Materials challenges for the heat-assisted magnetic recording head–disk interface

The heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head–disk interface is a unique operating environment that combines nanoscale spacings, high shear rates, high-temperature gradients, and high optical fluxes in a mass-produced device. One of the greatest challenges is to develop materials for the head–disk interface that enable the required head–media spacing while also providing reliability. Traditional head–disk interface materials, engineered and optimized for conventional magnetic recording hard-disk drives, are challenged to provide the needed performance at the high temperatures that HAMR involves. We review some of the primary materials used in conventional magnetic recording, how high temperatures challenge their performance, and some of the current understanding and strategies to develop a reliable HAMR head–disk interface.