Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head having improved playback properties in which the gap-bounding core parts overlap each other laterally while enclosing a layer having a gap and in which a first core part has the shape of a closed loop and is bridged in the center by a second core part. The parts of the first core part on either side of the bridge are provided with identical coils, while the first core part at the area of the overlap is divided centrally by an extra gap. Upon playing back, the difference signals of the coils then provides an indication as regards the position relative to the track.

Abstract: A magnetic head having a magnetoresistive element. The element comprises a center tap, while on the left-hand half a pattern of equipotential strips is provided at an angle with the longitudinal direction of approximately 45.degree. and on the right-hand half a pattern of equipotential strips is provided at an angle of approximately 135.degree. with the longitudinal direction. The halves are each controlled with a current source and their output signals are subtracted from each other. The relation between the resistance of the total element and the value of external magnetic fields is more linear than in known magnetic heads having a magnetoresistive element and thermal noise is eliminated.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive detection device for determining the presence or absence of a single-wall magnetic domain at a position in a thin layer of magnetic material in which stable single-wall magnetic domains can be moved, comprising a sensing element of magnetoresistive material which is provided with respect to the layer of magnetic material in such manner that the resistance thereof varies when a single-wall magnetic domain is present at the said position. The device comprises means to produce an alternating magnetic field so as to modulate the size of a single-wall magnetic domain present at the said position, and comprises a filter which passes only interference-free terms of the signal detected by the sensing element.

Abstract: A magnetic head utilizing the magneto-resistive effect with at least two magneto-resistive elements present in one plane at right angles to the recording medium. The elements are connected to an output circuit in which their signals are subtracted from each other. In this manner compensation is provided for both interference signals and crosstalk signals. The head may comprise a reading element and a compensation element arranged above it or a reading element flanked by two compensation elements with a larger distance to the recording medium or with a smaller height.