Abstract: An electromagnetic read/write system includes a contact interface formed by a pole-structure-carrying wear pad and a recording surface. The uppermost portion of the recording surface is characterized by a buffed, generally planarized topography. Lower elevations of the recording surface may be texturized or untexturized. Various methods of producing such an interface are described. The interface of the present invention provides dramatically improved longevity, i.e, wear performance through long term read/write operation.

Abstract: Improved magnetic tip designs attain low spacing loss and enhance the channel output signal while extending head life. One embodiment includes a relatively flat tape contacting surface whose outer edges are modified to provide a tape contacting surface of dumbbell or bow-tie shape, that is, a shape which is narrower at its center near the magnetic gap and wider at its front and rear ends. The desired shape for the tape contacting surface is attained by shaving or beveling the edges of the tip at a relatively sharp angle to remove more material along the top of the curvature of the head near the gap than at the front and rear of the tape contacting surface. This allows air to bleed from under the tape as the head tip travels past the tape. In another embodiment the desired shape is attained by polishing and/or grinding the edges of the tip at a controlled angle as small as 1.0 degree to remove sufficient material to create the desired bow-tie shaped tape contacting surface.

Abstract: A operationally contacting hard disk drive system has reduced friction due to lower capillary adhesion between the disk surface and a transducer in a substantially continuous sliding relationship with the surface. The disk surface has an adhesion-reducing texture that includes a microscopic RMS roughness in a range between about 1.5 and 5.5 nanometers, or a number of asperities having a mean plane to peak height in a range between about 6 and 50 nanometers. The roughness may increase in a radially graded fashion to compensate for the increased linear velocity and concomitant frictional power loss near the outer diameter of the disk. It is important that the uppermost reaches of the textured surface are smooth but not flat in order to obtain lasting low friction operation, which is accomplished by constructing the surface with a highest approximately one percent having an average radius of curvature in a range between 2 microns and 100 microns.