Abstract: In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes at least two modules, each of the modules having an array of transducers, wherein the at least two modules are fixed relative to each other, wherein an axis of each array is defined between opposite ends thereof, wherein the axes of the arrays are oriented about parallel to each other, wherein the array of a first of the modules is offset from the array of a second of the modules in a first direction parallel to the axis of the array of the second module such that the transducers of the first module are about aligned with the transducers of the second module in an intended direction of tape travel thereacross; and a mechanism for orienting the modules about an axis orthogonal to the plane in which the arrays reside to control a transducer pitch presented to a tape.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a write transducer and a read transducer. A controller is coupled to the write transducer and the read transducer. The controller is configured to control the write transducer to perform shingled writing where a currently written track is written over a portions of a previously written track thereby defining a shingled track comprising a remaining portion of the previously written track. The controller is also configured to read data from at least one shingled track during the shingled writing. A method according to one embodiment includes writing data in shingled tracks on a magnetic recording medium, performing a read-while-write operation for verifying the data in the shingled tracks, and concurrently reading data from previously shingled tracks.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head, the magnetic head having: a tape bearing surface having a first edge oriented perpendicular to an intended direction of tape travel thereacross; and an array of transducers in and/or adjacent the tape bearing surface, wherein a longitudinal axis of the array is defined between opposite ends thereof, wherein the longitudinal axis of the array of transducers is oriented at an angle relative to the first edge, the angle being between greater than 0.2° and about 10°.

Abstract: A method for enhancing read performance in an ARMR system includes: obtaining CTS information for a plurality of readers in a multi-reader head of the ARMR system, the CTS information defining a relationship between skew angle and CTS between respective combinations of subsets of the readers; determining, as a function of the CTS information, a given one of the combinations of subsets of the readers which provides enhanced read performance among a total number of combinations of subsets of the readers for each of a plurality of skew angles; and selecting, for subsequent processing by a read channel in the ARMR system, the given one of the combinations of subsets of the readers determined to provide enhanced read performance for a given one of the skew angles corresponding to a zone in which the multi-reader head is operating.

Abstract: A method for forming a protective overcoat onto a tape bearing surface of a tape head used for magnetic tape recording. In order to ensure optimal surface tension and liftoff properties of the ink mask, the tape bearing surface is treated with a first application of ethanol, followed by an application of polydimethylsiloxane, followed by a second application of ethanol. After this treatment an ink mask can be printed onto the tape bearing surface so as to form a mask having an opening over the location of the magnetic transducer. An etching can then be performed followed by the deposition of a protective coating such as alumina.

Abstract: A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes a module, the module having first and second transducers of different transducer types positioned towards a media facing side of the module, wherein the different transducer types are selected from a group consisting of data reader transducers, servo reader transducers, write transducers, piggyback read-write transducers and merged read-write transducers; a first protection structure for protecting the first transducer; and wherein the second transducer has either no protection or is protected by a second protection structure that is different than the first protection structure.

Abstract: A system according to one embodiment includes at least two write transducers for writing to a magnetic medium; and a low reluctance path from a first pole of a first of the write transducers to a second pole of a second of the write transducers. In another embodiment, either 1) the first pole of the first write transducer and the second pole of the second write transducer are positioned close enough to each other that a low reluctance path is present from the first pole of the first write transducer to the second pole of the second write transducer, or 2) a magnetic strap extends between the first pole of the first write transducer and the second pole of the second write transducer thereby creating a low reluctance path therebetween.

Abstract: A magnetic recording tape according to one embodiment includes at least about eight data bands, wherein each data band is defined between a pair of adjacent servo tracks, each pair of adjacent servo tracks defining only a single data band therebetween. One of the servo tracks has data encoded therein, the data including data for encryption. A magnetic recording tape according to another embodiment includes a plurality of servo tracks, each servo track comprising a series of magnetically defined bars. An average height of the bars is less than about 50 microns. About eight to about twenty six data bands are present on the tape. A tape supply cartridge according to various embodiments has a magnetic recording tape as described herein.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a synthetic antiferromagnetic device, includes depositing a reference layer on a first tantalum layer and including depositing a first cobalt iron boron layer, depositing a second cobalt iron boron layer on the first cobalt iron boron layer, depositing a second Ta layer on the second cobalt iron boron layer, depositing a magnesium oxide spacer layer on the reference layer and depositing a cap layer on the magnesium oxide spacer layer.

Abstract: A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes a module, the module having both read and write transducers positioned towards a media facing side of the module, wherein the read and write transducers are selected from a group consisting of piggyback read-write transducers, merged read-write transducers, interleaved read and write transducers, and an array of write transducers flanked by servo read transducers; wherein the write transducers include write poles having media facing sides with negative, zero or near-zero recession from a plane extending along the media facing side of a substrate of the module; wherein the read transducers each have at least one shield, wherein a media facing side of the at least one shield is more recessed from the plane than the write poles.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a magnetic head includes an inner module comprising an array of data writers; and first and second outer modules flanking the inner module. The outer modules are identical, each outer module comprising an array of data readers. A number of active data readers in each outer module is less than a number of active data writers in the inner module. For the first outer module, one of the active data readers is aliened with one of the data writers positioned towards a first end of the inner module array in the direction generally parallel to the path of tape travel thereacross. For the second outer module, one of the active data readers is aligned with one of the data writers positioned towards a second end of the inner module array in the direction generally parallel to the path of tape travel thereacross.

Abstract: A method for providing a magnetic recording transducer is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, and a magnetic shield having a top surface above the substrate. The top surface is treated by a first plasma treatment performed at a first power. An amorphous ferromagnetic (FM) layer is deposited on and in contact with the top surface to a thickness of at least 5 Angstroms and not more than 50 Angstroms. A second plasma treatment is performed at a second power. A magnetic seed layer is provided on and contact with the amorphous FM layer. The magnetic seed layer may comprise a bilayer. A nonmagnetic spacer layer is provided above the magnetic seed layer, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer provided above the spacer layer, and a read sensor provided above the AFM layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to an apparatus having a sensor with an active tunnel magnetoresistive region, magnetic shields flanking the tunnel magnetoresistive region, and gaps between the active tunnel magnetoresistive region and the magnetic shields. The active tunnel magnetoresistive region includes a free layer, a tunnel barrier layer and a reference layer. At least one of the gaps includes an electrically conductive layer having a refractory material. Other embodiments relate to an apparatus having a sensor with an active tunnel magnetoresistive region, magnetic shields flanking the tunnel magnetoresistive region, and gaps between the tunnel magnetoresistive region and the magnetic shields. The active tunnel magnetoresistive region includes a free layer, a tunnel barrier layer and a reference layer. At least one of the gaps includes an electrically conductive layer having a modified region at a media facing side thereof, the modified region being at least one of nonconductive and mechanically hardened.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head having an array of transducers. An axis of the array is defined between outermost ones of the transducers. The transducers are arranged in at least two clusters of adjacent transducers, and the transducers in each respective cluster have about a same transducer pitch. A gap is defined between proximally adjacent clusters. A width of the gap measured along the axis of the array is greater than the transducer pitch of one of the clusters. An electrical lapping guide (ELG) located in the gap or aligned with the gap orthogonally to the axis.

Abstract: A tape head system includes a read and/or write head having at least one read and/or write element configured to read from and/or write to magnetic tape and at least one electrostatic element arranged adjacent to the read and/or write element; and a controller configured to apply a potential to the at least one electrostatic element.

Abstract: A write head is provided for writing a servo pattern to a magnetic tape storage medium. The write head comprises at least a first write gap (A) and a second write gap (B), the first write gap (A) and the second write gap (B) being separately energizable. The second write gap (B) comprises at least a first section (a) and a second section (b). The first section (a) is designed such that an energization of the second write gap (B) causes a magnetic flux across the first section (a) insufficient for changing a magnetization of a track of the magnetic tape storage medium (TP) passing the first section (a) of the second write gap (B). The second section (b) is designed such that an energization of the second write gap (B) causes a magnetic flux across the second section (b) sufficient for magnetizing a track of the magnetic tape storage medium (TP) passing the second section (b) of the second write gap (B).

Abstract: A write head comprising a yoke having at least a first and a second gap and a coil for producing a magnetic field at each gap, the coil comprising a plurality of windings, wherein the windings are arranged so as to produce the same magnetic field strength at each gap and/or along each gap by use of a proximity effect between the windings and a respective gap.

Abstract: Apparatus for two dimensional data reading. In accordance with some embodiments, a magnetic read element has a plurality of read sensors positioned symmetrically about a pivot point with at least two of the read sensors configured to concurrently read two dimensional user data while being immune to skew angle misalignment.

Abstract: A method fabricates a magnetic transducer. A sacrificial leading shield is provided on an etch stop layer. A nonmagnetic layer is provided on the sacrificial leading shield. A pole trench is formed in the nonmagnetic layer and on the sacrificial leading shield. A pole is formed. The pole has a bottom and a top wider than the bottom in a pole tip region. Part of the pole in the pole tip region is in the pole trench and at the ABS location. The sacrificial leading shield and part of the nonmagnetic layer adjacent to the pole are removed. An air bridge thus resides in place of the sacrificial leading shield between the portion of the pole and the etch stop layer. As least one shield layer is provided. The at least one shield layer substantially fills the air bridge and form a monolithic shield including a leading and side shields.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reading data from a magnetic medium are provided. A system for reading data from a magnetic medium includes an electromagnetic head array, where the electromagnetic head array includes a plurality of read sensors. Each read sensor of the plurality of read sensors is configured to sense a magnetic field of the magnetic medium and to generate a signal based on the magnetic field. Circuitry is configured to combine the signals of the plurality of read sensors to generate a resulting signal. The resulting signal defines an effective read width of the electromagnetic head array, where the effective read width is narrower than a read width of any of the plurality of read sensors.

Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic recording head is provided. The method comprises the steps of forming a damascene trench comprising a lower region having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section and an upper region having a substantially rectangular cross-section, and providing a magnetic material within the damascene trench.

Abstract: A method and system provide a magnetic transducer including first and second read sensors, a shield and a conductive via. The shield is between the first and second read sensors. In one aspect, the magnetic transducer also includes first and second read shields. In this aspect, the first read shield has a read shield aperture. The conductive via extends through the read shield aperture, provides electrical contact to the shield and is insulated from the first read shield. In another aspect, the shield has first and second shield layers separated by an insulating layer. In this aspect, the second shield layer has an aperture therein. The conductive via extends through this aperture, provides electrical contact to the first shield layer and is insulated from the second shield layer.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a system includes a first device on a first substrate; a second device on a second substrate; and a device select system coupled to the first and second devices. The device select system includes: a first portion having an array of first electrical contacts; a second portion having an array of second electrical contacts, there being more second electrical contacts than first electrical contacts, the second portion being coupled to the first and second devices, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith.

Abstract: A system comprises a first tapered core configured for positioning adjacent a first surface of a magnetic medium, and a second tapered core configured for positioning adjacent a second surface of the magnetic medium, opposite the first tapered core along a travel direction of the magnetic medium. Each of the first and second tapered cores has a transverse width defined with respect to the magnetic medium, where the transverse width decreases from a first end of the tapered core to a second end of the tapered core, the second end forming a pole face adjacent the magnetic medium.

Abstract: A method for providing a magnetic transducer including an underlayer is provided. The method comprises providing a recessed region in the underlayer. The recessed region includes a front having an angle from horizontal. The angle is greater than zero and less than ninety degrees. The method further comprises providing an assist pole layer in the recessed region, providing a main pole layer, a portion of the main pole layer residing on the assist pole layer, and defining a main pole from the assist pole layer and the main pole layer.

Abstract: A module according to one embodiment includes a plurality of transducers; a tape bearing surface having a transducer region aligned with the transducers in a tape travel direction, and outer regions flanking the transducer region in a direction perpendicular to the tape travel direction; a first coating on the transducer region of the tape bearing surface; and a second coating on at least one of the outer regions of the tape bearing surface, the second coating being different than the first coating.

Abstract: A plurality of read/write heads is disclosed for a magnetic media storage system, such as, for example a magnetic tape drive. Each head can include a plurality of data channels. In addition to enhancing data throughput, the plurality of read/write heads can be aligned to read or write bands of tracks on a magnetic tape with only one positioning mode (e.g., without coarse position actuation and control), and also obtain optimum yield and crosstalk values.

Abstract: A magnetic head in one embodiment includes a first outer array of writers; a second outer array of writers; a first inner array of writers positioned between the first and second outer arrays; a second inner array of writers positioned between the first inner array and the second outer array; and an array of readers, at least some of the readers being generally aligned with the writers of the first and second outer arrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto, wherein the writers of the first inner array are misaligned with the writers of the first outer array relative to the direction of media travel.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic head. The magnetic head has a first array of data transducers; a second array of data transducers spaced from the first array; and a third array of data transducers positioned between the first and second arrays. The magnetic head is positionable between a first position and a second position. A pitch of the data transducers of at least two of the arrays presented to the tape is compatible with a first format when the magnetic head is positioned between the first and second positions. The pitch of the data transducers of at least one of the arrays is compatible with a second format when the longitudinal axis of the third array is oriented about perpendicular to the intended direction of tape travel. A data track pitch of the first format is different than the data track pitch of the second format.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a plurality of laterally spaced front blocks, a magnetic post coupling each of the front blocks to a common back bar, and a common front bar magnetically coupled to the back bar. A write gap spacer is positioned between the front bar and each of the plurality of front blocks, and a write gap element comprising write gaps couples the front bar to each front block across the write gap spacer. A coil is configured to generate magnetic flux in each magnetic post, and the front blocks are configured to direct the magnetic flux across the write gaps.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) head are described. The method and system include providing a slider, an EAMR transducer coupled with the slider, and a top layer on the slider. The top layer includes a mirror well therein and has a substantially flat top surface. The method and system further includes providing a laser including a light-emitting surface and providing a mirror optically coupled with the laser. The laser is coupled to the top surface of the top layer external to the mirror well. The mirror has a bottom surface and a reflective surface facing the light-emitting surface of the laser. A portion of the bottom surface of the mirror is affixed to the top surface of the top layer. A portion of the mirror resides in the mirror well.

Abstract: A system comprises a magnetic medium with a first magnetic gap adjacent a first side and a second magnetic gap adjacent a second side, opposite the first magnetic gap. The first magnetic gap generates first longitudinal and perpendicular field components. The second magnetic gap generates second longitudinal and perpendicular field components. The first and second longitudinal field components are substantially aligned along a recording layer of the magnetic medium, and the first and second perpendicular field components are substantially opposed across the recording layer of the magnetic medium.

Abstract: A low track pitch write module and bidirectional tape head for writing and/or reading data on a magnetic recording tape. The write module and tape head have a tape bearing surface for engaging the magnetic recording tape and plural write elements. The write elements are arranged so that the write gaps of adjacent write elements are spaced from each other by not more than approximately one write gap width, while being generally aligned along an axis that is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the magnetic recording tape. The write elements may have a planar or vertical construction comprising plural thin film layers oriented in generally parallel or perpendicular relationship with the tape bearing surface. One or more read element arrays may also be provided.

Abstract: A method fabricates a magnetic transducer having a nonmagnetic layer and an ABS location corresponding to an ABS. Etch stop and nonmagnetic etchable layers are provided. A side shield layer is provided between the ABS location and the etch stop and etchable layers. A pole trench is formed in the side shield and etchable layers. The pole trench has a pole tip region in the side shield layer and a yoke region in the etchable layer. A nonmagnetic side gap layer, at least part of which is in the pole trench, is provided. A remaining portion of the pole trench has a location and profile for a pole and in which at least part of the pole is formed. A write gap and trailing shield are provided. At least part of the write gap is on the pole. At least part of the trailing shield is on the write gap.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to magnetic tape heads are provided. A first process forms a first read module on a substrate in accordance with a prior generation recording format. A second process, different than the first, forms a second read module on a substrate in accordance with a present generation recording format. The first and second read modules are directly bonded in parallel such that a single continuous tape reading zone is defined. Write modules can be formed and disposed on opposite sides of and aligned with the tape reading zone. Bidirectional read/write heads, having backward reading compatibility, can be made and used accordingly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic transducer is described. The method includes providing a negative mask having a bottom, a plurality of sides, and a top wider than the bottom. The method also includes depositing a nonmagnetic layer on the negative mask. The nonmagnetic layer has a plurality of portions covering the plurality of sides of the negative mask. The method also includes providing a first mask having a first trench therein. The negative mask resides in the first trench. The method further includes depositing side shield material(s), at least a portion of which resides in the first trench. The method further includes removing the negative mask to create a second trench between the plurality of portions of the nonmagnetic layer and form a pole, at least a portion of which resides in the second trench.

Abstract: A magnetic device according to one embodiment includes a source of flux; a magnetic pole having two or more gaps; and a low reluctance path positioned towards at least one of the gaps and riot positioned towards at least one other of the gaps for affecting a magnetic field formed at the at least one of the gaps when the source of flux is generating flux. Other disclosed embodiments include devices having coil turns with a non-uniform placement in the magnetic yoke for altering a magnetic field formed at the at least one of the gaps during writing. In further embodiments, a geometry of the magnetic pole near or at one of the gaps is different than a geometry of the magnetic pole near or at another of the gaps to help equalize fields formed at the gaps when the source of flux is generating flux.

Abstract: Apparatus for two dimensional data reading. In accordance with some embodiments, a magnetic read element has a plurality of read sensors positioned symmetrically about a pivot point with at least two of the read sensors configured to concurrently read two dimensional user data while being immune to skew angle misalignment.

Abstract: A servo write apparatus, comprising a first servo write head configured to only encode a single first magnetic dibit onto a magnetic information storage medium, wherein the first magnetic dibit comprises a first azimuthal slope. The servo write apparatus further comprises a second servo write head configured to encode one or more second magnetic dibits onto a magnetic information storage medium, wherein the second magnetic dibit comprises a second azimuthal slope, wherein the first azimuthal slope differs from the second azimuthal slope.

Abstract: A manner for stabilizing the shield domain structure is described that employs the magnetic field of a hard bias layer. More particularly, it has been found that the shield domain structure is stabilized when the height of the hard bias layer in the depth direction is made substantially half the height of upper shield layer. In another embodiment of the invention, a stabilizing structure is provided at approximately the midpoint of the shield in order to fix the closure domain of the shield to the desired two-domain structure. In an embodiment of the invention, the stabilizing structure is made convex or concave as viewed from the air-bearing surface.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic recording head is fabricated by forming a substrate from opposing ferrite blocks which have a ceramic member bonded between them. This structure is then diced to form a plurality of columns, wherein each column has a ferrite/ceramic combination. Each column represents a single channel in the completed head. A block of ceramic is then cut to match the columned structure and the two are bonded together. The bonded structure is then cut or ground until a head is formed, having ceramic disposed between each channel. A ferrite back-gap is then added to each channel, minimizing the reluctance of the flux path. The thin film is patterned on the head to optimize various channel configurations.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording head of a disk drive includes a main pole configured to generate a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to a recording layer of a recording medium, a write shield magnetic pole opposite to a trailing side of the main pole with a gap, a coil configured to excite a magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit, and a high-frequency oscillator provided between a tip portion of the main pole on a side of the recording medium and the write shield magnetic pole to generate a high-frequency magnetic field. The write shield magnetic pole includes an end face opposite to the high-frequency oscillator and the end face is formed so that a distance from the main pole increases with an increasing distance from the recording medium.

Abstract: A tape drive system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head. The magnetic head includes first and second beams each having a tape bearing surface, a face, a recess in the tape bearing surface thereof, the faces of the beams facing either towards each other or away from each other; a first chip being positioned in the recess of the first beam; and a second chip being positioned in the recess of the second beam, wherein each chip has circuitry selected from a group consisting of read elements, write elements, and combinations thereof, wherein a tape bearing surface of each chip is generally aligned with the tape bearing surface of the associated beam, and wherein an end of each chip is generally aligned with the face of the associated beam. The system also includes a drive mechanism and a controller.

Abstract: A magnetic device according to one embodiment includes a source of flux; a magnetic pole coupled to the source of flux, the magnetic pole having two or more gaps; and a low reluctance path positioned towards at least one of the gaps and not positioned towards at least one other of the gaps for affecting a magnetic field formed at the at least one of the gaps when the source of flux is generating flux. Other disclosed embodiments include devices having coil turns with a non-uniform placement in the magnetic yoke for altering a magnetic field formed at the at least one of the gaps during writing. In further embodiments, a geometry of the magnetic pole near or at one of the gaps is different than a geometry of the magnetic pole near or at another of the gaps to help equalize fields formed at the gaps when the source of flux is generating flux.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write pole of a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. A magnetic write pole material is deposited, followed by union milling hard mask, a polymer mask under-layer followed by a dielectric hard mask material, followed by a photoresist. The photoresist is patterned to define a write pole shape and the shape of the patterned photoresist is transferred onto the underlying dielectric hard mask by a novel reactive ion etching that is performed in a chemistry that includes one or more fluorine containing gases and He. The presence of He in the reactive ion etching tool helps to improve the profile of the patterned dielectric hard mask. In addition, RIE parameters such a gas ratio (e.g. CF4 to CHF3 gas ratio) and power ratio (e.g. source power to bias power) are adjusted to optimize the profile of the patterned dielectric mask.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fabricating a bond pad for electrically connecting a laser diode to a slider and a TAR head in a HDD. The bond pad is deposited on a surface of the head that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface (ABS). The head is diced and lapped to expose the bond pad on a top surface of the head and mounted on a slider. The laser diode and a sub-mount may be coupled to the top surface of the slider—i.e., the surface opposite the ABS—by connecting to the bond pads. Specifically, both the laser diode and the sub-mount have electrodes thereon that are perpendicular to the bond pads. Conductive bonding material is used to bond the laser diode and the sub-mount to the bond pads.

Abstract: A disk drive device includes a hub, a base plate, and a bearing unit. The bearing unit includes a shaft housing member, joined to the hub, having a through-hole in the center, a shaft having a smaller diameter section and a larger diameter section, a radial dynamic pressure grooves, and a lubricant agent. The opening shape of bearing hole of the base plate is so formed as to be larger than the outer shape of the larger diameter section. In the bearing unit, the larger diameter section of the bearing unit is fixed by a hardening resin present between the bearing unit and the bearing hole.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) head are described. The method and system include providing a slider, an EAMR transducer coupled with the slider, and a top layer on the slider. The top layer includes a mirror well therein and has a substantially flat top surface. The method and system further includes providing a laser including a light-emitting surface and providing a mirror optically coupled with the laser. The laser is coupled to the top surface of the top layer external to the mirror well. The mirror has a bottom surface and a reflective surface facing the light-emitting surface of the laser. A portion of the bottom surface of the mirror is affixed to the top surface of the top layer. A portion of the mirror resides in the mirror well.

Abstract: A write head comprising a yoke having at least a first and a second gap and a coil for producing a magnetic field at each gap, the coil comprising a plurality of windings, wherein the windings are arranged so as to produce the same magnetic field strength at each gap and/or along each gap by use of a proximity effect between the windings and a respective gap.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a magnetic head comprises an inner module comprising an array of data readers; and first and second outer modules flanking the inner module. The outer modules are identical, each outer module comprising an array of data writers. A number of active data writers in each outer module is less than a number of active data readers in the inner module. For the first outer module, one of the active data writers is aligned with one of the data reader positioned towards a first end of the inner module array in a direction generally parallel to the path of tape travel thereacross. For the second outer module, one of the active data writers is aligned with one of the data readers positioned towards a second end of the inner module array in the direction generally parallel to the path of tape travel thereacross.