Abstract: A method of manufacturing an active element for use with a magnetic head includes depositing a magnetic material to form a magnetic member, and nitriding the magnetic member after the depositing step. Preferably, the depositing step comprises depositing nickel-iron alloy, and the nitriding step comprises plasma nitriding the magnetic member. Advantageously, plasma nitriding may be performed at a temperature below 300 degrees Celsius to avoid adverse effects to components of the active element, such as organic planars. Active elements manufactured according to the method of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an active element for use with a magnetic head includes depositing a magnetic material to form a magnetic member, and nitriding the magnetic member after the depositing step. Preferably, the depositing step comprises depositing nickel-iron alloy, and the nitriding step comprises plasma nitriding the magnetic member. Advantageously, plasma nitriding may be performed at a temperature below 300 degrees Celsius to avoid adverse effects to components of the active element, such as organic planars. Active elements manufactured according to the method of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microstructures are ion milled in an existing layer by a process including forming a metal mask then milling in the presence of a reactive gas which combines with the metal to form a surface that mills at a lower rate than the metal alone. The metal mask is formed through wet etching, with a wet etch stop film preventing the existing layer from being attacked by the wet etchant. In a preferred embodiment, cobalt-zirconium-tantalum (CZT) is milled to form top poles for tape write heads. A gold. (Au) wet etch stop film is first applied to the CZT layer. Next, a titanium (Ti) layer is deposited. A photoresist mask is formed and the Ti is wet etched, producing a metal mask. Milling with nitrogen (N.sub.2) in the presence of argon (Ar) ions causes the exposed layer of Ti to form titanium nitride (TiN), which mills at a slower rate than Ti.

Abstract: A multitrack coupled element read head and a method for manufacturing such a read head are provided. The multitrack coupled element read head includes multiple coupled magnetoresistive read elements in a spaced relationship, and a support structure between a pair of coupled read elements, the support structure also being a magnetoresistive material. The read head also includes a closure material bonded on the plurality of coupled read elements and the support structure, where the support structure provides for substantially even pressure on the pair of coupled read elements such that shorting therein is eliminated.

Abstract: A recording element for use in a high density thin film recording head, and a method for manufacturing such an element are provided. The recording element includes a substrate, an insulative layer in contact with the substrate, and a first magnetic pole in contact with the insulative layer. The recording element also includes a coil tap in contact with the insulative layer, where the first magnetic pole and the coil center tap fabricated from the same material layer deposited on the insulative layer, and a coil having a lead deposited on the coil tap such that the coil tap is capable of conducting an electric current to the coil. The method for manufacturing the recording element includes depositing an insulative layer on a substrate and depositing a layer of magnetic and electrically conductive material on the insulative layer.