduction layer on the template layer.

Certain embodiments are directed to a spin torque oscillator (STO) device in a microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) device. The magnetic recording head includes a seed layer, a spin polarization layer over the seed layer, a spacer layer over the spin polarization layer, and a field generation layer is over the spacer layer. In one embodiment, the seed layer comprises a tantalum alloy layer. In another embodiment, the seed layer comprises a template layer and a damping reduction layer over the template layer. In yet another embodiment, the seed layer comprises a texture reset layer, a template layer on the texture reset layer, and a damping reduction layer on the template layer.

A first waveguide portion receives light from an energy source in a fundamental transverse electric (TE.sub.00) mode. A mode converter converts a portion of the light to higher-order transverse electric (TE.sub.10) mode. A second waveguide portion receives the light at the TE.sub.10 mode and delivers the light to a near-field transducer that heats a recording medium in response thereto. An optical spatial mode filter prevents remnant light in the TE.sub.00 mode from affecting the recording medium while passing the light at the TE.sub.10 mode.

An apparatus includes a waveguide that delivers energy from an energy source, a write pole located proximate the waveguide at a media-facing surface, and a near-field transducer located proximate the write pole in a down track direction. The near-field transducer includes an enlarged portion and a peg extending from the enlarged portion towards the media-facing surface. The peg comprises a taper facing away from the write pole, and the taper causes a reduced down track dimension of the peg near the media-facing surface.

An apparatus includes a waveguide that delivers energy from an energy source, a write pole located proximate the waveguide at a media-facing surface, and a near-field transducer located proximate the write pole in a down track direction. The near-field transducer includes an enlarged portion and a peg extending from the enlarged portion towards the media-facing surface. The peg comprises a taper facing away from the write pole, and the taper causes a reduced down track dimension of the peg near the media-facing surface.

Described are optical magnetic recording systems, writers, media, and methods that utilize pulses of electromagnetic radiation to deterministically record information on magnetic storage media unaided by any additionally applied magnetic field such as from a write pole. The recording pulses may be linearly (or longitudinally) polarized pulses or circularly polarized pulses. The pulses may be modulated in accordance with data bits to be written on the media. Modulation may include modulating the polarization state(s) of the pulses and/or modulating the amplitude(s) the pulses, depending on the particular construction or configuration of the magnetic storage media to be used. Described are recording systems and methods that include laser light pulse generation, light pulse modulation, light pulse delivery, and magnetic media constructions.