Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magneto-resistance effect element includes: forming a fixed magnetization layer; forming a free magnetization layer; and forming a spacer layer with an insulating layer and a non-magnetic metallic path penetrating through the insulating layer, includes: forming a first non-magnetic metallic layer; forming, a metallic layer on a surface of the first non-magnetic metallic layer; irradiating, onto the metallic layer, ions or plasma including at least one of oxygen and nitrogen and at least one selected from the group consisting of Ar, Xe, He, Ne, kr so as to convert the metallic layer into the insulating layer and the non-magnetic metallic path containing the first non-magnetic metallic layer; forming a second non-magnetic metallic layer on the non-magnetic metallic path; and irradiating ions or plasma onto at least one of the fixed magnetization layer, the first metallic layer, the metallic layer, the insulating layer converted from the second metallic layer and the second non-magne

Abstract: A magnetic head has less variations in the resistance of a magneto-resistive device before and after the magnetic head is left in a high temperature environment so as to have higher stability of the characteristics of the magnetic head against a high temperature environment. A TMR device includes a tunnel barrier layer made of an oxide layer. A DLC film serving as a protection film and an underlying layer therefor are formed on an end face of the TMR device on an air bearing surface side. A layer made of an oxide of a metal or an oxide of a semiconductor is formed between the underlying layer and the end face of the tunnel barrier layer on the air bearing surface side to be in contact with the end face of the tunnel barrier layer.

Abstract: A GMR sensor having improved longitudinal biasing is provided as is a method of forming it. The improved biasing is provided by longitudinal biasing structures in which a soft magnetic layer is interposed between a hard magnetic biasing layer and the lateral edge of the GMR sensor element. The soft magnetic layer eliminates the need for a seed layer directly between the hard magnetic layer and the GMR element and provides improved coupling to the free layer of the GMR element and a substantial reduction in random domain variations.

Abstract: A simple method is provided for protecting slider mounted read/write transducers from electrostatic discharge damage during the manufacture of disk drives. The method involves placing a ball of conducting thermoplastic resin, such as a gold or silver epoxy, between the terminal pads of the transducer and using the ball to shunt the pads to read-head shields and the slider substrate and thence to ground. The epoxy ball is easily applied and easily removed and can be used at different stages in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A magnetic head including a media heating device. Following the fabrication of the heating device, a sacrificial layer of material is deposited to protect the heating device during subsequent process steps. Thereafter, write head components, such as write head induction coils and/or a P1 pole pedestal are fabricated above the heating device, and the sacrificial layer is substantially consumed in protecting the heating device during the aggressive etching and milling steps used to create those components. Further components, including a second magnetic pole are thereafter fabricated to complete the fabrication of the write head portion of the magnetic head. The sacrificial layer may be comprised of alumina, or a material such as NiFe that can act as a seed layer for a subsequent head components such as the P1 pole pedestal.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an exemplary method for manufacturing a magnetic head includes forming a plurality of magnetoresistive devices, a reference device, and a monitoring device, where the reference device includes a desired stripe height less than the magnetoresistive devices and monitoring device. Material is removed from the air/tape bearing surface, e.g., by lapping, thereby reducing the stripe height of the magnetoresistive devices and monitoring device. A characteristic of the reference device, e.g., resistance, voltage, or the like, is compared with a similar characteristic of the monitoring device, wherein the characteristic of the monitoring device varies as material is removed. Material may be removed from the bearing surface until the characteristic of the monitoring device and the reference device are substantially equal, at which time, the stripe height of the monitoring device and magnetoresistive devices are substantially equal to that of the reference device.

Abstract: A magnetic head having a spin valve sensor that is fabricated utilizing an Al2O3, NiMnO, NiFeCr seed layer upon which a typical PtMn spin valve sensor layer structure is subsequently fabricated. The preferred embodiment fabrication process of the NiFeCr layer includes the overdeposition of the layer to a first thickness of from 15 ? to 45 ? followed by the etching back of the seed layer of approximately 5 ? to approximately 15 ? to its desired final thickness of approximately 10 ? to 40 ?. The Cr at. % composition in the NiFeCr layer is preferably from approximately 35 at. % to approximately 46 at. %. The crystal structure of the surface of the etched back NiFeCr layer results in an improved crystal structure to the subsequently fabricated spin valve sensor layers, such that the fabricated spin valve exhibits increased ?R/R and reduced coercivity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a suspension member designed to carry a slider and read/write head elements in a magnetic data storage device. The method includes forming the suspension member into a desired length and width configuration with a nominal thickness dimension. One or more pockets are formed in one or both surfaces of the suspension member. The pockets are treated by way of punch-coining or roll-coining to minimize pocket depth tolerances and introduce hardness and strength into surface areas of said pockets.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head, the thin-film magnetic head including a magnetoresistive element, first and second shield layers for shielding the magnetoresistive element, a first shield gap film provided between the magnetoresistive element and the first shield layer, and a second shield gap film provided between the magnetoresistive element and the second shield layer. The method includes the steps of forming the first shield layer, forming the first shield gap film on the first shield layer, forming the magnetoresistive element on the first shield gap film, forming the second shield gap film on the magnetoresistive element, and forming the second shield layer on the second shield gap film. At least one of the first and second shield gap films is formed by stacking a plurality of insulating films formed by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: An exemplary magnetic head assembly for use with magnetic recording media is provided. In one example, a head includes a data island associated with at least one data transducer, the data island having a width along a direction of media transport and a radius of curvature. The magnetic head further includes a mini-outrigger placed adjacent to the data island and separated by a void, wherein a width of the mini-outrigger along the direction of media transport is less than the width of the data island. Additionally, in one example, the radius of curvature of the mini-outrigger is less than the radius of curvature of the data island. The wrap angle of magnetic storage tape to the data island may be less than 3 degrees. Further, the radius of curvature of the mini-outrigger may be less than one-half the radius of curvature of the data island.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head having a shape in which a main magnetic pole layer and a sub-yoke layer are formed without a trimming operation. A neck height can be controlled with high precision, and a recording performance can be improved, whereby fringing is suppressed. Because the main magnetic pole layer and the sub-yoke layer are separately formed without the trimming operation, it is possible to easily manufacture the perpendicular magnetic recording head having a shape in which a neck height NH is determined with high precision, and the occurrence of the fringing is suppressed. Magnetic flux can be smoothly induced into the magnetic pole front end portion of the main magnetic pole layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a method of manufacturing a disk drive coupling apparatus for rigidly coupling a disk drive to a chassis of a computer. In one embodiment, a disk drive to chassis coupler is formed and a disk drive to chassis coupler engaging mechanism is created. One end of the disk drive to chassis coupler can be coupled to the chassis. The disk drive to chassis coupler engaging mechanism can be used to cause the second end of the disk drive to chassis coupler to apply pressure to the disk drive, thus, the disk drive can be rigidly coupled to the chassis.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a slider that is particularly suited for dynamic load/unload disk drive designs. This slider desirably addresses potential disk damage associated with contact between sharp edges of the slider of the disk drive and the data storage surface of a corresponding disk. Any appropriate type/configuration of a disk drive may benefit from performing read/write operations utilizing the slider of the present invention. Generally, this slider includes at least one air bearing surface which enables the slider to “fly” above the read/write surface of the disk, and at least one self-blending contact pad disposed on the lower surface of the slider to reduce the potential for contact between any portion of the slider other than the self-blending contact pad(s) and the corresponding read/write surface of the disk.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a clamping mechanism capable of clamping a magnetic disk by an accurate fastening force. In one embodiment, a magnetic disk fastening method includes the steps of: mounting a magnetic disk on a hub structure, setting a thin plate spring having a pressure-bearing part, a flexible part and a disk holding part at a predetermined position relative to the magnetic disk with the disk holding part in contact with a surface of the magnetic disk; pressing the pressure-bearing part by screwing a fastening screw in a threaded hole formed in the hub structure; measuring a deflection by which the flexible part is deflected in the pressure-bearing part pressing step; and stopping pressing the magnetic disk upon the increase of the deflection to a predetermined value.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a load beam for reading and writing a hard disk in a hard disk drive which load beam has a body having a slope extending from a front end thereof and bent along a bend line in a direction opposite to the hard disk, a tab protruding from the slope and to be guided on a guide of the hard disk drive, and a box-bent portion extending along each side edge of the body and slope and passing through an end of the bend line. A first stage is preparing a load beam material that is flat and has a deformation control zone on a section to be processed into the box-bent portion of the load beam material corresponding to the section to be processed into the bend line so as to prevent the box-bent portion from deforming and protruding when the box-bent portion is formed.

Abstract: In one aspect, an exemplary method of manufacturing a magnetic head assembly is provided. In one example, the method includes forming islands in a magnetic head structure to define a pair of mini-outriggers adjacent a data island, where the data island is separated from each mini-outrigger by a void, and a width of the data island along a direction of tape transport is greater than a width of the mini-outrigger. The method further includes lapping the head structure to remove a portion of the mini-outrigger, thereby creating a wrap angle between the tape and the surface of the data island. In one example, the lapping process reduces the mini-outrigger height relative to the data island in an adaptive manner, where the final contour and height of the mini-outrigger is influenced by the data island surface, e.g., by the width, radius of curvature, and the like.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic head including a magnetic sensing portion formed of a magnetoresistive effect element, a magnetoresistive effect magnetic head manufacturing method depositing, via a film deposition process, a lamination layer having a free layer comprised of a soft magnetic material of which the magnetization is rotated in response to an external magnetic field, a fixed layer comprised of a ferromagnetic material, an antiferromagnetic layer for fixing the magnetization of said fixed layer, a magnetic flux introducing layer with a tip end of which is opposed to a surface which is brought in contact with or opposed to a magnetic recording medium, and a spacer layer interposed between said free layer and said fixed layer; patterning at least said free layer and said fixed layer with a mask such that opposing side surfaces of said free layer and said fixed layer are formed of one continuous surface; and forming hard magnetic layers having high or low resistance for maintaining a magnetic stab

Abstract: A method for protecting a write head coil during write pole notching using ion mill resistant mask formed by reactive ion etching is disclosed. Ion mill shaping of the write pole is performed after depositing an ion mill-resistant material to protect the coil.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head. The method includes forming a first recessed portion for insulation and a second recessed portion for contact that reach the substrate through the first insulating layer from a side of the first insulating layer of the substrate having the first insulating layer thereon; forming a second insulating layer on the substrate in the first recessed portion; and forming the lower shield layer in the first recessed portion and a contact portion in the second recessed portion.

Abstract: An insulating sheet is manufactured by attaching a buffer layer and a resin film using an adhesive layer that is not adhesive at a normal ambient temperature. Since there is no need to use a release liner when manufacturing the insulating sheet, there is no release of a silicone component. Accordingly, when installing a hard disk printed wiring board, the printed wiring board and electronic circuits inside the hard disk will not be damaged by the released silicone.

Abstract: A framing assembly with lower stiffness design and a method of manufacturing that framing assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, a framing assembly pattern is cut from a piece of a thin planar material, such as metal. The pattern is then bent to form a framing assembly with a base piece, two arms, and supports for a connection plate. In an alternate embodiment, the base piece includes a rear support and a support base. In a further embodiment, excess material surrounding the pattern is cut away so as to allow the most efficient use of the material.

Abstract: A method is described which uses a CMP resistant metal layer to replace the upper dielectric layer in the track width definition phase of a TMR or CPP spin valve magnetic head. The metal which is selected to be resistant to the CMP process can be rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt), chromium (Cr), vanadium (V), etc. The additional CMP resistance of the refill layer structure provides a much larger processing window which results in higher yields. A CPP head according to the invention has a metal layer according to the invention above the hard bias structures on the sides of the sensor which define the track width.

Abstract: A method for forming a bottom spin valve sensor element with a novel seed layer and synthetic antiferromagnetic pinned layer. The novel seed layer comprises an approximately 30 angstrom thick layer of NiCr whose atomic percent of Cr is 31%. On this seed layer there can be formed either a single bottom spin valve read sensor or a symmetric dual spin valve read sensor having synthetic antiferromagnetic pinned layers. An extremely thin (approximately 80 angstroms) MnPt pinning layer can be formed directly on the seed layer and extremely thin pinned and free layers can then subsequently be formed so that the sensors can be used to read recorded media with densities exceeding 60 Gb/in2. Moreover, the high pinning field and optimum magnetostriction produces an extremely robust sensor.

Abstract: A dust core consists essentially of ferromagnetic powder; and an insulating binder, in which the ferromagnetic powder is dispersed; wherein the insulating binder is a silicone resin comprising a trifunctional alkyl-phenyl silicone resin and optionally containing an inorganic insulator such as an inorganic oxide, carbide or nitride. Preferably the alkyl-phenyl silicone resin is a methyl-phenyl silicone resin and comprises about 20 to 70 mol % of trifunctional groups. The dust core can be produced by pressure-molding a ferromagnetic powder, a lubricant and a trifunctional alkyl-phenyl silicone resin binder and heat treating the molded core at a temperature in the range of about 300 to about 800° C. for a time period in the range of about 20 minutes to about 2 hours in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The dust core has high magnetic permeability representing the direct current superimposition characteristics, has reduced core loss and has increased mechanical strength.

Abstract: A write element includes a first pole pedestal and a second pole pedestal opposing the first pole pedestal and defining a write gap between the first and second pole pedestals. A first layer of CoFeON is film positioned between the first pole pedestal and the write gap. A second layer of CoFeON film is positioned between the second pole pedestal and the write gap.

Abstract: A method for forming a high aspect ratio magnetic structure in a magnetic write head using a combination of chemical mechanical polishing and reactive ion etching.

Abstract: A horizontal combined head is provided which has both a thin film write and an MR read element located at an air bearing surface (ABS). The read element can be formed with a track width that is independent of the track width of the write element. The MR sensor or the read element is separated from one of the first and second pole pieces of the write element by an insulation layer. Accordingly, the shields for the read element remain more stable after a write operation. In one embodiment of the present invention a single stripe MR sensor is employed while in a second embodiment a dual stripe MR sensor is employed. A method of the invention includes forming the dual MR stripe in a single process step so that the dual MR stripes of the dual MR sensor are near identical for implementing near absolute common mode rejection of noise.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a magnetic transducer (head) according to the invention includes forming multilayered electrically conductive leads for the magnetic sensor which include a thin tantalum seed layer followed by a thin chromium seed layer which is followed by a thicker rhodium layer. The dual seed layer of the invention significantly improves the conductivity of the rhodium. The Ta/Cr/Rh leads can be used with hard bias structures formed on a PtMn layer without having increased resistance.

Abstract: The magnetoresistance is measured for a magnetoresistive layered-structure, such as a spin valve film, prior to formation of an upper shield layer as well as patterning of a lower shield layer. The magnetic influence of the upper and lower shield layers can completely be eliminated during the measurement of the magnetoresistance. The magnetoresistive layered-structure is allowed to reliably receive the magnetic field over a wider range including a lower magnetic field range. It is accordingly possible to measure the magnetoresistance properly reflecting the magnetic characteristic of the magnetoresistive layered-structure. It is possible to find deficiency of a magnetoresistive read element at an earlier stage of the method.

Abstract: A slider assembly is provided comprising a plurality of sliders bonded by a debondable solid encapsulant comprised of different first and second polymers The solid encapsulant is comprised of a polymer prepared by polymerizing an encapsulant fluid comprising a homogeneous mixture of first and second constituents. The first constituent is comprised of a first monomer suitable for in situ polymerization to form the first polymer. The second constituent is comprised of the second polymer or a second monomer suitable for in situ polymerization to form the second polymer. The first constituent does not substantially react with the second constituent. Each slider has a surface that is free from the encapsulant. The encapsulant-free surfaces are coplanar to each other. Also provided are methods for forming the assembly and methods for patterning a slider surface using the encapsulant.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing thin-film magnetic head sliders is disclosed. Initially, an elastic layer, which may be made of poly-dimethyl siloxane (PDMS), is spun on a wafer and is thermally cured. Then, a resist layer is spun on the elastic layer. Both the resist layer and the elastic layer are subsequently peeled off together from the wafer. Next, the peeled resist layer/elastic layer is applied onto a group of magnetic heads with the resist layer in direct contact with the magnetic heads. Finally, the elastic layer is peeled off from the resist layer such that the resist layer remains attaching to the magnetic heads.

Abstract: For high track density recording, tighter reader and writer track width control are essential. This has been achieved by using a plated NiPd write gap which is self-aligned with a plated 23 KG pole material.

Abstract: A giant magnetoresistance (GMR) magnetic head that includes a GMR read sensor with a stitched longitudinal bias (LB) stack. The GMR read sensor includes seed, pinning, pinned, spacer, sense and cap layers in a read region, and its seed and pinning layers are extended into two side regions. The LB stack is fabricated on the pinning layer in the two side regions and includes separation, seed and LB layers. The separation layer, preferably made of an amorphous film, separates the pinning layer from the seed and LB layers and thereby prevents unwanted crystalline effects of the pinning layer. Monolayer photoresist patterning and chemical mechanical polishing may be incorporated into the fabrication process of the GMR head to attain uniform thicknesses of the separation, seed and LB layers, and to align the midplane of the LB layer at the same horizontal level as the midplane of the sense layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a magnetic head with a trapezoidal shaped pole piece tip is described. The body of the main pole piece is deposited, then one or more layers for the pole piece tip are deposited. A bed material is deposited over the pole piece tip material. A void is formed in the bed material over the area for the pole piece tip. The void is filled with an ion-milling resistant material such as alumina preferably using atomic layer deposition or atomic layer chemical vapor deposition. The excess ion-milling resistant material and the bed material are removed. The result is an ion-milling mask formed over the area for the pole piece tip. Ion milling is then used to remove the unmasked material in the pole piece tip layer and to form a beveled pole piece tip and preferably a beveled face on the main pole piece.

Abstract: A patterned, synthetic, longitudinally exchange biased GMR sensor is provided which has a narrow effective trackwidth and reduced side reading. The advantageous properties of the sensor are obtained by satisfying a novel relationship between the magnetizations (M) of the ferromagnetic free layer (F1) and the ferromagnetic biasing layer (F2) which enables the optimal thicknesses of those layers to be determined for a wide range of ferromagnetic materials and exchange coupling materials. The relationship to be satisfied is MF2/MF1=(Js+Jex)/Js, where Js is the synthetic coupling energy between F1 and F2 and Jex is the exchange energy between F2 and an overlaying antiferromagnetic pinning layer. An alternative embodiment omits the overlaying antiferromagnetic pinning layer which causes the relationship to become MF2/MF1=1.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for manufacturing a magnetic head. Initially, a coil structure, a first pole layer, and a gap layer are formed. A second pole layer is then deposited to form a pair of flanking portions flanking a central portion of the second pole layer. Thereafter, the second pole layer is masked with a photoresist layer. During manufacture, the flanking portions of the second pole layer work in conjunction with the photoresist layer to substantially protect the coil structure from damage.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head capable of achieving compatibility between preventing the occurrence of side erasing and securing overwrite characteristics. When a pole portion layer as a portion where a magnetic flux is emitted is formed, a photoresist pattern is formed so that two frame portions which determine an aperture have a different width from each other, and then the photoresist pattern is heated to deform the frame portions. Thereby, the width of the aperture is gradually reduced toward a seed layer. After that, a precursor pole portion layer is formed in the aperture of the photoresist pattern, and the precursor pole portion layer is polished so as to form an air bearing surface, thereby the pole portion layer is formed so that an exposed surface exposed to the air bearing surface has an asymmetrical inverted trapezoidal shape.

Abstract: A fixture with a shaped molding may hold a first micro-actuator part and a second micro-actuator part in place for coupling while maintaining the structure of the first micro-actuator part. The first micro-actuator part and the second micro-actuator part may be a frame or a strip of piezoelectric material. A vacuum nozzle system embedded in the fixture may hold the first micro-actuator part in place. A mobile vacuum nozzle system may hold the second micro-actuator in place and positions the second micro-actuator part relative to the first micro-actuator part. A camera system may monitor the process. A dispense may apply epoxy between the first and second micro-actuator part. An ultraviolet source may provide ultraviolet radiation for curing.

Abstract: In a thin-film magnetic head having a multilayered film developing a magnetoresistive effect, which is present between an upper shielding layer and a lower shielding layer both formed above an AlTiC substrate, a recess for defining the lower shielding layer is formed in an underlayer present on a surface of the AlTiC substrate, and a lower shielding layer made of NiFe is provided in the recess. A SiO2 film is interposed between the underlayer and the lower shielding layer.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic head involves providing a partially constructed magnetic head which has a top surface formed by a front P2 pole tip, a back gap P2 pedestal, and insulator materials disposed between the front P2 pole tip and the back gap P2 pedestal; forming a layer of selectively etchable materials over the top surface of the partially constructed magnetic head, the layer having a front edge that is recessed away from an air bearing surface (ABS); forming additional insulator materials over the selectively etchable material layer and over a front portion of the front P2 pole tip; performing a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) to form a substantially coplanar top surface with the selectively etchable material layer and the additional insulator materials; etching to remove the selectively etchable material layer; and depositing yoke layer materials over the resulting structure.

Abstract: A tape head module assembly method is disclosed. A first and second module holder are placed in an initial alignment with module holder ends facing each other, the module ends each holding a tape head module. A tape wrap angle between the first and second module is set by first performing a fringe alignment and then lifting a rear end of the first and second module holder a prescribed amount. A horizontal adjuster produces a rotation for the first module holder so that gaps between the first and second modules are parallel. An alignment along a longitudinal axis for the second module holder is selected and the second module is translated laterally until the second tape head module held by the second module holder is aligned with the first tape head module held by the first module holder to provide reader-opposite-writer track-to-track registration. Then, the first and second tape head modules are joined together using a joining agent in the gap between the first and second tape head modules.

Abstract: A Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) sensor (900) having Current Perpendicular to Plane (CPP) structure is formed providing an extended first pinned layer (914) as compared to second pinned layer (912) and free layer (910). Increased magnetoresistance changes, increased pinning strength, increased thermal stability, and decreased susceptibility to Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) events is realized by maintaining equivalent current densities through free layer (910) and second pinned layer (912), while decreasing the relative current density through first pinned layer (914).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated thin film head comprises, in order to prevent short-circuit among the lead layer, upper lead layer and shield layers, a lower shield layer formed on a substrate, a lower readgap layer formed on the lower shield layer, an MR sensor layer formed on the lower readgap layer, a lead layer jointed with the MR sensor layer, an upper lead layer formed in contact with a part of the lead layer, an upper readgap layer formed to cover the MR sensor layer, lead layer and upper lead layer and an upper shield layer formed on the upper readgap layer. The part of the lead layer in contact with the upper lead layer is formed thinner than the part not contact with the upper lead layer.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head comprises first and second magnetic pole groups, magnetically connected to each other, having respective magnetic pole parts opposing each other on a side of a medium-opposing surface; a recording gap layer formed between the magnetic pole parts; and a thin-film coil insulated from the first and second magnetic pole groups and helically wound about at least one of them; which are laminated on a substrate. The thin-film coil comprises a first conductor group having a plurality of inner conductor parts disposed between the first and second magnetic pole groups, a second conductor group having a plurality of outer conductor parts disposed outside the second magnetic pole group, and a connecting part group having a plurality of connecting parts for connecting the inner conductor parts to the outer conductor parts.

Abstract: An integrated lead suspension includes a solder ball that is placed between a lead wiring pad provided on a flexure of the suspension, and a bonding pad provided on a slider of a head gimbal section. The lead wiring pad and bonding pad are soldered by melting the solder ball. As a result, there is provided a recessed section into which a solder ball is placed by way of surface raised sections, using gravitational force, in the vicinity of the center line of the surface of the lead wiring pad. In this way the position of the solder ball is not displaced from the center line when a bonding pad and lead wiring pad are connected by means of a solder ball.

Abstract: The present invention is an object to provide an apparatus or a method making it possible to easily effect connection between additional electrodes, etc. and lead electrodes when performing a processing for achieving a predetermined throat height value or crown processing or the like and making it possible to measure the requisite lapping amount. For achieving the object, a flexible electrode extension sheet is used which consists of a portion for retaining a ceramic bar in which element portions are formed and a portion where there are formed wirings respectively in correspondence with the elements and adapted to be connected to these elements, in which these wirings, which can be easily connected to an external measurement system, are electrically connected to the elements, whereby the lapping amount is easily obtained from the characteristic amount of the elements in the lapping process.

Abstract: A micro-actuator that reduces suspension tongue stiffness and a method of manufacturing the micro-actuator are disclosed. In one embodiment, the micro-actuator has a base piece with two arms extending from the base piece. The electric contact pads for the arms are situated on the exterior of the arms at the end opposite the base piece. In one embodiment, the electric contact pads are electrically coupled to the same connection plate that the magnetic read/write head is coupled to, reducing the number of connection traces.

Abstract: The magnetoresistance effect element is of a multilayered structure having at least magnetic layers and an intermediate layer of an insulating material, a semiconductor or an antiferromagnetic material against the magnetic layers, and the magnetoresistance effect element has terminals formed at least on the opposite magnetic layers, respectively, so that a current flows in the intermediate layer. The film surfaces of all the magnetic layers constituting the magnetoresistance effect element are opposed substantially at right angles to the recording surface of a magnetic recording medium. Therefore, the area of the magnetic layers facing the recording surface of the magnetic recording medium can be extremely reduced, and thus the magnetic field from a very narrow region of the high-density recorded magnetic recording medium can be detected by the current which has a tunneling characteristic and passes through the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a slider comprises the steps of: forming a slider material including a substrate, a thin-film magnetic head element and an insulating portion; forming a first surface in the slider material by etching a surface of the substrate facing toward a recording medium; forming a medium facing layer in the slider material so as to be adjacent to the first surface; and forming a medium facing surface in the slider material by lapping a surface of the medium facing layer facing toward the recording medium and a surface of the insulating portion facing toward the recording medium. The substrate has a hardness greater than that of the insulating portion. As the substrate and the medium facing layer are compared in hardness, the medium facing layer has a hardness closer to that of the insulating portion.

Abstract: A contact magnetic transfer (CMT) master template is made by first adhering a plastic film to a first surface of a silicon wafer. A resist pattern is then formed on the polyimide film and the polyimide is reactive-ion-etched through the resist to form recesses. The resist is removed and a chemical-mechanical-polishing (CMP) stop layer is deposited over the non-recessed regions of the polyimide, and optionally into the bottoms of the recesses. A layer of magnetic material is then deposited over the polyimide film to fill the recesses. A CMP process is then performed to remove magnetic material above the recesses and above the non-recessed regions and continued until the CMP stop layer is reached. The resulting upper surface of the polyimide film is then a continuous planar film of magnetic islands and regions of CMP stop layer material that function as the nonmagnetic regions of the template.