Abstract: A read head for reading magnetically stored data in adjacent tracks of a medium has at least two elongate bodies, each having at least one magnetoresistive part. The magnetoresistive parts have sensor portions defined along a length of the elongate bodies, by electrical connections to the magnetoresistive parts. A shield is provided at least on opposite transfer sides of the elongate bodies. The read head is used for calculating a position error signal by calculating a correlation between signals received from the respective sensor portions when the head is positioned over adjacent tracks on the medium, with one of the sensors positioned near a boundary between the tracks. The position error is calculated by determining the correlation between signals from the respective sensor portions.

Abstract: In a tape system and method for guiding a tape from a tape reel to a read/write tape head and then to a take-up reel, the tape is guided along a tape path such that the path surrounds the take-up reel and then begins winding on the take-up reel. With such a long tape guide path, less pressure is required on an edge of the tape for positioning the tape at the tape head.

Abstract: A magneto-optical read head for detecting magnetic transitions representing data stored in a magnetic recording medium as a sense layer having an optical property that is magnetic field-dependent, two magnetic shield layers respectively disposed on opposite sides of the sense layer and allowing magnetic flux from substantially only one of the magnetic transitions to interact with the sense layer at a time, with one of the magnetic shield layers being transparent at a wavelength allowing light at that wavelength to enter into and exit from the sense layer.

Abstract: A matrix array of recording heads, wherein each head is independent from another both in terms of its magnetic circuit and excitation conductors. Each individual head has a planar magnetic circuit and an helical coil wrapped around the lower part of the magnetic circuit. The matrix array is collectively fabricated using full thin film technology on non-magnetic substrates. Preferably, the heads are aligned in an oblique lattice with the write gaps aligned along rows and offset by a constant value along columns. Each individual head is connected to the control electronics through interconnects to the backside of the wafer, allowing independent control of the write parameters. The die forming the device is shaped on its edges and top surface to optimize head/medium positioning and minimize wear.