Abstract: In an approach for providing simulation results of an interaction between a transducer head and a magnetic medium, a computer identifies a first raster scan of a sample via a scanning probe microscope. The computer generates a topography image based on the first raster scan of the sample. The computer identifies one or more reference features within the created topography image. The computer calculates an average height based on the one or more reference features. The computer determines a lift distance associated with a probe of the scanning probe microscope. The computer defines a uniform plane based on the calculated average height and the determined lift distance. The computer performs a second raster scan of the sample based on the defined uniform plane. The computer generates a fly-height image based on the second raster scan. The computer provides simulation results based at least in part on the second raster scan.

Abstract: In an approach for providing simulation results of an interaction between a transducer head and a magnetic medium, a computer identifies a first raster scan of a sample via a scanning probe microscope. The computer generates a topography image based on the first raster scan of the sample. The computer identifies one or more reference features within the created topography image. The computer calculates an average height based on the one or more reference features. The computer determines a lift distance associated with a probe of the scanning probe microscope. The computer defines a uniform plane based on the calculated average height and the determined lift distance. The computer performs a second raster scan of the sample based on the defined uniform plane. The computer generates a fly-height image based on the second raster scan. The computer provides simulation results based at least in part on the second raster scan.

Abstract: A computer program product, according to one embodiment, includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se. Moreover, the program instructions readable and/or executable by a controller to cause the controller to perform a method which includes: determining, by the controller, whether a difference between information and corresponding design values is in a range; and computing, by the controller and using the information, data describing a lateral writing position to use during writing such that shingled track edges are aligned according to a format in response to determining that the difference between the information and corresponding design values is not in the range. The information corresponds to how an array of writers write and/or are expected to write to a magnetic medium during shingled recording.

Abstract: An apparatus for burnishing media, according to one embodiment, includes a first block with a media bearing surface having a plurality of channels and lands. The channels and lands alternate in a direction of media travel. Each of the lands has at least one skiving edge along a width thereof. The width of each land extends orthogonally to the direction of media travel. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for inducing a wrap angle of the media relative to media bearing surfaces of at least some of the lands. Each induced wrap angle is greater than zero degrees. An apparatus for burnishing media according to another embodiment includes channels having widths that are less than a width of the media.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a magnetic read transducer comprised of a sensing portion and proximate magnetic shields, and a wear-resistant in-situ film on a media-facing side of the read transducer. The in-situ film is comprised of material derived from a flexible medium. The in-situ film is primarily above the read transducer. A method according to one embodiment includes forming a wear-resistant in-situ film on a magnetic read transducer having a sensor with magnetic shields. The in-situ film including material derived from a flexible medium. The material is formed on the transducer by passing the flexible medium over the transducer at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A tape drive, according to one embodiment, includes: a magnetic head, a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium over the magnetic head, and a controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head. The magnetic head further includes a transducer structure having: a lower shield, a current-perpendicular-to-plane sensor above the lower shield, an electrical lead layer between the sensor and the lower shield, and a spacer layer between the electrical lead layer and the lower shield. A conductivity of the electrical lead layer is higher than a conductivity of the spacer layer. Moreover, the electrical lead layer is in electrical communication with the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for burnishing media, according to one embodiment, includes a first block with a media bearing surface having a plurality of channels and lands. The channels and lands alternate in a direction of media travel. Each of the lands has at least one skiving edge along a width thereof. The width of each land extends orthogonally to the direction of media travel. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for inducing a wrap angle of the media relative to media bearing surfaces of at least some of the lands. Each induced wrap angle is greater than zero degrees. An apparatus for burnishing media according to another embodiment includes channels having widths that are less than a width of the media.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a module having a tape bearing surface, a magnetic transducer in a thin film region, and an edge closest to the transducers. A guide is positioned relative to the edge for inducing tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape above a tape tenting region of the tape bearing surface. The magnetic transducer is positioned along the tape tenting region.

Abstract: In an approach for providing simulation results of an interaction between a transducer head and a magnetic medium, a computer identifies a first raster scan of a sample via a scanning probe microscope. The computer generates a topography image based on the first raster scan of the sample. The computer identifies one or more reference features within the created topography image. The computer calculates an average height based on the one or more reference features. The computer determines a lift distance associated with a probe of the scanning probe microscope. The computer defines a uniform plane based on the calculated average height and the determined lift distance. The computer performs a second raster scan of the sample based on the defined uniform plane. The computer generates a fly-height image based on the second raster scan. The computer provides simulation results based at least in part on the second raster scan.

Abstract: A computer program product, according to one embodiment, includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a controller to cause the controller to: monitor, by the controller, a resistance value of each of a plurality of detector structures positioned in an array, and detect, by the controller, a change in a resistance value of at least one of the detector structures, for identifying a defect on a magnetic medium. Each of the detector structures includes a pair of conductive layers separated by an insulating material. Moreover, none of the detector structures include an operable reader for reading data from a magnetic medium. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes measuring an initial coating thickness on a tape bearing surface of a module in a carrier, running a tape across the tape bearing surface, and at intervals, measuring a residual thickness of the coating.

Abstract: A computer program product, according to one embodiment, includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se. Moreover, the program instructions readable and/or executable by a controller to cause the controller to perform a method which includes: determining, by the controller, whether a difference between information and corresponding design values is in a range; and computing, by the controller and using the information, data describing a lateral writing position to use during writing such that shingled track edges are aligned according to a format in response to determining that the difference between the information and corresponding design values is not in the range. The information corresponds to how an array of writers write and/or are expected to write to a magnetic medium during shingled recording.

Abstract: A tape drive, according to one embodiment, includes: a magnetic head, a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium over the magnetic head, and a controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head. The magnetic head further includes a transducer structure having: a lower shield, a current-perpendicular-to-plane sensor above the lower shield, an electrical lead layer between the sensor and the lower shield, and a spacer layer between the electrical lead layer and the lower shield. A conductivity of the electrical lead layer is higher than a conductivity of the spacer layer. Moreover, the electrical lead layer is in electrical communication with the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a module having a substrate, read and write transducers positioned towards a media facing side of the module, and a closure. The write transducers include write poles having media facing sides with zero or near-zero recession from a plane extending along the media facing side of a substrate of the module. The read transducers each have two shields. Media facing sides of the two shields are recessed a same amount from the plane, and are more recessed from the plane than the write poles.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes gathering information about how an array of writers write and/or are expected to write to a magnetic medium during shingled recording, and computing, using the gathered information, data describing a lateral writing position to use during writing such that shingled track edges are aligned according to a format. A method according to another embodiment includes obtaining a lateral offset from a nominal writing position, and applying the lateral offset for repositioning a writing position of an array of writers relative to a nominal writing position during writing in a first direction. A product according to one embodiment includes a magnetic recording medium; and data indicative of whether a lateral writing position offset was used while writing.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a transducer structure having a lower shield and/or an upper shield. A current-perpendicular-to-plane sensor is positioned adjacent the shield(s). An electrical lead layer is positioned between the sensor and the upper or lower shield. The electrical lead layer is in electrical communication with the sensor. A spacer layer is positioned between the electrical lead layer and the upper or lower shield. A conductivity of the electrical lead layer is higher than a conductivity of the spacer layer.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a module having a substrate, read and write transducers positioned towards a media facing side of the module, and a closure. The write transducers include write poles having media facing sides with negative, zero or near-zero recession from a plane extending along the media facing side of a substrate of the module. The read transducers each have two shields. Media facing sides of the two shields are recessed a same amount from the plane, and are more recessed from the plane than the write poles.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an array of transducer structures arranged along a tape bearing surface of a common module. Each transducer structure includes a lower shield, an upper shield above the lower shield, a current-perpendicular-to-plane sensor between the upper and lower shields, at least one lead, and an insulating layer between the at least one lead and the shield closest thereto. The at least one lead is selected from a group including an upper electrical lead between the sensor and the upper shield, and a lower electrical lead between the sensor and the lower shield. The at least one lead is in electrical communication with the sensor. A width of one or more of the at least one lead in a cross track direction is about equal to a width of the sensor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting sensor-damaging tape media, according to one embodiment, includes acquiring a metric for at least one sensor of a tape drive after performing an operation on a magnetic recording tape, and comparing the metric for the at least one sensor after performing the operation to a metric for the at least one sensor acquired before performing the operation. An action is taken in response to a result of the comparing indicating that a difference between the metrics is in a predetermined range. A product, according to one embodiment, includes a magnetic recording tape, and a memory coupled to the magnetic recording tape. At least one value is stored in the memory, the at least one value being indicative of whether the magnetic recording tape is potentially sensor-damaging.

Abstract: In an approach for providing simulation results of an interaction between a transducer head and a magnetic medium, a computer identifies a first raster scan of a sample via a scanning probe microscope. The computer generates a topography image based on the first raster scan of the sample. The computer identifies one or more reference features within the created topography image. The computer calculates an average height based on the one or more reference features. The computer determines a lift distance associated with a probe of the scanning probe microscope. The computer defines a uniform plane based on the calculated average height and the determined lift distance. The computer performs a second raster scan of the sample based on the defined uniform plane. The computer generates a fly-height image based on the second raster scan. The computer provides simulation results based at least in part on the second raster scan.