Abstract: A method includes: forming a recording layer on a substrate and depositing a nanocomposite layer on the recording layer, the nanocomposite layer including a wear-resistant material and a solid lubricant material, wherein the atomic percentage of the solid lubricant material in the nanocomposite layer is in a range from about 5% to about 99%.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate, a recording layer on the substrate, and a nanocomposite layer on the recording layer, the nanocomposite layer including a wear-resistant material and a solid lubricant material, wherein the atomic percentage of the solid lubricant material in the nanocomposite layer is in a range from about 5% to about 99%. A method of making the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a storage medium, and a transducer positioned adjacent to the storage medium, wherein the transducer includes a first electrode and a second electrode, with the width of the first electrode being less than the width of the second electrode. A method including: applying a first voltage to a transducer to write data to a storage medium, and applying a second voltage to the transducer to read data from the storage medium, wherein the magnitude of the first voltage is greater than the magnitude of the second voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a storage medium, a head substrate, wherein the storage medium and the head substrate are separated by a gap, a plurality of electrodes separated from each other, and a support structure positioned in the gap for supporting some of the electrodes. An apparatus comprising a storage medium, a head substrate, wherein the storage medium and the head substrate are separated by a gap, a plurality of posts positioned in the gap, a layer of low friction material positioned on one end of each of the posts, is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate, a recording layer on the substrate, and a nanocomposite layer on the recording layer, the nanocomposite layer including a wear-resistant material and a solid lubricant material, wherein the atomic percentage of the solid lubricant material in the nanocomposite layer is in a range from about 5% to about 99%. A method of making the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a storage media having a surface coated with a lubricant, and a plurality of probes having tips contacting the lubricant, wherein the probes are coated with one of a fluorocarbon, perfluoropolyether, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyethylene, or a hydrocarbon polymer.

Abstract: Patterned thin films comprise regions of relatively low thermal conductivity material separated by regions of relatively high thermal conductivity material. The low thermal conductivity regions may be provided in the form of cylinders or cuboids which are arranged in a continuous matrix of the high thermal conductivity material. The thin film may be used as thermal control layers in data recording media such as heat assisted magnetic recording media.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a storage medium, a transducer positioned adjacent to the storage medium and along an axis, and first and second support members connected to the transducer at positions that are spaced apart in the direction of the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a storage medium, a transducer including an electrode positioned along an axis and having a curved end positioned adjacent to the storage medium, a wear-resistant coating surrounding the electrode, and an actuator for providing relative movement between the storage medium and the transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a ferroelectric storage medium, and a transducer for reading data from the ferroelectric storage medium and for writing data to the ferroelectric storage medium, wherein the transducer includes a substrate and a probe coupled to the substrate, wherein the probe includes a conductive element and a bilayer structure causing the probe to bend toward the ferroelectric storage medium.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a storage medium, and a transducer positioned adjacent to the storage medium, wherein the transducer includes a first electrode and a second electrode, with the width of the first electrode being less than the width of the second electrode. A method including: applying a first voltage to a transducer to write data to a storage medium, and applying a second voltage to the transducer to read data from the storage medium, wherein the magnitude of the first voltage is greater than the magnitude of the second voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a storage medium, a head substrate, wherein the storage medium and the head substrate are separated by a gap, a plurality of electrodes separated from each other, and a support structure positioned in the gap for supporting some of the electrodes. An apparatus comprising a storage medium, a head substrate, wherein the storage medium and the head substrate are separated by a gap, a plurality of posts positioned in the gap, a layer of low friction material positioned on one end of each of the posts, is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a storage media having a surface coated with a lubricant, and a plurality of probes having tips contacting the lubricant, wherein the probes are coated with one of a fluorocarbon, perfluoropolyether, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyethylene, or a hydrocarbon polymer.

Abstract: A longitudinal recording head for use with magnetic recording media includes a gapless yoke with a cavity that expels magnetic flux onto a small area of the magnetic recording medium. Longitudinal recording heads incorporating the gapless yoke and flux cavity are capable of improved recording densities.

Abstract: A longitudinal recording head for use with magnetic recording media includes a gapless yoke with a cavity that expels magnetic flux onto a small area of the magnetic recording medium. Longitudinal recording heads incorporating the gapless yoke and flux cavity are capable of improved recording densities.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a device comprising: depositing a self-assembled monolayer on a substrate; depositing a layer of surfactant coated nanostructured materials onto the self-assembled monolayer; and irradiating the layer of surfactant coated nanostructured materials and the self-assembled monolayer to bond nanostructured materials in the layer of surfactant coated nanostructured materials to the self-assembled monolayer. The method can be used to produce immobilized layers and/or patterned layers of nanostructured materials. Devices fabricated according to the method are also included.

Abstract: A longitudinal recording head for use with magnetic recording media includes a gapless yoke with a cavity that expels magnetic flux onto a small area of the magnetic recording medium. Longitudinal recording heads incorporating the gapless yoke and flux cavity are capable of improved recording densities.