Impact of new magnetoresistive materials on magnetic recording heads (invited)

Abstract

Advances in magnetoresistive materials have recently enabled magnetic recording heads to achieve higher levels of performance. This article describes why higher signal outputs are necessary for improvements to be made in areal density. The requirements for recording at an areal density of 16 Mb/mm² (10 Gb/in.²) are discussed with regards to both the channel and the head design. Increased output from new multilayer magnetoresistive materials is required to counteract the decrease in output due to the reduction in the size of the head geometry. An areal density of 16 Mb/mm² is shown to be feasible with spin valve recording heads using materials with magnetoresistance ratios of 10%. Fabrication issues relating to the manufacturing of these materials are shown to be more stringent than previously required.