Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording head includes a multilayered main write pole. The main write pole includes a first layer of material, a second layer of material, and an interlayer positioned between the first layer of material and the second layer of material. The second layer of material has a saturation magnetic moment greater than a saturation magnetic moment of the first layer of material.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium with antiferromagnetic coupling in a soft magnetic underlayer. The soft magnetic underlayer includes a first magnetic soft layer, a first interface layer on the first magnetic soft layer, a second magnetic soft layer, a second interface layer on the second magnetic soft layer, and a non-magnetic coupling layer between the first interface layer and the second interface layer. The first and second magnetic soft layers are antiferromagnetically exchange coupled to one another through the non-magnetic coupling layer, wherein the first and second interface layers increase the exchange coupling between the first and second magnetic soft layers.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head includes a write pole having alternating layers of Fe and Co and a return pole magnetically coupled to the write pole. The layers of Fe may have a thickness from about 1.0 angstroms to about 40.0 angstroms and the layers of Co may have a thickness from about 1.0 angstroms to about 20.0 angstroms. The write pole may have a saturation magnetization greater than about 2.45 Tesla. A method for forming a write pole for a magnetic recording head is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head includes a current perpendicular to the plane read head having a read sensor and a low resistance lead structure. The lead structure includes a layer of conductive material that forms at least a portion of the lead structure such that the layer of conductive material has a lower resistivity than a resistivity of the remainder of the lead structure. The layer of conductive material with lower resistivity decreases the overall resistance of the lead structure.

Abstract: A recording head for use with magnetic recording media includes a current perpendicular to plane (CPP) type giant magnetoresistive (GMR) read element, with the alternating magnetic and nonmagnetic layers within the GMR read element either perpendicular or angled to the read head's shields. This structure maximizes the number of alternating layers within the GMR read element, and minimizes the area available for flow of the test current. Both total resistance of the GMR element, and the change in resistance as a function of changes in magnetic flux, relative to total resistance, are thereby increased. The sensitivity of the GMR read element is thereby increased, permitting storage of information within magnetic recording media at greater densities. The invention also includes a method of manufacturing a read head using such a GMR element.

Abstract: Strip guiding apparatus includes a roll rotatable about its longitudinal axis over which strip will travel while under tension. Sensing apparatus determines the lateral position of the strip with respect to the desired position and emits signals to control apparatus which will effect responsive rotation of support apparatus in order to effect rotation of the roll about a second axis which is spaced from and oriented generally perpendicular to the roll longitudinal axis responsive to lateral movement of the strip in relation to the desired position. Drive apparatus effects rotation of the support apparatus responsive to receipt of signals from the control apparatus in order to move the strip toward the desired position. Apparatus is also provided for measuring strip tension and emitting signals to tension controlling apparatus to adjust tension where it is not within a desired range.