Abstract: A method for characterizing a magnetic-recording system for the presence of adjacent-track interference and far-track interference. The method includes writing a plurality of repeating pulse-waveforms on a data track of a magnetic-recording disk at a write element of a magnetic-recording head. The method further includes reading a plurality of read-back signals from the magnetic-recording disk over a band of pseudo-data tracks offset from the data track by corresponding pseudo-data-track offsets in a radial direction of the magnetic-recording disk at a read element of the magnetic-recording head. In addition, the method includes displaying a magnetic-recording-signature map synthesized from the read-back signals from the magnetic-recording disk.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a magnetic-recording system for the presence of adjacent-track interference and far-track interference. The method includes writing a plurality of repeating pulse-waveforms on a data track of a magnetic-recording disk at a write element of a magnetic-recording head. The method further includes reading a plurality of read-back signals from the magnetic-recording disk over a band of pseudo-data tracks offset from the data track by corresponding pseudo-data-track offsets in a radial direction of the magnetic-recording disk at a read element of the magnetic-recording head. In addition, the method includes displaying a magnetic-recording-signature map synthesized from the read-back signals from the magnetic-recording disk.

Abstract: A magnetic head system, and method for manufacturing a magnetic head are provided. Included is at least one layer and a heating element positioned adjacent the at least one layer. The at least one layer includes a plurality of sub-layers for providing an optimal thermal barrier.

Abstract: A magnetic head system, and method for manufacturing a magnetic head are provided. Included is at least one layer and a heating element positioned adjacent the at least one layer. The at least one layer includes a plurality of sub-layers for providing an optimal thermal barrier.

Abstract: A high moment bilayer first pole piece layer of a write head has high magnetic stability for promoting read signal symmetry of a read sensor of a read head. The bilayer first pole piece layer has a first layer of nickel iron and a second layer of iron nitride. The iron nitride has a high magnetic moment for conducting more flux per volume than the nickel iron first layer. In a first aspect of the invention, the nickel iron first layer is highly stabilized by providing it with a negative magnetostriction so that a stress induced anisotropy (H.sub.K) supports an intrinsic uniaxial anisotropy (H.sub.K) of the nickel iron first layer. The iron nitride second layer is formed directly on the nickel iron first layer so that by magnetic coupling the iron nitride second layer has significantly improved magnetic stability.

Abstract: A method for assessing write element performance in a combined magnetic head that also includes a magneto-resistive (MR) read element for a data storage drive includes exciting the write element with a square wave immediately after lapping the head during manufacture, before mounting the head for operation in the drive. The write element generates an output signal, and the output signal is detected by the read element and then used to determine whether the write element is defective. By using a square wave, temperature gradients in the head and inductive pick up is avoided, thereby facilitating the use of the read element as a test sensor.