Abstract: A multi-sensor reader that includes a first sensor that has a first sensor stack, which includes a sensing layer that has a magnetization that changes according to an external magnetic field. The first sensor also includes a first seed layer below the first sensor stack. The multi-sensor reader also includes a second sensor stacked over the first sensor. The second sensor includes a second sensor stack, which includes a sensing layer that has a magnetization that changes according to the external magnetic field. The second sensor also includes a second seed layer below the second sensor stack. A stabilization element is included to maintain a magnetization direction of the second seed layer and to stabilize the second seed layer.

Abstract: A multi-sensor reader that includes a first sensor that has a first sensor stack, which includes a sensing layer that has a magnetization that changes according to an external magnetic field. The first sensor also includes a first seed element below the first sensor stack. The multi-sensor reader also includes a second sensor stacked over the first sensor. The second sensor includes a second sensor stack, which includes a sensing layer that has a magnetization that changes according to the external magnetic field. The second sensor also includes a second seed element below the second sensor stack. The second seed element is structurally different from the first seed element and includes a stabilization feature.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head having an air bearing surface for confronting a surface of a rotating disc and comprising a pole tip and a generally rounded and substantially planar body attached to the pole tip is disclosed. The width of the pole tip defines a track width of data written to the rotating disc. The generally rounded shape of the top pole body is such that top pole magnetization gradually changes its direction and follows the edges of the body. Further, the pole tip has low remanence, gradual spin structure and no domain walls formed near the pole tip.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head having an air bearing surface for confronting a surface of a rotating disc and comprising a pole tip and a generally rounded and substantially planar body attached to the pole tip is disclosed. The width of the pole tip defines a track width of data written to the rotating disc. The generally rounded shape of the top pole body is such that top pole magnetization gradually changes its direction and follows the edges of the body. Further, the pole tip has low remanence, gradual spin structure and no domain walls formed near the pole tip.

Abstract: A plasma system is disclosed comprising a vessel suitable for containing a plasma at a pressure of at least about 100 mtorr, a plasma gas in the vessel at a pressure of at least 100 mtorr, an antenna with a substantially planar face positioned adjacent a portion of the vessel for applying an electromagnetic field to the plasma gas to thereby generate and maintain a plasma, and means for applying an external magnetic field to the plasma gas other than the field generated by the antenna, and having a component in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar face of the antenna.

Abstract: A method for plasma processing includes using a relatively high magnetic field and a relatively high pressure to create a first plasma region adjacent a window of a processing chamber having a lower radiation absorption and a second plasma region adjacent a substrate holder having a higher radiation absorption. Accordingly, a cooler plasma region is created adjacent the window to prevent contaminants from being etched from the window and adjacent chamber surface, and hotter plasma region is created adjacent the substrate to increase the processing rate. Additionally, the relatively high pressure of the processing gas, preferably greater than about 10 Torr and more preferably greater than about 100 Torr, increases the density of the plasma thereby increasing the processing rate. Alternatively, a high magnetic field and a high pressure create a radiation absorption region which is on the order of centimeters thick, for example 5-10 centimeters thick.