Abstract: A perpendicular writer includes a surface, a main pole proximate the surface, a return pole proximate the surface, and a back yoke connecting the main pole to the return pole distal the surface. The return pole is configured such that a magnetization of a portion of the return pole adjacent the surface is held substantially parallel to the surface during a write operation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a data storage system. The data storage system includes an enclosure and at least one perpendicular recording device positioned within the enclosure and in communication with a recording medium. The recording medium includes a layer of magnetic material that has a permeability that is substantially similar to a permeability of a magnetic material in the recording device. The data storage system also includes a soft magnetic material included in the enclosure for shielding magnetic stray fields from the perpendicular recording device. The soft magnetic material has a permeability that is at least as great as approximately the permeability of the layer of magnetic material of the recording medium.

Abstract: There is disclosed a metal vapour laser comprising a discharge tube having a buffer gas therein and operating at high temperature, the buffer gas including a laser output power enhancing substance in an amount sufficient to substantially increase the power output of the laser. There is also disclosed a process for operating a metal vapour laser of the invention.