Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the calibration and use of test glide head gimbal assemblies are disclosed. Calibration is performed by pulse laser adjustment of the flexure mounted to the glide head, while the head is flying above a media test disk having asperities of known dimensions. The calibration process normalizes the fly heights of glide heads used to measure defects on both upper and lower surfaces of disk drive media, allowing upper and lower surfaces to be scanned simultaneously.

Abstract: A write head structure for use with thermally assisted recording is disclosed. Improved heat sinking is provided for removing thermal energy created by a ridge aperture near field light transducer. Metal films conduct heat away from the region near the ridge aperture to the high pressure air film at the ABS between the head and media. This heat is further dissipated by the media. The metal films have varying thickness to improve lateral conductivity and may be composed of Au combined with a harder metal such as Ru to improve wear characteristics at the ABS.

Abstract: A wiring connector back shell having a plurality of cable exit angles is disclosed. The back shell has a single transition element with a number of holes fashioned therein, which allow a cable retaining device to be fastened thereto. The cable retaining device provides strain relief for the cable exiting the back shell, as well as determining the exit angle of the cable. The cable retaining device has integral pins which mate with hole patterns in the transition element, and are locked in place with a retaining collar. Alternatively, cable ties or tie wraps may be utilized to fasten the cable to the transition element. The system provides a high reliability, low mass method for cable back shells wherein cable exit angles are easily changed or chosen in the field.

Abstract: A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) read sensor with a Co—Fe—B lower sense layer and a Co—Hf upper sense layer is disclosed. In order for the dual sense layers to exhibit a negative saturation magnetostriction (?S), their Fe contents are either substantially reduced or even eliminated, instead of adding a conventional Ni—Fe film as an additional sense layer. By optimizing compositions and thicknesses of the dual sense layers, the dual sense layers indeed exhibit a negative ?S, while the TMR sensor exhibits a TMR coefficient (?RT/RJ) of greater than 80% at a junction resistance-area product (RJAJ) of less than 2 ?-?m2.

Abstract: Methods and devices for optimized ridge near field apertures for thermally assisted magnetic recording are disclosed. The aperture dimensions and supporting dielectric materials are optimized for maximum energy absorption at the magnetic recording layer for a light source having a wavelength of 780 nm, which can be produced by low cost laser diodes.

Abstract: Methods and structures for the fabrication of a thin film, perpendicular recording write head are disclosed. The structure provides a pole tip separated from a rear pole by a non-magnetic separation layer located adjacent the flare point. The rear pole contains an imbedded non-magnetic layer. The separated pole tip and imbedded layer aid in the high data rate recording as well as the erasure performance of the write pole structure. The fabrication involves the deposition of two different oxide layers which have mutually high etch selectivities. This characteristic allows a write pole structure to be built wherein the track width is independent of the location of the flare point. The process also produces a structure wherein the placement of the throat height of the shield is self aligned to the flare point of the write pole.

Abstract: A thin film, perpendicular write head for use with recording media with or without a soft under layer is disclosed. The present invention comprises an tapered auxiliary pole, situated below the main write pole and separated from the write pole by a lower non-magnetic gap. The auxiliary pole alleviates problems such as erasure after write, and cross track stray erasure fields, associated with operating conventionally designed perpendicular writes heads with media having no soft under layer.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating thin film magnetic head coil structures are disclosed. The methods disclose deposition of a first thick seed layer, followed by deposition of an ultra-thin second seed layer. Coil structures having sub-micron pitch and high aspect ratios are deposited on the second ultra-thin seed layer, which is removed from between the coil windings via an isotropic etch process such as wet etching or RIE. Subsequent to selective removal of the ultra-thin second seed layer, the first thick seed layer is utilized to deposit pole and backgap structures, eliminating the need to deposit (and remove) a subsequent seed layer on the coil structure.

Abstract: Methods and structures for the fabrication of a thin film, perpendicular recording write head are disclosed. The fabrication involves the deposition of two different oxide layers which have mutually high etch selectivities. This characteristic allows a write pole structure to be built wherein the track width is independent of the location of the flare point. The process also produces a structure wherein the throat height of the shield is self aligned to the location of the flare point of the write pole.

Abstract: A wiring connector back shell having a plurality of cable exit angles is disclosed. The back shell has a single transition element with a number of holes fashioned therein, which allow a cable retaining device to be fastened thereto. The cable retaining device provides strain relief for the cable exiting the back shell, as well as determining the exit angle of the cable. The cable retaining device has integral pins which mate with hole patterns in the transition element, and are locked in place with a retaining collar. Alternatively, cable ties or tie wraps may be utilized to fasten the cable to the transition element. The system provides a high reliability, low mass method for cable back shells wherein cable exit angles are easily changed or chosen in the field.

Abstract: Methods and structures for electroplating shield structures for perpendicular thin film write poles having ultra thin non-magnetic top gaps on the order of a few nanometers are disclosed. Ultra thin, conductive seed layers serve a dual purpose as both plating seed layer and non-magnetic top gap for the write pole. Due to reduced current carrying capacity of ultra thin seed layers, an additional thick seed layer is also employed to aid delivering plating current to regions near the pole.

Abstract: Methods and structures for the fabrication of a thin film, longitudinal and perpendicular recording heads are disclosed. The heads comprise a plurality of embedded static dissipative layers that extend a few nanometers from the air bearing surface. These extended layers are first to contact the magnetic media surface and drain any electric charge buildup before a damaging discharge occurs with read or write head components. The embedded static dissipative layers are particularly useful for use in heads utilizing thermal fly height control systems, which tend to increase the probability of damaging electrical discharge through critical head components.

Abstract: Methods and structures for improving fly height control for thin film write heads utilized in thermally assisted recording are disclosed. Methods include the use of the TAR near field light source to provide a preheating pulse to improve the transient response when moving from one fly height to another prior to writing data. Methods and structures having an additional auxiliary optical heating source to avoid media overheating and replacement of embedded resistive heaters are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and structures for the fabrication of both thin film longitudinal and perpendicular write heads are disclosed. A unique feature of these write heads is the inclusion of layered return poles, which comprise alternating layers of 22/78 and 80/20 NiFe alloys. The alternating layers also vary in thickness, the 22/78 NiFe layers having a nominal thickness of 1500 angstroms and the 80/20 NiFe layers having a nominal thickness of about 75 angstroms. Head efficiency and signal to noise ratios are significantly improved in heads having layered return pole construction.

Abstract: An improved structure for the construction of perpendicular recording media is disclosed. The structure includes a tri-layer IML resident between a soft under layer CoTaZr film and a CoPtCr—SiO2 magnetic media. In an embodiment, the tri-layer comprises a RuxCr1?x layer over dual nucleation layers of Ni—Fe and Ni—Fe—Cr. The tri-layer replaces the typical Ru and Ni—Fe intermediate layers of the prior art, resulting in considerable improvement in lattice matching between the Ru containing intermediate layer and the CoPtCr—SiO2 magnetic media, further resulting in improved magnetic media performance.

Abstract: A apparatus for detecting a high pressure condition within a high voltage vacuum device includes a microcircuit embedded within the vacuum containment that transmits a wireless signal upon detection of a high pressure condition and/or light generated by arcing between the electrical contacts of the high voltage device. The wireless signal can be transmitted via RF or optical means. The microcircuit is powered by energy sources produced within the vacuum device such as magnetic fields generated by current flow through the device, or light generated by arcing between the contacts. Alternatively, the microcircuit can be powered RF or optical signals transmitted to the microcircuit from outside the vacuum device.

Abstract: An improved formulation for free layers in MTJ sensors is disclosed. Optimized results of the prior art suggest free layer iron concentrations less than 20 atomic % give the best performance. The present invention discloses improved TMR ratio, Hce, and ? performance for high free layer iron concentrations between about 70 and 91.5 atomic %, when compared to the prior art.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating multiple, closely spaced, independently controlled near-field light sources are disclosed. By providing an aperture having at least two, orthogonally oriented ridge structures, two or more closely spaced near-field light sources can be generated by controlling the polarization direction of the illuminating radiation. Control of the shape of the aperture, and relative dimensions of the ridge structures allows optimization of the relative intensities of the near-field sources.

Abstract: Methods for improving within wafer and wafer to wafer yields during fabrication of notched trailing shield structures are disclosed. Ta/Rh CMP stop layers are deposited prior to planarization and notch formation to ensure a planar surface for trailing shield structures. These stop layers may be blanket deposited or patterned prior to CMP. Patterned stop layers produce the highest yields.

Abstract: A method and structure for reducing corrosion during the manufacture of perpendicular write heads is disclosed. Auxiliary pole structures (otherwise known as trailing shields and wrap around shields) are susceptible to corrosion due to their iron containing composition and small dimensions. The impact of corrosion can be reduced by utilizing a gap material comprising an upper surface of noble metals, which extends from underneath the auxiliary pole and is exposed to the same corrosive environment during processing. The area of the exposed gap material is limited to optimize corrosion protection.