Finite Element Modeling of Writer Head Design for Shingled Recording

In this paper, finite element method (FEM) solving Maxwell's equations is used to study writer head design with side shields. A half side shielded writer is investigated due to the belief that writer designs with larger side fringing field can be accommodated in shingled recording. It was found that although a half side shielded writer provides higher on track field, curvature at track edge is also increased. The increasing curvature poses a limit on the writer pole width increment. Designing a writer to maintain low curvature while obtaining high on-track field continues to be the challenge for shingled recording. This paper explores a full range of writer design parameters using finite element modeling and introduces several design features for a wrap-around shielded writer.