Abstract: Embodiments of a single data storage device with multiple different data recording media surfaces are disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one of the data recording media surfaces is conventional, such as a continuous or discrete track recording media. Another of the data recording media surfaces is a relatively high areal density, high data rate recording media, such as a bit patterned media (BPM) recording media.

Abstract: Spin-transfer torque memory includes a composite free magnetic element, a reference magnetic element having a magnetization orientation that is pinned in a reference direction, and an electrically insulating and non-magnetic tunneling barrier layer separating the composite free magnetic element from the magnetic reference element. The free magnetic element includes a hard magnetic layer exchanged coupled to a soft magnetic layer. The composite free magnetic element has a magnetization orientation that can change direction due to spin-torque transfer when a write current passes through the spin-transfer torque memory unit.

Abstract: A biasing system for a tri-layer reader stack magnetoresistive sensor is disclosed. The tri-layer reader stack includes a first ferromagnetic free layer, a second ferromagnetic free layer, and a magnetoresistive layer between the first and second ferromagnetic free layers. The free layers are positioned in the tri-layer reader stack such that quiescent state magnetizations of the free layers are antiparallel. A biasing layer is positioned with regard to the tri-layer reader stack, typically separated from the tri-layer reader stack by a nonmagnetic spacer layer. A biasing means is positioned such that a magnetization of the biasing layer is perpendicular to the quiescent state magnetizations of the free layers. This biasing results in the free layers having biased magnetizations directed substantially orthogonal with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recording head with a storage medium. The head includes an assist mechanism to assist operation of the head.

Abstract: A differential read head comprises one tri-layer reader or a plurality of tri-layer readers operating in a current perpendicular to plane (CPP) mode. The tri-layer readers each comprise a first free layer, a second free layer, and a nonmagnetic layer positioned therebetween. A nonmagnetic spacer means is positioned between the plurality of tri-layer readers for electrically connecting the plurality of tri-layer readers in series such that a single CPP sense current representing a differential signal flows serially through the read head. With a single tri-layer reader, the free layers are spaced by a width substantially similar to the transition width of the magnetic medium.

Abstract: A biasing system for a tri-layer reader stack magnetoresistive sensor is disclosed. The tri-layer reader stack includes a first ferromagnetic free layer, a second ferromagnetic free layer, and a magnetoresistive layer between the first and second ferromagnetic free layers. The free layers are positioned in the tri-layer reader stack such that quiescent state magnetizations of the free layers are antiparallel. A biasing layer is positioned with regard to the tri-layer reader stack, typically separated from the tri-layer reader stack by a nonmagnetic spacer layer. A biasing means is positioned such that a magnetization of the biasing layer is perpendicular to the quiescent state magnetizations of the free layers. This biasing results in the free layers having biased magnetizations directed substantially orthogonal with respect to each other.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor for detecting fields applied from an adjacent medium such as a disc has an air-bearing surface and includes a pinned layer, a free layer, and a spacer layer between the pinned layer and the free layer. The free layer has a first width at the air-bearing surface and a second width smaller than the first width at a position spaced from the air-bearing surface. In one embodiment, the free layer may be generally triangular in shape. The pinned layer and spacer layer may also be generally triangular in shape.