Abstract: An apparatus includes voice coil motor (VCM) control circuitry and microactuator control circuitry. The VCM control circuitry includes a VCM disturbance observer configured to generate a VCM disturbance compensation signal. The microactuator control circuitry includes a microactuator disturbance observer configured to generate a microactuator disturbance compensation signal. The VCM disturbance observer and the microactuator disturbance observer are decoupled from each other.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus including a head over-coat and a depleted region in the head over-coat. A media over-coat is deposited in the depleted region. A near field transducer is adjacent to the head over-coat, wherein the near field transducer combusts the deposited media over-coat.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing a media cache through the monitoring of operational vibration of a data storage device. In some embodiments, a non-volatile media cache of the data storage device is partitioned into at least first and second zones having different data recording characteristics. Input data are received for storage in a non-volatile main memory of the data storage device. An amount of operational vibration associated with the data storage device is measured. The input data are stored in a selected one of the first or second zones of the media cache prior to transfer to the main memory responsive to a comparison of the measured amount of operational vibration to a predetermined operational vibration threshold.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose at least one predetermined patterned layer configured to eliminate a physical path of lateral thermal bloom in a recording device, at least one gradient layer coupled to the patterned layer and configured to use materials with predetermined thermal conductivity for controlling a rate of dissipation and a path coupled to the gradient layer and configured to create a path of least thermal conduction resistance for directing dissipation along the path, wherein the path substantially regulates and prevents lateral thermal bloom.

Abstract: Spin-transfer torque memory includes a composite free magnetic element, a reference magnetic element having a magnetization orientation that is pinned in a reference direction, and an electrically insulating and non-magnetic tunneling barrier layer separating the composite free magnetic element from the magnetic reference element. The free magnetic element includes a hard magnetic layer exchanged coupled to a soft magnetic layer. The composite free magnetic element has a magnetization orientation that can change direction due to spin-torque transfer when a write current passes through the spin-transfer torque memory unit.

Abstract: A system, method and means is provided for withstanding mechanical shock for use with fluid dynamic bearings. A sealing system is provided that withstands 1000 G shock events. In an aspect, a grooved pumping seal employed between a thrust plate and a shield, a thrust plate having spiral grooves, a fluid recirculation passageway, and a reservoir creates an asymmetric pressure gradient. In an aspect, fluid is retained and air is purged utilizing an enlarged fluid reservoir, axial channels and an angled fill hole. In an aspect, a shaft is attached to a top cover supplying radial stiffness, and an enlarged single-sided thrust plate improves dynamic parallelism.

Abstract: An equipment and method for inline infrared (IR) ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of recording media is disclosed. The components of the equipment include a saddle for holding a recording medium such as a disc, a conveyor that travels the saddle through a tunnel in which one or more IR and UV lamps are positioned to direct IR and UV light on the recording media traveling through the tunnel. The efficacy of the bonding of the lubricant to the recording medium by UV light is substantially enhanced by exposing the recording medium to IR light prior to exposure to UV light.