Patent ID: 8578593
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of manufacturing a thermally-assisted magnetic write head which has a magnetic pole including an end surface exposed from an air bearing surface, a waveguide extending toward the air bearing surface for transmission of a light, and a plasmon generator provided between the magnetic pole and the waveguide for generating a near-field light from the air bearing surface based on the light transmitted over the waveguide, the method comprises steps of: forming a laminate structure including the waveguide, the plasmon generator, and the magnetic pole; performing a first polishing process to planarize an end surface of the laminate structure; performing a first etching process to remove impurities attached on the end surface of the laminate structure, and to allow the plasmon generator to be recessed from the waveguide and the magnetic pole, thereby forming a recessed region from the end surface of the laminate structure; forming a protection layer on the end surface of the laminate structure such that at least the recessed region is filled; and starting a second polishing process on the end surface of the laminate structure formed with the protection layer, and stopping the second polishing process before the plasmon generator is exposed, thereby completing the air bearing surface.