Abstract: A magnetic sensor or magnetoresistive read head comprises a sensor stack and magnetic bias elements positioned adjacent each side of the sensor stack. The sensor stack and bias elements have non-rectangular shapes, such as substantially trapezoidal or parallelogram shapes having non-perpendicular corners. In some embodiments, the sensor stack and bias elements have a shape that stabilizes a “C” state or “S” state magnetization pattern.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor having a trilayer sensor stack with two ferromagnetic freelayers separated by a nonmagnetic spacer layer is disclosed. The sensor is biased with a back biasing magnet adjacent a back of the trilayer sensor. The back biasing magnet, the trilayer sensor stack, or both have substantially trapezoidal shapes to enhance the biasing field and to minimize noise. In some embodiments, the trilayer sensor or back bias magnet have a shape designed to stabilize a micromagnetic “C” shape or concentrate magnetic flux in the trilayer sensor stack.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor assembly including first and second shields, and a sensor stack between the first and second shields. The sensor stack includes a seed layer adjacent the first shield, a cap layer adjacent the second shield, and a magnetic sensor between the seed layer and the cap layer, wherein at least one of the seed layer and the cap layer has a synthetic antiferromagnetic structure.

Abstract: A magnetic reader comprises first and second shields oriented transversely to a media-facing surface, a magnetoresistive stack located between the first and second shields, and a flux guide. The magnetoresistive stack extends from a proximal end oriented toward the media-facing surface to a distal end oriented away from the media-facing surface. The flux guide extends from the first shield toward the second shield, and is spaced from the magnetoresistive stack at the distal end. The flux guide magnetically couples the distal end of the magnetoresistive stack to the first shield.

Abstract: A patterned magnetic recording media and method thereof is provided. A recording layer comprises a continuous surface of more-noble elements and less-noble elements, such as CoXYZ, wherein X can be Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Ir, Os, or Au, wherein Y can be null or Cr, and wherein Z can be null, Cu, Ta, Ti, O, B, Ag, or TiO2. The recording layer is masked, shielding areas for recording domains and exposing areas between the recording domains. A voltage bias establishes the substrate as an anode in the presence of Pt cathode, in an electrolyte bath. Ions of the less-noble element are anodically removed predominantly from the exposed areas of the recording layer for a controlled time. The controlled time minimizes oxidation of the nobler element and reduces undercutting of the recording domains. The article produced can have separating areas with surfaces substantially formed of the more-noble element.

Abstract: An electrodeposited magnetic recording medium having multiple coercivity values is disclosed. In some embodiments, layers having different coercivity levels may be separated by exchange coupled composites and in other embodiments a range of coercivity levels are deposited in a gradient fashion. In some embodiments, the layers with multiple coercivity values comprise bit patterned media islands formed from a photoresist.

Abstract: A method includes: constructing a multilayer structure including a first layer of Pt, a first layer of A1 phase FePt on the first layer of Pt, and a second layer of Pt on the layer of FePt, and annealing the multilayer structure to convert the A1 phase FePt to L10 phase FePt.

Abstract: A tool for use in fabricating an electronic component includes a plurality of processing modules and a transfer chamber in communication with each of the plurality of processing modules. The transfer chamber includes a component for transferring a structure to each of the plurality of processing modules. The plurality of processing modules and the transfer chamber are sealed from the surrounding environment and are under a vacuum. The plurality of processing modules includes a first module configured to perform a first process on the structure and a second module configured to perform a second process on the structure. The first process includes performing at least one shaping operation on the structure.

Abstract: A hard magnet may include a seed layer including a first component including at least one of a Pt-group metal, Fe, Mn, Ir, and Co, a cap layer comprising the first component, and a multilayer stack between the seed layer and the cap layer. In some embodiments, the multilayer stack may include a first layer of including the first component and a second component including at least one of a Pt-group metal, Fe, Mn, Ir, and Co, where the second component is different than the first component. The multilayer stack may further include a second layer formed over the first layer and including the second component, and a third layer formed over the second layer and including the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A method including forming a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure includes a seed layer comprising a first component selected from the group consisting of a Pt-group metal, Fe, Mn, Ir and Co. The multilayer structure also includes an intermediate layer comprising the first component and a second component selected from the group consisting of a Pt-group metal, Fe, Mn, Ir and Co. The second component is different than the first component. The multilayer structure further includes a cap layer comprising the first component. The method further includes heating the multilayer structure to an annealing temperature to cause a phase transformation of the intermediate layer. Also a hard magnet including a seed layer comprising a first component selected from the group consisting of a Pt-group metal, Fe, Mn, Ir and Co. The hard magnet also includes a cap layer comprising the first component. The hard magnet further includes an intermediate layer between the seed layer and the cap layer.