Abstract: In one embodiment, a drive-implemented method includes determining, by a tape drive, that a magnetic recording tape is compatible with a first format, the tape drive having an array of transducers including an inner transducer and subarrays of the transducers positioned on opposite sides of the inner transducer, reading from or writing to the magnetic recording tape, by the tape drive, using the array of transducers in a first mode of operation corresponding to the first format, and processing data, by the tape drive, using only the transducers in the subarrays in the first mode of operation.

Abstract: A method for measuring a distance between features of a sample, according to one embodiment, includes moving a precision stage having the sample thereon for positioning a first feature of the sample in a field of view of an imaging device. The imaging device is instructed to generate a first image of the first feature of the sample. The sample is moved a defined distance using the precision stage. The imaging device is instructed to generate a second image of a second feature of the sample at the defined distance. The first image and the second image are used to determine an actual distance between the first feature and the second feature. A product, according to one embodiment, includes a thin film structure having a plurality of elements, and at least two features dedicated for enabling measurement therebetween. Each feature is positioned at a known position relative to a respective one of the elements.

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: A tape cartridge according to one aspect includes a tape formatted with a timing-based servo pattern having at least two servo tracks thereon. The tape cartridge also includes a persistent memory device having stored therein a value corresponding to a difference between a specified distance between adjacent servo tracks and an average distance between adjacent servo tracks on the tape. The average distance is an average of actual distances between adjacent servo tracks over a portion of the tape. The persistent memory device also stores environmental condition data and drive condition data pertaining to the average distance. Various methods for using such a tape cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a measurement of a first distance from a first edge to a sensor, receiving a predefined height of tenting of a magnetic recording tape above the sensor, and calculating a wrap angle to create the predefined height of tenting when the magnetic recording tape passes over the first edge in a direction of tape travel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a drive-implemented method includes determining, by a tape drive, that a magnetic recording tape is compatible with a first format, the tape drive having an array of transducers including subarrays of the transducers positioned on opposite sides of an inner transducer, reading from or writing to the magnetic recording tape using the array in a first mode of operation corresponding to the first format, processing data using only transducers in the subarrays in the first mode of operation, and processing data using only a portion of transducers in each subarray in a second mode of operation corresponding to the second format. The first format specifies locations of data and a contiguous spare area on the tape and compatibility with a second format. The second format specifies a set of second active channels different than a set of first active channels specified by the first format.

Abstract: An apparatus according to an embodiment includes an array of transducers including an inner transducer and subarrays of the transducers positioned on opposite sides of the inner transducer, and a controller coupled to the transducers. The controller is configured to process data using only the transducers in the subarrays in a first mode of operation. Moreover, the controller is configured to process data using only a portion of the transducers in each of the subarrays in a second mode of operation, where the inner transducer is inactive in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a first circuit electrically coupled to a first read transducer and a first parallel circuit, the first read transducer having a tunnel valve structure having a resistance. A second circuit is electrically coupled to a second read transducer having a tunnel valve structure. An area of a tunnel barrier portion of the second read transducer along a plane of deposition thereof is larger than an area of a tunnel barrier portion of the first read transducer along a plane of deposition thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an array of 2N+1 transducers and a controller directly electrically coupled to each of the transducers, where the controller is configured to use transducers on only one side of a centerline of the array in a first mode of operation.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium according to one embodiment includes an underlayer and a magnetic layer above the underlayer. The magnetic layer includes a first magnetic material and particulates. A solid protective layer is positioned above the magnetic layer, the protective layer including a second material. At least some of the particulates of the magnetic layer protrude completely through the protective layer. A method for forming a magnetic recording medium according to one embodiment includes forming a magnetic layer above a substrate, the magnetic layer including a first magnetic material and particulates, and forming a solid protective layer above the magnetic layer to a thickness whereby some of the particulates protrude through the protective layer and are exposed along an upper surface of the protective layer.

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: 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: A method for forming a magnetic recording medium according to one embodiment includes forming a magnetic layer above an underlayer. The magnetic layer includes a first magnetic material and particulates. A protective layer is formed above the magnetic layer, the protective layer including a second material. A method for forming a magnetic recording medium according to another embodiment includes forming a first nonmagnetic layer above a base film. The first nonmagnetic layer has first nonmagnetic particles. A second nonmagnetic layer is formed above the first nonmagnetic layer, the second nonmagnetic layer having second nonmagnetic particles. A magnetic layer is formed above the second nonmagnetic layer, the magnetic layer including a magnetic material.

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 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: In one embodiment, a computer program product for determining a wrap angle includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se. The program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method that includes receiving, by the processor, a measurement of a distance from an edge to a transducer, receiving, by the processor, a predefined height of tenting of a magnetic recording tape above the transducer, and determining, by the processor, a wrap angle for inducing tenting of the magnetic recording tape above the transducer at the predefined height when the magnetic recording tape passes over the edge in a direction of tape travel thereacross.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes attaching a die to a beam, wherein the die comprises an array of transducers positioned 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 first region of the die is attached to the beam. The transducer region and the second region are not attached to the beam.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium according to one embodiment includes a base film and a first nonmagnetic layer above the base film. The first nonmagnetic layer has first nonmagnetic particles. A second nonmagnetic layer is positioned above the first nonmagnetic layer, the second nonmagnetic layer having second nonmagnetic particles. A magnetic layer is positioned above the second nonmagnetic layer, the magnetic layer including a magnetic material.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, an apparatus for moving a sample a precise distance in an imaging device includes a base, and a movable portion positioned above the base and configured to move relative to the base. An extent of motion of the movable portion is constrained by stops. The extent of motion is within 10 nm of a predefined distance of greater than 1 mm. Additional apparatuses and methods are also presented.

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.