Challenges for Perpendicular Write Heads at High Recording Density

Perpendicular recording technology has become the main stream for 130 Gb/in2 HDD products. In this paper, challenges in perpendicular write head are discussed. Design tradeoffs and concerns of narrow-track single-pole heads, trailing shield heads, floating TS heads, and wrapped-around-shield (WAS) heads are discussed. Experimental data show that WAS heads provide good narrow track and high linear density performance. An areal density of 343 Gb/in2 has been achieved at a very aggressive magnetic spacing condition