Abstract: A write head structure for perpendicular recording having a pole tip integrated into the metal film surrounding a C aperture near field light source is disclosed. The close proximity of the pole tip to the light source enables more precise location of data cells written into the magnetic media, through the use of dual gradient thermally assisted recording. In dual gradient recording, data is fixed by the effect of both a thermal gradient, which affects the coercivity of the magnetic media, combined with a magnetic field gradient imposed by the pole tip.

Abstract: Methods and structures for the fabrication of perpendicular thin film heads are disclosed. Prior to the deposition of shield structures, seed layers having anti-reflective properties are utilized, eliminating the need to deposit, then remove, traditional inorganic anti-reflection coatings prior to shield plating.

Abstract: The structure for a narrow pitch tape head array is disclosed. Narrow pitch is obtained by offsetting the location of the write gaps of successively stacked coplanar head arrays. A compact structure with lower fabrication cost is obtained by sharing magnetic pole layers between the stacked co-planar arrays.

Abstract: An improved method for the manufacture of magnetoresistive multilayer sensors is disclosed. The method is particularly advantageous for the production of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensors, which can be damaged at the air bearing surface by conventional lapping and ion milling. The disclosed process protects the ABS of the magnetoresistive sensor by depositing a diamond like carbon layer which remains in place through ion milling. The DLC layer is removed by oxidation subsequent to the formation of the ABS.

Abstract: Methods and structures for the fabrication of perpendicular thin film heads are disclosed. Prior to the deposition of shield structures, capped seed layers having a dual layer structure are utilized, improving photo resist adhesion and plated shield adhesion, without the need to deposit, then remove, traditional inorganic anti-reflection coatings prior to shield plating.

Abstract: The structure for a closely spaced, coplanar tape head array is disclosed. Narrow pitch is obtained by utilizing an orthogonal backgap structure, wherein the width of the backgap is less than the depth, thereby narrowing the footprint of individual head structures. The increased cross sectional area of the orthogonal backgap and revised yoke design ensure sufficient magnetic field strength at the write gap of each head.

Abstract: A perpendicular write pole having dual gap layers is disclosed. An outer gap layer, resistant to etching and corrosion in alkaline solutions protects the inner gap layer during photo resist development. An inner gap layer, resistant to acid etch conditions, protects the magnetic pole materials during removal of portions of the outer gap layer prior to electroplating of the pole to form the flare point.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the directed formation of a re-entrant micro-jet formed upon the collapse of a cavitation bubble formed proximate to a work surface placed in a fluid. A mask containing an orifice, placed between the work surface and the cavitation bubble, is utilized to direct the re-entrant micro-jet to the work surface. The cavitation bubble may be formed in the desired location by focusing an energy flow proximate to the mask. The energy flow may be obtained by radiation from laser, x-ray, or electrical discharge sources.

Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within a high voltage vacuum device includes detecting the position of a movable structure such as a bellows. The position at high pressures can be detected optically by the interruption of a light beam reflected by a hemispherically shaped reflector. The hemispherical reflector allows the source light fiber to oriented parallel to the detection light fiber, providing a more compact and efficient fiber routing.

Abstract: The structure for a closely spaced, coplanar tape head array is disclosed. Narrow pitch is obtained by utilizing an overlapping coil structure, wherein write coils of adjacent heads overlap. The overlap is made possible by placing coils of adjacent heads at different levels within the thin film structure, separated by dielectric insulating layers.

Abstract: Improved sensitivity GMR sensors useful for thin film magnetic read heads are disclosed. Spin transfer induced destabilization of the magnetic free layer is suppressed through the application of Tb containing alloys in the free layer. Sense currents can be increased by a factor of five in comparison to prior art designs without an increase in spin transfer induced noise.

Abstract: A shock and vibration resistant hard disk drive has a plurality of fluid damping isolation devices disposed between the drive and a supporting frame. The isolation devices are capsules containing either gasses or liquids enclosed in a flexible membrane. Variation of fluid properties such as density, viscosity, and pressure allow for custom tuning of the vibration and shock performance.

Abstract: A method for producing high resolution nano-imprinting masters is disclosed. The method inverts the negative features of an exposed and developed positive e-beam resist to positive features in the patterned silicon nitride layer of the nano-imprinting master. A first, oxidation resistant, mask layer is used to pattern a DLC layer deposited on the silicon nitride layer. After patterning the DLC layer, the negative features of the DLC layer are filled with deposited metal, which creates a second mask layer subsequent to the removal of the remaining DLC layer. The second mask layer is used to etch the silicon nitride layer, creating the final nano-imprinting master.

Abstract: A method for predicting the failure of a data storage device having a slider heater is disclosed. For slider heaters exhibiting a decreasing resistance aging characteristic, a failure warning is produced when heater resistance suddenly increases 2 to 5%, or dR/dt changes sign from negative to positive. For slider heaters exhibiting an increasing resistance aging characteristic, a failure warning is produced when the heater resistance suddenly drops 2 to 5%, or dR/dt changes sign from positive to negative. Additionally, random changes in heater resistance exceeding nominal measurement error may also be utilized to produce a failure warning. This method provides advance warning of potential data read/write errors well before the open circuit failure of the slider heater occurs.

Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within a high voltage vacuum device includes detecting the position of a movable structure such as a bellows. The position at high pressures can be detected optically by the interruption of a light beam reflected by a hemispherically shaped reflector. The hemispherical reflector allows the source light fiber to oriented parallel to the detection light fiber, providing a more compact and efficient fiber routing.

Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within a high voltage vacuum device includes detecting the position of a movable structure such as a bellows or flexible diaphragm. The position at high pressures can be detected optically by the interruption or reflection of light beams, or electrically by sensing contact closure or deflection via strain gauges. Electrical sensing is provided by microcircuits that are operated at high voltage device potentials, transmitting pressure information via RF or optical signals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the directed formation of a re-entrant micro-jet formed upon the collapse of a working cavitation bubble formed proximate to a work surface. A target bubble, formed between the work surface and the working cavitation bubble, is utilized to direct the re-entrant micro-jet to the work surface.

Abstract: A method for detecting a high pressure condition within an interrupter includes measuring the intensity of light emitted from an arc created by contacts within the interrupter, comparing the measured intensity with a predetermined value, and providing an indication when the measured intensity exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: An electrical test probe has a thermally activated, configurable shape probe tip. At low temperatures, the probe tip is in a generally hooked configuration. Upon heating, the probe tip is converted to a generally straight configuration. The probe tip is composed of a spring component bonded to a shape memory alloy component. The straight configuration allows placement of the probe between tightly spaced circuit pins, while the hooked configuration provides for tight gripping of a circuit pin during measurement.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the production of sub-micron structures on magnetic materials using electron beam lithography. A subtractive process is disclosed wherein a portion of a magnetic material layer is removed from the substrate using conventional lithography, and the remaining portion of the magnetic material layer is patterned by e-beam lithography. A additive process is also disclosed wherein a thin magnetic seed layer is deposited on the substrate, a portion of which is removed by conventional lithography and replaced with a non-magnetic conducting layer. The remaining portion of magnetic seed layer is patterned by e-beam lithography and the final magnetic structure produced by electroplating.