Return field-induced partial erasure in perpendicular recording using trailing-edge shielded writers

Return field-induced partial erasure (RFPE) in trailing-edge shielded perpendicular writers has been studied, both by modeling and by experiments. For a given head-media combination, the return field underneath the trailing shield increases with increasing write current. Once exceeding a certain threshold, it will cause partial erasure of the bits that have just been written by the main pole. Recording performance, such as reverse overwrite, spectral signal-to-noise ratio, and bit-error rate are all found degraded at high write currents, due to RFPE. Design optimization of both head and media together is needed, in order to maximize the advantage of a trailing-edge shielded pole head and minimize the impact of RFPE.