Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes running a magnetic recording tape over a tape bearing surface of a module having at least one edge, detecting signals from the tape at differing wrap angles for estimating a height of tenting of the tape above a transducer at each of the wrap angles, and selecting a wrap angle to provide about a predefined height of tenting of the tape above the transducer. A resulting tent of the moving magnetic recording tape extends from the edge of the module closest thereto to a minima with a tent apex therebetween, where the minima is at a first point of closest approach of the moving magnetic recording tape to the tape bearing surface of the module nearest the tent apex.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining a distance from a to an edge closest thereto and selecting a wrap angle based on the determined distance for inducing tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape in a region above the transducer whereby a resulting tent of the moving tape extends from the edge closest thereto to a minima with a tent apex therebetween. In response to a determination to move the tape over the tape bearing surface, the method includes moving the tape over the tape bearing surface, and checking for changes in the tenting characteristics. In response to determining changes are present, the method includes sequentially selecting a different wrap angle based on the determined distance for inducing a desired tenting characteristic, and checking for changes in the tenting characteristics. Moreover, the method includes selecting a final wrap angle in response to determining no significant changes are present.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a module having an array of transducers, and a thermoelectric cooling element positioned proximate to the array of transducers. An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a module having an array of transducers, a thermoelectric cooling element positioned proximate to the array of transducers, and a heating element positioned proximate to the array of transducers. A method of maintaining a span of an array of transducers of module to a specification, according to one embodiment, includes determining whether the span of the array of transducers in a module is different than a target based on a specification. In response to determining the span is greater than the target, a control signal is applied to a thermoelectric cooling element positioned proximate to the span of the array of transducers for contracting the span of the array of transducers toward the target.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a module having: an array of transducers formed in thin film structure on a substrate, the array being positioned along a tape bearing surface of the module, and a heating element positioned in the thin film structure and recessed from the tape bearing surface. An apparatus, according to another embodiment, includes a module having an array of transducers formed on a substrate, the array being positioned along a tape bearing surface of the module between skiving edges thereof. A slot is formed in the substrate adjacent one of the skiving edges. A heating element is positioned in the slot.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a method includes performing a reducing operation for reducing a native oxide along a surface of a CoFe layer of a magnetic transducer, after performing the reducing operation, performing an oxidation operation for oxidizing the surface of the CoFe layer, and after performing the oxidation operation, forming a layer of at least partially crystalline alumina on the oxidized surface of the CoFe layer.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes forming a bearing surface slot in an end of a section of a thin film wafer at a location that defines a tape bearing surface extending between the bearing surface slot and portions of transducers exposed on the end. The section has a plurality of rows of transducers formed on a substrate. A row is sliced from the section, the row having the end and bearing surface slot.

Abstract: A module according to one embodiment includes a body having a tape bearing surface, and a coating on the tape bearing surface. The module is nonfunctional for reading and writing. The module is useful for abrasiveness testing of magnetic recording tapes and/or coating wear.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes forming a wear-resistant in-situ film on a magnetic read transducer having a sensor with magnetic shields. The in-situ film including material derived from a flexible medium. The material is formed on the transducer by passing the flexible medium over the transducer at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a die comprising an array of transducers in a transducer region of the die, a first region extending from the transducer region to a first end of the die and a second region extending from the transducer region to a second end of the die, and a beam, wherein the transducer region of the die is fixedly attached to the beam.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a sensor having an active region, a magnetic shield adjacent the active region, a spacer between the active region and the magnetic shield, a second magnetic shield on an opposite side of the active region as the magnetic shield, and a second spacer between the active region and the second magnetic shield. Both spacers include an electrically conductive ceramic layer. The electrically conductive ceramic layer of the spacer has a different composition than the electrically conductive ceramic layer of the second spacer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a module having an array of transducers and a heating element positioned proximate to the array of transducers. The heating element has opposite ends and a center portion therebetween, where the heating element is configured to produce more heat per unit length along the opposite ends than in the center portion.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes: a module; and a plurality of tunnel valve read transducers arranged in an array extending along the module. Each of the tunnel valve read transducers includes: a sensor structure having a tunnel barrier layer and a free layer. Moreover, each of the tunnel valve read transducers includes a pair of hard bias magnets which sandwich the respective sensor structure therebetween, the hard bias magnets being positioned on opposite sides of the sensor structure along a cross-track direction. Furthermore, a thickness of each of the hard bias magnets at a thickest portion thereof is at least 10 times greater than a thickness of the free layer. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

Abstract: A computer program product, according to one embodiment, includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se. Moreover, the program instructions are executable by a controller to cause the controller to: detect, by the controller, a change in a resistance value of at least one of a plurality of detector structures, for identifying a defect on a magnetic medium. Each of the detector structures includes a pair of conductive layers separated by an insulating material. Moreover, none of the detector structures include an operable reader for reading data from a magnetic medium. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a module having a tape bearing surface, an array of magnetic transducers, and a channel in the tape bearing surface. The channel has a longitudinal axis oriented about parallel to a longitudinal axis of the array of magnetic transducers for inducing tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape above the array of magnetic transducers. Moreover, the channel has a shape with a middle section of similar recession therealong between straight opposite ends.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes attaching a die to a beam, where the die includes an array of transducers in a transducer region of the die, a first region extending from the transducer region to a first end of the die and a second region extending from the transducer region to a second end of the die. The transducer region of the die is attached to the beam, and the first region and the second region are not attached to the beam.

Abstract: Provided are a tape head module, tape drive, and method for moving a tape medium over a tape head having a recessed portion to provide air bearing between a tape medium and a tape bearing surface of the module. The tape head includes a tape bearing surface, an array of transducers, including read and/or write transducers, on the tape bearing surface, and a recessed portion formed on the tape bearing surface, wherein the array of transducers is located on the tape bearing surface between the recessed portion and an end of the module to perform read and/or write operations with respect to the tape medium.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes: write transducers, each having: a first write pole having a pole tip, and a second write pole having a pole tip, the pole tips extending from a media facing side of the respective write pole. The pole tip of the second write pole is configured to emanate magnetic flux directly from the media facing side toward a magnetic medium. Each write transducer has a nonmagnetic write gap between the pole tips of the write poles, and a first high moment layer between the write gap and the pole tip of the second write pole. The first high moment layer has a higher magnetic moment than that of the pole tip of the second write pole. Moreover, the first high moment layer protrudes beyond a plane extending along a media facing side of the pole tips of the first and second write poles.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes, by one or more processors in electronic communication with a tunneling magnetoresistive sensor, wherein the tunneling magnetoresistive sensor is a component of a magnetic storage drive configured to read magnetic data from a magnetic storage medium, detecting a short across the tunneling magnetoresistive sensor, measuring a change in resistance of the tunneling magnetoresistive sensor, measuring a change in voltage amplitude for the tunneling magnetoresistive sensor, and dividing said change in voltage amplitude by said change in resistance to yield a ratio. The computer-implemented method further includes, responsive to the ratio being greater than a predetermined ratio threshold, determining that the short is caused by a magnetic shunt. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a drive-implemented method includes, in a first mode of operation, processing data using only transducers of subarrays positioned on opposite sides of an inner transducer in an array of transducers, and processing data using only a portion of the transducers in each of the subarrays in a second mode of operation, wherein the inner transducer is inactive in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A drive-implemented method includes performing an operation on a storage medium using an array of 2N+1 transducers using transducers on only one side of a centerline of the array in a first mode of operation.