Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic head, including the steps of forming a magnetic body on a substrate, the magnetic body including a principal plane facing the substrate and a rear plane opposite to the principal plane; applying a beam to the rear plane of the magnetic body and forming a portion defining a hole extending from the rear plane to the principal plane; forming a magnetic gap in the hole; and separating the magnetic body and the magnetic gap from the substrate and forming medium facing surface substantially coplanar with the principal plane.

Abstract: A narrow track width read sensor having a high magnetoresistive sensitivity is made using a self-aligned process which requires the use of only a single resist mask. A plurality of sensor layers is deposited over a substrate. After forming a resist mask in the central region, first lead layers are deposited in the end regions and over the resist mask. Using the resist mask, ion milling is performed such that the first lead layers and sensor layers in the end regions are substantially removed but sensor layers in the central region remain, to thereby form a read sensor having lead overlays on the edges thereof. Hard bias and second lead layers are then deposited in the end regions and over the resist mask. After the resist mask is removed, the top of the read sensor may be oxidized through an exposure to oxygen plasma.

Abstract: An inductive write element is disclosed for use in a magnetic data recording system. The write element provides increased data rate and data density capabilities through improved magnetic flux flow through the element. The write element includes a magnetic yoke constructed of first and second magnetic poles. The first pole includes a pedestal constructed of a high magnetic moment (high Bsat) material, which is preferably FeRhN nanocrystalline films with lamination layers of CoZrCr. The second pole includes a thin inner layer of high Bsat material (also preferably FeRhN nanocrystalline films with lamination layers of CoZrCr), the remainder being constructed of a magnetic material capable of being electroplated, such as a Ni—Fe alloy. An electrically conductive coil passes through the yoke between the first and second poles to induce a magnetic flux in the yoke when an electrical current is caused to flow through the coil.

Abstract: A recording head for use with magnetic recording media has an improved structure, made by a simplified manufacturing process. The electrically insulating materials within the recording head are inorganic. The insulating materials are vacuum deposited, with no need to use a hard bake process that would be required for use of organic insulators. In one embodiment, the write gap is first masked, and then the coil is deposited on the write gap. A slightly larger area is then exposed within the mask, permitting insulation to be deposited over the coil. In a second embodiment, the coil and associated insulation are deposited and then milled to have a tapered configuration. This recording head also places the writing pole on a very flat surface, thereby allowing plated or deposited films to be easily manufactured to correspond to narrow track widths.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head which can exhibit a high-performance head characteristic without complicating the manufacturing procedure. A coil connection is integrated into one body and constituted part of the thin film coil. A connection middle pattern is provided on the coil connection at the time of forming a pole tip so that the position of the upper surface of the connection middle pattern becomes higher than that of the top pole tip. After the whole portion is covered by an insulating film, the connection middle pattern also can be exposed by polishing the surface of the insulating film until the top pole tip is exposed. Therefore, unlike the case where no connection middle pattern is provided, it is not necessary to form an opening by partially removing part of the insulating film. As a result, the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive read head which reduces electrostatic discharge and allows measurement of gap resistances in the head.

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 thin film magnetic head includes a magnetic lower core layer, a magnetic upper core layer, a coil layer, for inducing a recording magnetic field in the lower core layer and the upper core layer, formed so as to go around the base of the upper core layer, and a planarizing layer formed in the periphery of the lower core layer, excluding the section exposed to the air bearing surface, so that the surface of the planarizing layer is level with the surface of the lower core layer, the coil layer being formed from on the lower core layer to on the planarizing layer. A method of producing a thin film magnetic head is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exchange-coupled magnetic structure of a cobalt-ferrite layer adjacent a magnetic metal layer is used in magnetorestive sensors, such as spin valves or tunnel junction valves. The exchange-coupled magnetic structure is used in a pinning structure pinning the magnetization of a ferromagnetic pinned layer, or in an AP pinned layer. A low coercivity ferrite may be used in an AP free layer. Cobalt-ferrite layers may be formed by co-sputtering of Co and Fe in an oxygen/argon gas mixture, or by sputtering of a CoFe2 composition target in an oxygen/argon gas mixture. Alternatively, the cobalt-ferrite layer may be formed by evaporation of Co and Fe from an alloy source or separate sources along with a flux of oxygen atoms from a RF oxygen atom beam source. Magnetoresistive sensors including cobalt-ferrite layers have small read gaps and produce large signals with high efficiency.

Abstract: A TMR element includes: a free layer formed on a lower gap layer; a tunnel barrier layer formed on the free layer; and a pinned layer formed on the tunnel barrier layer. The pinned layer and the tunnel barrier layer have sidewalls formed through etching. The TMR element further comprises a deposition layer made of a material that is separated by etching and deposits on the sidewalls and undergoes oxidation.

Abstract: A method of bonding spacers to an anode plate of a field emission display. An anode plate having separate phosphor regions is provided, wherein a black matrix material is provided to separate the phosphor regions from one another. A magnetic layer is formed on the black matrix material. A thin metal film is formed on the anode plate and the magnetic layer. Spacers are disposed on the metal film above the black matrix material. An electromagnetic induction procedure is performed to heat the magnetic layer and thus serves as a heating source to produce heat, wherein the heat goes through the metal film to heat the spacers. A direct current (D.C.) electric field procedure is performed to bond the spacers to the metal film above the black matrix material.

Abstract: One of the major requirements for higher frequency extendability is to reduce yoke length and inductance in order to have fast saturation. This has been accomplished by using a design that provides a cavity in the lower pole piece inside which is located at least two coils, one on top of the other. A process for manufacturing the device is also described.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording head includes a main magnetic pole layer having an inverted trapezoidal cross-section at the face opposing a recording medium. The main magnetic pole layer is formed by plating in a groove which is formed in a resist layer. The width of the resist layer in the track width direction gradually increases from the bottom to the top of the resist layer. This tapered groove is formed by annealing a nontapered groove or controlling the patterning precision of the resist layer. The inverted trapezoidal main magnetic pole layer prevents side fringing when the perpendicular magnetic recording head has a skew angle.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive device having a first pole, a second pole, and a first tapered pole pedestal therebetween and magnetically connected to the second pole. The first tapered pole has a width that increases with increasing distance away from the air bearing surface, ABS. The magnetoresistive device can also include a second tapered pole pedestal magnetically connected to the first pole, and separated from the first tapered pole pedestal by a write gap. The second tapered pole pedestal has a width that increases with increasing distance away from the air bearing surface. A method of the present invention includes defining the trackwidth of a write element by lapping a tapered pole pedestal. More specifically, the trackwidth is given by a known taper angle, a zero throat width, and a throat height, wherein the throat height is controlled precisely by lapping.

Abstract: A manufacturing method achieves excellent magnetic recording characteristics by sequentially sputtering a non-magnetic under-layer, a non-magnetic intermediate layer, and a magnetic layer on a non-magnetic substrate in an atmosphere of H2O partial pressure of 2×10−10 Torr or lower. This process allows beneficial deposition of the magnetic layer and reduces raw materials costs. The magnetic layer includes ferromagnetic grains and non-magnetic grain boundaries. The intermediate layer has a hexagonal close-packed crystal structure. The manufacturing method allows manufacture of a high quality magnetic recording medium without a heating step thereby allowing use of lower cost materials, reduces manufacturing time, and increases savings.

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: A slider/suspension design and assembly method include securing a slider to a suspension assembly for use in a magnetic disk drive data recording device. To this end, a solder fillet bond is applied at the leading edge surface of the slider to provide a structural connection of the slider to the flexure, while also enabling the slider-suspension assembly to be separated without damage during the process. The slider/suspension assembly is initiated by forming a plurality of sliders on a wafer, in such a manner that the trailing edge surfaces of the sliders form the front side of the wafer, and the leading edge surfaces of the sliders form the backside of the wafer. A plurality of thin film data transducing elements and a plurality of electrical contact pads are then formed on the wafer front side.

Abstract: A fluid-jet printhead has a substrate having at least one layer defining a fluid chamber for ejecting fluid. The printhead also includes a resistive layer disposed between the fluid chamber and the substrate wherein the fluid chamber has a smooth planer surface between the fluid chamber and the substrate. The printhead has a conductive layer disposed between the resistive layer and the substrate wherein the conductive layer and the resistive layer are in direct parallel contact. The conductive layer forms at least one void creating a planar resistor in the resistive layer. The planar resistor is aligned with the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A method for forming top and bottom spin valve sensors and the sensors so formed, the sensors having a strongly coupled SyAP pinned layer and an ultra-thin antiferromagnetic pinning layer. The two strongly coupled ferromagnetic layers comprising the SyAP pinned layer in the top valve configuration are separated by a Ru spacer layer approximately 3 angstroms thick, while the two layers in the bottom spin valve configuration are separated by a Rh spacer layer approximately 5 angstroms thick. This allows the use of an ultra thin MnPt antiferromagnetic pinning layer of thickness between approximately 80 and approximately 150 angstroms. The sensor structure produced thereby is suitable for high density applications.

Abstract: The invention allows a thin-film magnetic head that meets specifications required by the customer to be provided in a short period of time and manufacturing costs to be reduced. A slider of a magnetic head of the invention comprises two thin-film magnetic head element portions formed near an end face orthogonal to the direction of air flow. On the end face four pad-shaped electrodes are provided for electrically connecting the two head element portions to an external device. The electrodes are selectively connected to one of the head element portions through four conductors.

Abstract: A merged magnetic head has a top first pole tip layer and a bottom second pole tip layer which are located entirely between an air bearing surface and a coil layer. A write gap layer separates the pole tip layers from one another at the ABS. A zero throat height (ZTH) defining layer is located adjacent the top gap layer between the pole tip layers and is recessed from the ABS so as to further separate the pole tip layers from one another at a location recessed from the ABS so as to define the zero throat height of the write head where the first and second pole pieces first commence to separate from one another after the ABS.

Abstract: A method for making a thin-film magnetic head having a magnetoresistive effect element wherein an insulating layer is formed under an electrode layer of a magnetoresistive effect element with a lower gap layer interposed therebetween. As a result, the distance between the electrode layer and the lower shielding layer becomes longer, thus permitting maintenance of a satisfactory electrical insulation.

Abstract: When manufacturing a thin film magnetic head, a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole are magnetically coupled and face each other in a recording-medium-facing surface. A gap layer is in between the first and second magnetic pole. A thin film coil for generating magnetic flux is also included. A first magnetic layer is formed. A first magnetic pole is then formed on the first magnetic layer so as to be magnetically coupled to part of the first magnetic layer. A first insulating layer is formed with an inorganic material extendedly from a surface of the first magnetic pole opposite to the recording-medium-facing surface to a top surface of the first magnetic layer. The gap layer is formed on the first magnetic pole. Then the second magnetic pole is formed on the gap layer longer than the first magnetic pole. The second magnetic layer is formed so as to be magnetically coupled to part of the second magnetic pole.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head includes a lower shielding layer composed of a magnetic material; a nonmagnetic MR gap layer on the lower shielding layer; a magnetoresistive element layer in the MR gap layer facing a recording medium; a lower core layer composed of a magnetic material on the MR gap layer; an upper core layer composed of a magnetic material being opposed to the lower core layer with a nonmagnetic gap layer therebetween at the surface facing the recording medium; and a coil layer for inducing a recording magnetic field in the lower core layer and the upper core layer. Alternatively, a thin film magnetic head further includes a first magnetic material layer in the rear of the lower shielding layer, magnetically separated from the lower shielding layer. A method of fabricating the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making provides a smooth surface of a pinned or free layer interfacing a barrier layer in a tunnel junction sensor wherein the smooth surface is an oxidized monolayer of the pinned or free layer. After sputter depositing the pinned or free layer the layer is subjected to an oxygen (O2) atmosphere which is extremely low for a very short duration. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a partial thickness of the barrier layer is provided with a smooth surface by the same process after which a remainder thickness of the barrier layer is deposited and the barrier layer is exposed to oxygen (O2) to form an oxide of the deposited metal.

Abstract: A triple antiparallel (AP) coupled free layer structure is located between first and second pinned layer structures in a dual spin valve sensor. The triple AP coupled free layer structure includes first, second and third antiparallel (AP) coupled ferromagnetic free layers and nonmagnetic first and second antiparallel (AP) coupling layers. The first AP coupling layer is located between and interfaces the first and second AP coupled free layers and the second AP coupling layer is located between and interfaces the second and third AP coupled free layers. Magnetic moments of the first and third AP coupled free layers are parallel with respect to one another and, because of a strong antiparallel coupling, the second AP coupled free layer pins magnetic moments of the first and third AP coupled free layers antiparallel thereto.

Abstract: In processing a head unit in which a head relative height Y is Y′ with a grinding amount &Dgr;GD of &Dgr;GD′, the relationship between distances Bo between a vertex of a curved surface as a front face of a head chip and a head gap before and after grinding the front face of the head chip and a gap depth dimension GD, is predetermined with respect to a head unit in which the head relative height is substantially equal to Y′, through which Bo1 as the value of Bo before grinding corresponding to a target value of the value of Bo after grinding is determined and used as Bo1 of the head unit in which the head relative height Y is Y′. Thus, grinding of the front face of the head chip is conducted after Bo1 corresponding to the target value is determined. Hence, a head unit with the value of Bo after grinding falling within the range of standard values can be manufactured efficiently, and accordingly the yield can be improved.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head which enables dimensional control of a pole width and enables reducing the time required to form the pole width. After a top pole chip precursory layer made of iron nitride is formed by sputtering, a surface of the top pole chip precursory layer is polished and flattened. A first mask precursory layer and a photoresist film are formed in sequence on the flattened top pole chip precursory layer. A photoresist pattern having an opening is formed by selectively exposing and patterning the photoresist film by photolithography. The surface of the top pole chip precursory layer is polished and flattened, and thus a surface of the first mask precursory layer formed over the top pole chip precursory layer is also flat. Thus, pattern deformation resulting from light reflected from an underlayer during exposure is prevented, and therefore the opening of the photoresist pattern can be formed with high accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an enhanced double tunnel junction sensor which utilizes an enhancement layer(s) to enhance magnetoresistance (MR coefficient) and resonant tunneling. Additionally, a combined read/write head and disk drive system is disclosed utilizing the enhanced double tunnel junction sensor of the present invention. The enhancement layers improve the resonant tunneling and boost the MR coefficient to achieve a higher tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) for the structure with applied dc bias. This is accomplished by using enhancement layers that create a quantum well between the enhancement layer and the pinned layer, which causes resonance, enhancing the tunneling electrons. By doing this, the tunneling constraints on the free layer are decoupled, allowing the free layer to be made thicker which results in reducing or eliminating free layer magnetic saturation caused by an external magnetic source.

Abstract: An inkjet printing device employs an inkjet printhead with a plurality of drop generators to eject drops of ink. Each drop generator includes a planar heater resistor, a protection layer having a first heating surface on the heater resistor and a second heating surface entirely surrounding the first heater surface on the heater resistor, and an ink ejection nozzle. The drop generator vaporizes ink at the first heating surface and ejects a drop of ink of a first mass from the nozzle when a first range of energies is applied to the heater resistor. The drop generator vaporizes ink at the first heating surface and the second heating surface and ejects a drop of ink of a second mass from the nozzle when a second range of energies is applied to the heater resistor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head allowing high performance head characteristics to be achieved without complicating manufacturing steps. At the same time an insulating film pattern defining a throat height TH is formed, an insulating film pattern is formed. When a thin film coil is formed, a coil connection portion integral with the thin film coil is simultaneously formed on the insulating film pattern, so that an upper surface of the coil connection portion is positioned higher than that of thin film coil. After covering the entire surface with an insulating film, a surface of the insulating film is polished until both of an upper connection portion and the coil connection portion are exposed, so that only the coil connection portion can be exposed while the thin film coil remains unexposed.

Abstract: A merged magnetic head has a top first pole tip layer and a bottom second pole tip layer which are located entirely between an air bearing surface and a coil layer. A write gap layer separates the pole tip layers from one another at the ABS. A zero throat height (ZTH) defining layer is located adjacent the top gap layer between the pole tip layers and is recessed from the ABS so as to further separate the pole tip layers from one another at a location recessed from the ABS so as to define the zero throat height of the write head where the first and second pole pieces first commence to separate from one another after the ABS.

Abstract: In a magnetoresistive head, a marking layer is formed on at least one of the upper side of an upper shielding layer and the lower side of a lower shielding layer so as to be opposed to a magnetoresistive sensor layer. The leading ends of the magnetoresistive sensor layer and the marking layer are exposed at a medium-sliding surface on which a recording medium slides, and the leading end of the marking layer is shaped so that the length thereof in the widthwise direction is equal to the length from the leading end to the rear end of the magnetoresistive sensor layer. The center in the widthwise direction of the marking layer is placed on a straight line which intersects the magnetoresistive sensor layer via the center in the widthwise direction of the magnetoresistive sensor layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a composite type thin-film magnetic head with a reading head element and an inductive writing head element, includes a step of forming the reading head element and its lead conductor layers on a first insulation layer, a step of forming a second insulation layer to cover the reading head element and the lead conductor layers, a step of forming a second shield layer on the second insulation layer, a step of forming a third insulation layer, and a step of forming via holes and a back gap hole. The via holes and back gap hole forming step is executed by reactive ion etching (RIE) for simultaneously removing the second insulation layer and the third insulation layer located at the via holes and the third insulation layer located at the back gap hole.

Abstract: A test simulation circuit includes a simulated read/write head with a magnet shield and a magnetoresistive sensor exposed at a lapped surface. The test simulation circuit also includes first and second electrical test path connected respectively to the magnet shield and the magnetoresistive sensor. The second electrical test path is electrically isolated from the first electrical test path.

Abstract: An inductive pinched-gap thin film head (TFH) device having pole-tips which are in substantial contact along their side-edges, thereby precisely defining a pinched-gap segment. The substantial contact between the pole-tips' side-edges effectively eliminates all flux lines emanating from the edges and corners during the write operation. The write magnetic field is thus precisely confined to across the pinched-gap segment. As a result, the written medium track width is accurately defined by the width of the pinched-gap segment with high degree of magnetization coherency and virtual elimination of the track-edge noise. The improved (medium) signal-to-noise ratio facilitates substantial increase of the track density. Photolithographic definition and etching of the gap-vias to the bottom pole-tip, followed by deposition of the top pole-tip, facilitates precise and consistent control of the width of the pinched-gap segment (and the written track) drawn to ≦1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head having a short magnetic path length by reducing a spacing between successive coil windings of a thin film coil to improve flux rising time, NLTS and overwrite characteristics, is efficiently manufactured on a mass scale by forming a write gap layer on a first magnetic layer having a pole portion of the thin film magnetic head opposing to a magnetic record medium, forming, on the write gap layer, a seed layer made of a material which can be easily removed by a reactive ion etching such as Ti—TiN, Mo, W, Al, Ti—TiW, MoSi2 and WSi2, forming coil windings of the thin film coil by electroplating a copper after forming a photoresist having coil-shaped openings formed therein, removing the photoresist, removing selectively the exposed seed layer by the reactive ion etching using a fluorine or chlorine gas, and covering the coil windings with a photoresist.

Abstract: A method for forming a gap of a planar thin film magnetic head and a planar thin film magnetic head formed thereby, includes a photoresist having a stepped surface is formed at one side from the center of a gap spacer pedestal. Also, a gap spacer of a diamond-like carbon material for forming the gap is formed at a side well of the photoresist, and one side of an upper pole piece is formed with a magnetic material over the other side from the center of the gap spacer pedestal. Further, the photoresist is etched and the other side of the upper pole piece is formed with a magnetic material over the exposed gap spacer pedestal.

Abstract: A method makes a magnetic head at first, second, third, fourth and fifth regions on a substrate including forming a read sensor material layer in all regions, forming a first capping layer on the read sensor material layer in all regions, removing the first capping layer and the sensor material layer in all regions except the first, second and third regions wherein the first region is definable by a read sensor and the second and third regions abut opposite side edges of the first region, forming a low resistance material lead layer and a second capping layer in the fourth and fifth regions wherein the fourth and fifth regions abut the second and third regions respectively, selectively removing portions of the first capping layer in the second and third regions, selectively removing portions of the read sensor material layer in the second and third regions and portions of the second capping layer in the fourth and fifth regions and forming a high resistance material lead layer in the second, third, fourth and