Ittetsu Kitajima

Title: Inventor Ittetsu Kitajima: Pioneering Advances in Magnetic Recording Technology

Introduction

Ittetsu Kitajima, based in Cupertino, California, is a notable inventor recognized for his contributions to the field of magnetic recording technology. With two patents to his name, Kitajima has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, particularly in the design and fabrication of device structures that enhance recording capacities.

Latest Patents

Kitajima's latest patents showcase his expertise in advanced magnetic recording techniques. The first patent, titled "Method of Building Self-Aligned Optical Side Shield Structure," pertains to an optically shielded thermally assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) head. It integrates a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head and a near-field transducer (NFT) with a strategically positioned emergent peg. The self-aligned optical side shields (SA-OSS) are created using a self-aligning process, resulting in a more efficient arrangement that sharpens both down-track and cross-track near-field gradients.

His second patent, "Method of Fabricating Single Rh Layer Optical Field Enhancer with Pre-Focusing Structures," focuses on the fabrication of a TAMR write head utilizing mechanically strong and thermally stable weakly plasmonic materials. By employing materials such as Rh instead of highly plasmonic Au, the design reduces thermal deformation. This innovation includes pre-focusing structures that amplify plasmon energy directed towards the air bearing surface (ABS), which is critical for enhancing performance in magnetic recording applications, such as hard disk drives.

Career Highlights

Ittetsu Kitajima is currently affiliated with Headway Technologies, Incorporated, where he has made significant strides in research and development related to magnetic recording technologies. His work is characterized by a focus on enhancing the efficiency and stability of recording heads, contributing to improved performance in storage media.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kitajima has collaborated with talented colleagues including Weihao Xu and Cherng-Chyi Han. These collaborations have facilitated the exchange of ideas and fostered innovations that advance the capabilities of magnetic recording devices.

Conclusion

Ittetsu Kitajima's contributions to the realm of magnetic recording technology underscore a dedication to innovation and excellence. With his patents offering promising advancements in recording head design and functionality, he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of data storage solutions.