Abstract: A lower magnetic layer magnetized and formed in a first direction and an upper magnetic layer magnetized and formed in a second direction opposite to the lower magnetic layer are laminated on a base. A ratio T1/T2 of a thickness T1 of the upper magnetic layer to a thickness T2 of the lower magnetic layer is located within a range of 0.6 to 0.9. Thus, in a herringbone type dual evaporated tape in which data is recorded and reproduced in a serpentine fashion, a vertical magnetization component is canceled to reduce the difference in the waveform distortion of a reproducing signal between a forward direction and a reverse direction.

Abstract: A narrow magnetic body 66 in which outward path and inward path recording magnetic head devices 1WF and 1WR, capable of recording at least data on a metal evaporated type magnetic tape 51 running in the outward and inward direction and vice versa along the longitudinal direction, comprise the operation magnetic gaps GF and GR with the asymmetric structure is located at the leading side of the metal evaporated type magnetic tape 51. With this arrangement, magnetic field influence exerted by the narrow magnetic body can be decreased, and difference produced between magnetic recording and reproducing characteristics when the metal evaporated type magnetic tape is transported in the outward direction and in the inward direction can be decreased. Also, deteriorations of characteristics deteriorated by off-track upon reproduction can be improved.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic recording medium which exhibits superior lubricating properties and superior tape-transport properties as well as superior robustness even in a low-temperature environment. A magnetic layer containing a ferromagnetic metal is formed on a nonmagnetic support, and a protecting film is formed on the magnetic layer. A lubricant auxiliary coating composition comprising an aromatic alcohol is applied to the protecting film to form a lubricant auxiliary layer, and a lubricant coating composition comprising a compound represented by the formula (1) below is applied to the lubricant auxiliary layer to form a lubricant layer. R1CH(COOR2)CH2COOR3??(1) wherein R1 represents an aliphatic alkyl group, an aliphatic alkenyl group, or a hydrogen atom, and each of R2 and R3 independently represents a fluoroalkyl group, a fluoroalkenyl group, a fluoropolyether group, or a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: A narrow magnetic body 66 in which outward path and inward path recording magnetic head devices 1WF and 1WR, capable of recording at least data on a metal evaporated type magnetic tape 51 running in the outward and inward direction and vice versa along the longitudinal direction, comprise the operation magnetic gaps GF and GR with the asymmetric structure is located at the leading side of the metal evaporated type magnetic tape 51. With this arrangement, magnetic field influence exerted by the narrow magnetic body can be decreased, and difference produced between magnetic recording and reproducing characteristics when the metal evaporated type magnetic tape is transported in the outward direction and in the inward direction can be decreased. Also, deteriorations of characteristics deteriorated by off-track upon reproduction can be improved.

Abstract: A lower magnetic layer magnetized and formed in a first direction and an upper magnetic layer magnetized and formed in a second direction opposite to the lower magnetic layer are laminated on a base. A ratio T1/T2 of a thickness T1 of the upper magnetic layer to a thickness T2 of the lower magnetic layer is located within a range of 0.6 to 0.9. Thus, in a herringbone type dual evaporated tape in which data is recorded and reproduced in a serpentine fashion, a vertical magnetization component is canceled to reduce the difference in the waveform distortion of a reproducing signal between a forward direction and a reverse direction.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic recording medium which exhibits superior lubricating properties and superior tape-transport properties as well as superior robustness even in a low-temperature environment. A magnetic layer containing a ferromagnetic metal is formed on a nonmagnetic support, and a protecting film is formed on the magnetic layer. A lubricant auxiliary coating composition comprising an aromatic alcohol is applied to the protecting film to form a lubricant auxiliary layer, and a lubricant coating composition comprising a compound represented by the formula (1) below is applied to the lubricant auxiliary layer to form a lubricant layer.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a thin magnetic metal film of which the thickness and remanent magnetization are smaller than ever and optimized to match the characteristics of the MR read head used with the recording medium. The thin magnetic metal film is formed on a nonmagnetic substrate and has a remanent magnetization and film thickness product Mr·&dgr; of 1 to 5 memu/cm2. Owing to this product Mr·&dgr;, a signal recorded on the magnetic recording medium can be reproduced with no distortion in a region where the MR read head maintains its linearity.

Abstract: There are disclosed method and apparatus for producing a magnetic recording medium including a non-magnetic substrate, a magnetic layer formed on one surface of said non-magnetic substrate and a back coat layer formed on an opposite surface of said non-magnetic substrate. By using the method and the apparatus, the magnetic recording medium having the back coat layer, which exhibits a high lubricating property and a low dynamic friction coefficient, can be produced with a high operating efficiency. The method includes the steps of forming the back coat layer by a plasma chemical vapor deposition and supplying a lubricant, substantially at the time when the back coat layer is formed by the plasma chemical vapor deposition, such that the lubricant is introduced into the back coat layer.