Stiff discrete insert array for thermal ptr management with desired induced stress state that reduces tendency for write pole erasure

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a magnetic device having a discontinuous array of columns disposed near a magnetic pole. Each column has a length extending perpendicular to an air bearing surface and a width. The length is greater than the width.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A magnetic head, comprising:
 a discontinuous array of columns;   a dielectric material disposed between and over the discontinuous array of columns;   a read head disposed over the dielectric material, and   a write head disposed over the read head.   
     
     
         2 . The magnetic head of  claim 1 , wherein each of the columns comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, tungsten and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The magnetic head of  claim 2 , wherein the discontinuous array of columns are aligned in a cross-track direction and each of the columns has a cross section parallel to an air bearing surface and a length perpendicular to the air bearing surface. 
     
     
         4 . The magnetic head of  claim 3 , wherein the cross section of each of the columns has a width and a thickness and the length is greater than the width or the thickness. 
     
     
         5 . The magnetic head of  claim 3 , wherein the dielectric material comprises alumina. 
     
     
         6 . A method for forming a magnetic head, comprising:
 depositing a write pole over a substrate;   depositing an insert layer over the write pole;   removing portions of the insert layer to form a discontinuous array of columns; and   depositing a fill material between the discontinuous array of columns.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the insert layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, tungsten and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the insert layer is deposited by physical vapor deposition. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the fill material is deposited by chemical vapor deposition. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the portions of the insert layer are removed by reactive ion etching. 
     
     
         11 . A magnetic head, comprising:
 a write pole extending to an air bearing surface; and   a discontinuous array of columns aligned in a cross-track direction and disposed over the write pole, wherein each of the columns has a length extending perpendicular to the air bearing surface and a width, and wherein the length is greater than the width, and wherein an insulating material is deposited between and over the discontinuous array of columns.   
     
     
         12 . The magnetic head of  claim 11 , wherein each of the columns comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, tungsten and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The magnetic head of  claim 11 , wherein each of the columns has a thickness that is less than the length, and wherein the thickness and the width form a surface recessed from the air bearing surface. 
     
     
         14 . The magnetic head of  claim 11 , further comprising a non-magnetic layer disposed between the write pole and the discontinuous array of columns. 
     
     
         15 . The magnetic head of  claim 14 , wherein the non-magnetic layer comprises alumina.