Abstract: Structures of magnetic heads having superconducting shields are disclosed for spatially directing magnetic recording/playback fields. One embodiment is a thin film magnetic head with a layer of superconductor material associated with its throat. Further embodiments provide intertrack shielding and concentration of recording/playback fields into relatively small pole tip regions.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic array memory affords relatively high packing densities while avoiding the problem of magnetic domain creep through the use of thin films of superconducting material disposed on the work lines of the memory. The superconducting films shunt magnetic fields generated by currents carried within the word lines and prevent these fields from adversely affecting adjacent memory cells in the array. By constraining the magnetic fields with the use of the superconducting films, the word lines can be packed close to one another in the array structure, thereby increasing the amount of information that can be stored in a unit area of the array.

Abstract: An ultra small track width magnetic transducer and manufacturing method. The transducer has two coplanar confronting magnetic poles provided by a thin film layer of magnetic material. The thickness of the layer defines a track width. A transducing gap is etched in the magnetic layer by utilizing focused ion beam milling technology. The thusly obtained gap has a predetermined length and depth and it separates the magnetic layer into two confronting coplaner magnetic poles. A layer of non-magnetic material is deposited over the magnetic layer to fill the transducing gap. The transducing gap may be etched in a plane extending orthogonally to the plane of the magnetic core layer. Alternatively, the transducing gap plane may extend at an oblique angle to the magnetic core layer to obtain a transducing gap useful in aszimuth recording/playback.

Abstract: An improved magnetic head structure which places a laminate at the gaps of the head, said laminate deposited on each substrate facing the gap, and comprising alternating layers of first and second magnetic materials, said first material having a higher coercivity than said second material.