Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording device is disposed in a hermetically sealed enclosure. The device includes a slider comprising a reader, a writer, and an optical waveguide configured to couple light from a light source to a near-field transducer situated at or near an air bearing surface of the slider. The near-field transducer comprises an enlarged portion and a peg extending from the enlarged portion in a direction of the air bearing surface. A fill gas is provided within the enclosure. The fill gas comprises a mixture of a low-density, inert gas and at least one gas that oxidizes carbon, where the total carbon oxidizing gas concentration of the fill gas is 3-50% by volume. In certain embodiments, the fill gas comprises a hydrogen concentration sufficient to retard oxidation of the peg when the peg is at an operating temperature associated with write operations.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording device is disposed in a hermetically sealed enclosure. The device includes a slider comprising a reader, a writer, and an optical waveguide configured to couple light from a light source to a near-field transducer situated at or near an air bearing surface of the slider. The near-field transducer comprises an enlarged portion and a peg extending from the enlarged portion in a direction of the air bearing surface. A fill gas is provided within the enclosure. The fill gas comprises a mixture of a low-density, inert gas and at least one gas that oxidizes carbon, where the total carbon oxidizing gas concentration of the fill gas is 3-50% by volume. In certain embodiments, the fill gas comprises a hydrogen concentration sufficient to retard oxidation of the peg when the peg is at an operating temperature associated with write operations.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording device is disposed in a hermetically sealed enclosure. The device includes a slider comprising a reader, a writer, and an optical waveguide configured to couple light from a light source to a near-field transducer situated at or near an air bearing surface of the slider. The near-field transducer comprises an enlarged portion and a peg extending from the enlarged portion in a direction of the air bearing surface. A fill gas is provided within the enclosure. The fill gas comprises a mixture of a low-density, inert gas and at least one gas that oxidizes carbon, where the total carbon oxidizing gas concentration of the fill gas is 3-50% by volume. In certain embodiments, the fill gas comprises a hydrogen concentration sufficient to retard oxidation of the peg when the peg is at an operating temperature associated with write operations.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording device is disposed in a hermetically sealed enclosure. The device includes a slider comprising a reader, a writer, and an optical waveguide configured to couple light from a light source to a near-field transducer situated at or near an air bearing surface of the slider. The near-field transducer comprises an enlarged portion and a peg extending from the enlarged portion in a direction of the air bearing surface. A fill gas is provided within the enclosure. The fill gas comprises a mixture of a low-density, inert gas and at least one gas that oxidizes carbon, where the total carbon oxidizing gas concentration of the fill gas is 3-50% by volume. In certain embodiments, the fill gas comprises a hydrogen concentration sufficient to retard oxidation of the peg when the peg is at an operating temperature associated with write operations.

Abstract: A spin valve head configured to operate in a Current-In-Plane (CIP) mode is provided. The spin valve head has an air bearing surface (ABS) and a top and a bottom shield separated by a central region proximate the ABS. A sensor, positioned in the central region, has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end forming a portion of the ABS. A permanent magnet is positioned in the central region and proximate the distal end of the sensor. The permanent magnet being separated from the sensor by a gap layer. The top shield, the bottom shield and the permanent magnet are electrically coupled together to allow for electrical testing of the spin valve head.

Abstract: A spin valve head configured to operate in a Current-In-Plane (CIP) mode is provided. The spin valve head has an air bearing surface (ABS) and a top and a bottom shield separated by a central region proximate the ABS. A sensor, positioned in the central region, has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end forming a portion of the ABS. A permanent magnet is positioned in the central region and proximate the distal end of the sensor. The permanent magnet being separated from the sensor by a gap layer. The top shield, the bottom shield and the permanent magnet are electrically coupled together to allow for electrical testing of the spin valve head.

Abstract: A test simulation circuit includes a simulated read/write head with a magnet shield and a magnetoresistive sensor exposed at a lapped surface. The test simulation circuit also includes first and second electrical test path connected respectively to the magnet shield and the magnetoresistive sensor. The second electrical test path is electrically isolated from the first electrical test path.

Abstract: A test simulation circuit includes a simulated read/write head with a magnet shield and a magnetoresistive sensor exposed at a lapped surface. The test simulation circuit also includes first and second electrical test path connected respectively to the magnet shield and the magnetoresistive sensor. The second electrical test path is electrically isolated from the first electrical test path.