Patent ID: 8400886
Filing Date: 2013-03-19
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head, comprising: a pole that generates a writing magnetic field from an end surface forming a portion of an air bearing surface opposing a magnetic recording medium; a waveguide through which light propagates; and a plasmon generator that surface-evanescent-couples with the light propagating through the waveguide, wherein the plasmon generator includes a transmit part for transmitting plasmon generated on a surface to the air bearing surface as being closely-aligned with the waveguide and generates near-field light from a near-field light generating end surface forming a portion of the air bearing surface, and the plasmon generator includes a portion where a cross-sectional area gradually decreases as going toward a depth side from the air bearing surface when being observed from a cross section parallel to the air bearing surface.