Abstract
A high head field gradient is the most crucial criterion for a write head. A new approach with a grooved soft magnetic underlayer (SUL) structure was investigated for use with a single-pole planar writer. Cross-track grooves on the SUL surface improved the writing field gradient without degrading the field strength. In this study, a detailed analysis of the head field distributions and writing process with the heads and medium were performed using a finite-element method (FEM) computer simulation. The simulator was combined with a Stoner-Wohlfarth magnetization reversal model, in which head-medium magnetic interactions were incorporated by calculating the head and medium magnetization together as a 'self-consistent' system, designated as "SMART". A maximum gradient greater than 1000 Oe/nm was confirmed with the grooved SUL structure and the recorded magnetization distribution for the high gradient writing head field was calculated.
