Thermal modeling of magnetoresistive heads in three dimensions

We present an analytical model that can describe the dissipation of thermal energy generated by Joule heating in magnetoresistive heads. The model is simple in that it requires no finite-element analysis and can be quickly configured to investigate the effects of varying head characteristics. However, despite its simplicity, the model can quantify heat transfer through all surfaces of the sensor effectively, as demonstrated by comparison with experimental data. With this model, the effects of varying system geometry, materials, bias current, environment, and defects can be investigated. Analysis of these effects identifies parameters to which Joule heating is most sensitive. We discuss promising areas for device improvement, such as increasing the gap thermal conductivity and decreasing contact resistance at interfaces.