Abstract: A read sensor that includes a free layer having a magnetization that changes according to an external magnetic field. The read sensor also includes an additional magnetic layer and a non-magnetic layer. The non-magnetic layer may include a corrugated surface facing the additional magnetic layer. The corrugated surface is configured to enhance uniaxial anisotropy in the read sensor.

Abstract: NAND flash storage devices and methods are provided that use a non-NAND cache to store write data until a substantially complete storage unit is available. An exemplary solid state storage device comprises a NAND flash memory device; a non-NAND cache; and a controller configured to obtain write data from a remote host for storage in the NAND flash memory device; store the write data in the non-NAND cache; and transfer the write data from the non-NAND cache to the NAND flash memory device when a predefined storage criterion is satisfied. The predefined storage criterion comprises, for example, a storage unit of the write data stored in the non-NAND cache, where the storage unit comprises a block of data erased in a single garbage collection cycle. The predefined storage criterion is optionally established to reduce open block degradation in NAND flash memory devices.

Abstract: Described are filters useful in a hard disk drive of a comparable electronic device that requires a highly contaminant-free environment for operation, particularly to these devices in combination with the filter, wherein the filter contains graphene.

Abstract: Random numbers are generated using entropic properties associated with circuit hardware. Consistent with one method, a switching voltage regulator circuit is used to generate a random number. Data that is responsive to switching states of the switching voltage regulator circuit is generated. A multi-bit random number is then generated from the generated data.

Abstract: A near-field transducer has an enlarged portion with a peg extending towards a media-facing surface. Two reflectors are located co-planar with near-field transducer and located on either side of the near-field transducer in a crosstrack direction. The two reflectors are separated by a gap proximate the peg of the near-field transducer. The two reflectors each include a first edge at the media facing surface and a second edge at an acute angle to the media-facing surface. The second edge faces the near-field transducer. The two reflectors concentrate the light on the peg of the near-field transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a spin torque oscillator, a sensor, and a processing unit. The spin torque oscillator is configured to receive a current and to generate a microwave output signal. The sensor is configured to detect the microwave output signal and to detect changes to frequency of the detected microwave output signal responsive to changes in an external magnetic field. The processing unit is configured to receive a sensed signal from the sensor. The processing unit is further configured to process the sensed signal and the changes to the frequency to determine magnitude and direction associated with the external magnetic field.

Abstract: Waveguides that include a top cladding layer; a bottom cladding layer; and a core layer positioned between the top cladding layer and the bottom cladding layer, the core layer including a material having a refractive index of not less than 2.1, for example amorphous hydrogenated silicon carbide (SiC:H), or bismuth titanate. Methods of forming core layers of waveguides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to perform early termination error recovery at a data storage device. A data storage device may be configured to perform error recovery operations in response to encountering an error while executing a host command, and terminate the error recovery operations prior to completion based on an error recovery time limit. Based on early termination of the error recovery operations, the storage device can add a storage location corresponding to the error to a scan list of storage locations on which to perform additional error recovery operations. In some embodiments, the host may set the error recovery time limit.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of making a lapping plate by electrostatically coating a platen with solid resin powder and abrasive particles followed by curing the solid resin powder to form an abrasive coating. The present disclosure also involves related lapping plates.

Abstract: A device that includes a near field transducer (NFT); at least one cladding layer adjacent the NFT; and a carbon interlayer positioned between the NFT and the at least one cladding layer.

Abstract: Methods of forming near field transducers (NFTs) including electrodepositing a plasmonic material.

Abstract: Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT), the NFT having at least one external surface; and at least one multilayer adhesion layer positioned on at least a portion of the at least one external surface, the multilayer adhesion layer including a first layer and a second layer, with the second layer being in contact with the portion of the at least one external surface of the NFT, the first layer including: yttrium (Y), scandium (Sc), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), silicon (Si), boron (B), tantalum (Ta), barium (Ba), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), niobium (Nb), calcium (Ca), beryllium (Be), strontium (Sr), magnesium (Mg), lithium (Li), or combinations thereof; and the second layer including: lanthanum (La), boron (B), lutetium (Lu), aluminum (Al), deuterium (D), cerium (Ce), uranium (U), praseodymium (Pr), yttrium (Y), silicon (Si), iridium (Ir), carbon (C), thorium (Th), scandium (Sc), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), phosphorus (P), barium (Ba), europium (Eu), or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A write head for recording data on a storage medium. The write head includes a bearing surface and a write pole. The write pole includes a main pole layer having a front surface that forms a portion of the bearing surface. The front surface of the write pole has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The write pole further includes a high damping material layer. The high damping material layer has a front end that is attached to the main pole layer at the leading edge.

Abstract: A data storage system may generally have a controller connected to multiple separate data storage devices in a distributed network. Each data storage device may be configured with a user invisible diagnostic region where diagnostic information is stored in logical block addresses (LBA) beyond a storage capacity of the respective data storage devices and the diagnostic information can be accessible via read and write requests to LBA beyond the storage capacity of the respective data storage devices.

Abstract: A magnetic read head including a first read element magnetically coupled to a bottom shield; a second read element magnetically coupled to a top shield; a magnetic shielding structure that magnetically shields the first read element from the second read element; and a first electrical contact electrically coupled to the bottom shield, a second electrical contact electrically coupled to the top shield and a third electrical contact electrically coupled to the magnetic shielding structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to perform out of order LBA processing at a data storage device. A data storage device may be configured to receive a read command including a sequential LBA range, read data for the LBA range in non-sequential order and store the data to a buffer, and return the data to the host in sequential LBA order. The storage device may begin a read operation at a sector in the middle of the LBA range, and read the beginning of the LBA range on a next rotation of the media. The storage device may note the location of read errors without interrupting a read operation. Successfully read data may be buffered, while rereads and error recovery may be performed only on LBAs at which errors were encountered. Once the data from the LBA range has been acquired, the data may be organized into sequential order.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for data security in a data storage environment. In some embodiments, input data from a host is received into a buffer memory. Data compression is applied to the input data to provide compressed data. Encryption is applied to the compressed data to generate encrypted data, and the encrypted data are stored in a main memory of a data storage device. A system parameter value associated with the storage of the encrypted data is generated and stored in a memory, such as the main memory of the storage device. The system parameter value may include information relating to the compression of the data. A trusted relationship is established to authenticate the host responsive to a request for the updated system parameter value. The system parameter value is transferred to the host responsive to the established trusted relationship.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing data in a semiconductor memory, such as but not limited to a three dimensional (3D) NAND flash memory array. In some embodiments, the memory has non-volatile memory cells arranged into addressable blocks. Each memory cell is configured to store multiple bits. A program/read control circuit programs data sets to and reads data sets from the memory cells in the addressable blocks to service a sequence of host access commands. The circuit concurrently performs background reads in conjunction with the servicing of the host access commands. The background reads result in the reading of a different data set from each of the addressable blocks over each of a succession of time intervals of selected duration. The background reads condition the memory cells prior to a first read operation associated with the host access commands.

Abstract: A data device may have at least a magnetic lamination with a thermal retention structure deposited on a substrate and configured to maintain a predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time. Such predetermined temperature and amount of time may allow for the growth of a magnetic layer with a predetermined magnetic anisotropy.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, including a base-deck floor; a base-deck frame, overlying the base-deck floor; a top cover, overlying the base-deck frame; and an affixing means operable to attach the base-deck frame to the base-deck floor, wherein the base-deck frame is operable to be fastened to both the base-deck floor and the top cover to provide a housing for a hard disk drive. A method is also provided, including assembling at least a portion of a hard disk drive assembly on a base-deck floor; affixing a base-deck frame to the base-deck floor; and securing a top cover to the base-deck frame.