Abstract: A magnetic data system according to one embodiment includes a head having a plurality of readers formed above a common substrate, each reader further comprising a shield and a sensor, a bias circuit associated with each reader for passing a bias current through the sensor thereof, wherein the bias circuits are floating. A charge clamp electrically couples each shield to the associated bias circuit. A shield biasing circuit is operatively coupled to each shield for setting a potential of the shield independently of the bias current.

Abstract: A filled-gap magnetic recording head is provided comprising a flat or cylindrical contour head having a row of magnetic transducers in a gap region disposed between a rowbar substrate and a closure. The gap region is intentionally recessed to have a predetermined recess profile below a tape support surface. An electrical insulation layer is deposited on the tape support surface and on the recess profile of the gap region. The insulation layer prevents electrical shorting between the magnetic transducers and other conductive elements in the gap due to accumulations of conductive debris from the magnetic recording tape. A method of making the filled-gap magnetic recording head by intentionally recessing the gap region, cleaning the recessed profile and depositing an insulator layer is provided.

Abstract: A main magnetic pore layer is formed on an insulating layer flattened into a high-flatness surface, and a yoke layer having a large film thickness is formed under the main magnetic pole layer independently of the main magnetic pole. The main magnetic pole layer has a front end surface formed in a shape with a width size gradually increasing in a direction of track width as the front end surface departs farther away from an auxiliary magnetic pole layer. A perpendicular magnetic recording head can be provided which can suppress the occurrence of fringing in a recording pattern, and can form the main magnetic pole layer with high pattern accuracy, and can satisfactorily introduce a recording magnetic field to a fore end of the main magnetic pole layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording that includes a pole layer and a pole-layer-encasing layer. The method includes the steps of: forming a nonmagnetic layer that will be formed into the pole-layer-encasing layer; forming a polishing stopper layer on the top surface of the nonmagnetic layer, the polishing stopping layer being made of a nonmagnetic conductive material and having a penetrating opening with a shape corresponding to the plane geometry of the pole layer; forming a groove in the nonmagnetic layer by selectively etching a portion of the nonmagnetic layer exposed from the opening; forming a magnetic layer to be the pole layer such that the groove is filled; and polishing the magnetic layer until the polishing stopper layer is exposed, so that the magnetic layer is formed into the pole layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for erasing data storage tape for reuse. In an embodiment, an erase head module for erasing data storage tape comprises a set of erase gaps and one or more servo read elements. The set of erase gaps is configured to coincide with data bands of the data storage tape to allow erasure of only the data bands of the data storage tape while not erasing servo bands of the data storage tape. The one or more servo read elements detect one of the servo bands of the data storage tape when the set of erase gaps are proximate the data bands of the data storage tape to allow the erase head module to accurately track the data bands with the set of erase gaps.

Abstract: A perpendicular write head includes a main pole comprising a Durimide/Alumina hard mask formed over a laminate layer process to form the main pole without using a liftoff or chemical mechanical polishing process, thereby avoiding rounding corners of the pole, the main pole being controlled in shape for improved control of critical dimension of track width and angle of the bevel to avoid undesirable adjacent track writing.

Abstract: A read/write head for a disk drive having a shorting conductor from a shield of the read element to a conductor that runs from the write element to an external electrical contact pad. This allows for the measurement of the electrical isolation between the read sensor and the read shield via the external contact pads. Such a capability allows the electrical isolation to be measured both during the lapping process and subsequent to the heads being diced into separate sliders. This shorting conductor may be in the form of an internal shorting stud or in the form of an interim conductor that passes through the parting zone between adjacent heads. In the latter case, the shorting conductor is broken when the heads are diced so that a head of this embodiment can only be measured for electrical isolation prior to dicing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The method includes the formation of a write pole over a substrate. A non-magnetic side gap layer is deposited and an ion milling is used to remove a portion of the substrate to lower the floor of the substrate. A sacrificial fill layer can then be deposited. A chemical mechanical polishing process can be used to remove the mask structure remaining as a remnant of the formation of the write pole, and then the sacrificial fill layer can be removed. A non-magnetic, electrically conductive material can be deposited to form a tailing gap, an a magnetic material can then be deposited to form a wrap around trailing shield.

Abstract: Methods for forming write heads. One method includes forming a mask layer above a pole tip layer; forming a layer of resist above the mask layer; patterning the resist; removing portions of the mask layer not covered by the patterned resist; shaping a pole tip from the pole tip layer; depositing a layer of dielectric material above the pole tip and flux shaping layer, wherein the layer of dielectric material extends about adjacent to the mask layer; depositing a stop layer over the dielectric material, the stop layer abutting the mask layer; and polishing for forming a substantially planar upper surface comprising the mask layer and stop layer. Another method includes depositing a layer of dielectric material at least adjacent the pole tip, wherein the layer of dielectric material extends about adjacent to the mask layer. A further method includes forming dishing in the pole tip.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic write head having a notched, self aligned trailing shield for canting a magnetic field emitted therefrom.

Abstract: An arbitrary gap thin film magnetic recording head is fabricated by forming a substrate based on traditional vertical planar thin film head wafer technology which is designed to produce an integrated subgap and subpole substrate structure. The recording head includes a pair of magnetically permeable thin film subpoles, separated by a low permeability subgap structure. An electrically conductive coil may be embedded, in part, within the subgap structure. Thus, the subpoles and subgap structure form part of a magnetic circuit. A highly permeable magnetic surface film spans from one subpole to the other having one or more arbitrary gap patterns. That is, a surface thin film is deposited and patterned on the tape bearing surface of the head to optimize various element configurations, gap patterns and head-to-tape medium contact.

Abstract: The structure for a closely spaced, coplanar tape head array is disclosed. Narrow pitch is obtained by utilizing an overlapping coil structure, wherein write coils of adjacent heads overlap. The overlap is made possible by placing coils of adjacent heads at different levels within the thin film structure, separated by dielectric insulating layers.

Abstract: A servo write head that provides fast servo pattern writing and improved tape manufacturing speed is provided. The write head may be fabricated using thin-film fabrication techniques. A coil is formed on a bottom pole of the write head. The coil has a plurality of turns that enable the write head to generate a magnetic field sufficient for writing data with reduced current. The inductance of the coil is reduced due to its small dimensions. Reduced inductance of the coil may enable increased switching frequency of the write head, allowing data to be written at a higher frequency. The write head includes a planar top pole coupled to the bottom pole. The top pole has more than one write gap is formed therein.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a pole for a magnetic recording head. The method and system include providing an insulator and fabricating at least one hard mask on the insulator. The at least one hard mask has an aperture therein. The method and system also include removing a portion of the insulator to form a trench within the insulator. The trench is formed under the aperture. The method and system further include depositing at least one ferromagnetic material. The pole includes a portion of the ferromagnetic material within the trench.

Abstract: Disclosed is a head system including a plurality of recording heads for azimuth recording. The system includes a first recording head having a plurality of magnetic gaps having a first azimuth angle, and a second recording head having a plurality of magnetic gaps having a second azimuth angle different from the first azimuth angle. After first magnetization patterns are formed on a recording medium by the first recording head, second magnetization patterns are formed by overwriting side edge portions in the formation direction of the first magnetization patterns by the second recording head. This makes it possible to prevent the worsening of the accuracy of the magnetization pattern width due to a relative height stagger (offset) between the heads, to thereby enhance the accuracy of the magnetization pattern width, and to achieve high-density recording.

Abstract: A tape recording head is provided comprising a support plate having a contoured surface with an opening in the contoured surface which allows head chips to protrude far enough to allow proper head tape contact for recording. The support plate is fixed on a coarse actuator so that the support plate and coarse actuator move together perpendicular to the motion of the recording tape. The head chips comprising rowbar substrates containing a multiplicity of recording elements are supported on a carrier mounted on a fine actuator and are not fixed to the support plate to allow low mass fine actuation.

Abstract: A tape head according to one embodiment includes an array of readers, each of the readers having a track width, wherein the track width of an inner reader of the array is greater than a track width of an outer reader relative thereto. A tape head according to another embodiment includes an array of readers, each of the readers having a track width, wherein the track widths of at least some of the readers progressively decrease in a direction along the array from a middle of the array towards an end of the array.

Abstract: A transducing head includes a substrate, a writer having a writer core, and an electrical connector for grounding the writer, wherein the electrical connector electrically connects the writer core to the substrate.

Abstract: A tape head according to one embodiment includes an array of readers, each of the readers having a track width, wherein the track width of an inner reader of the array is greater than a track width of an outer reader relative thereto. A tape head according to another embodiment includes an array of readers, each of the readers having a track width, wherein the track width of at least some of the readers progressively decrease in a direction along the array from a middle of the array towards an end of the array.

Abstract: A magnetic tape head system and associated method are disclosed. Included is one or more head assemblies each including a base with a row bar coupled thereto with a head situated therein for defining a tape bearing surface defining a tape wrap angle with respect to a horizontal plane. A length of the tape bearing surface is between approximately 0.57 millimeters and 0.7 millimeters and the tape wrap angle is between approximately 0.5 degrees and 1.3 degrees such that a resolution of the magnetic tape head system is substantially independent of a velocity of the tape.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head is provided. The method accurately defines a gap layer. The method includes forming a lower gap layer made of a non-magnetic material on a main magnetic pole layer. An upper gap layer is formed on the lower gap layer, the upper gap layer being made of the non-magnetic material. A resist layer is formed on the upper gap layer, and the resist layer is removed from an end surface. The upper gap layer not covered with the resist layer is removed, while exposing a new film surface by removing a surface oxidation layer of the resist layer. A return path layer is formed by plating on the exposed lower gap layer, the upper gap layer, and the resist layer through the plating underlayer.

Abstract: A first magnetic shield layer of the read head sensor is deposited upon a slider substrate surface. A patterned photoresist is then photolithographically fabricated upon the first magnetic shield layer with openings that are formed alongside the location at which the read sensor will be fabricated. An ion milling step is performed to create pockets within the surface of the magnetic shield layer at the location of the openings in the photoresist layer. The photoresist layer is then removed, and a fill layer is deposited across the surface of the magnetic shield layer in a depth greater than the depth of the pocket. Thereafter, a polishing step is conducted to remove portions of the fill layer down to the surface of the magnetic shield layer. A G1 insulation layer is deposited and a magnetic head sensor element is then fabricated upon the insulation layer.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing head having a plurality of magnetic head elements for multi-channeling capable of achieving high density recording/reproducing capability, including: a plurality of magnetic recording/reproducing head layers each including magnetic recording/reproducing head elements fabricated by a thin film process and interposed between two insulating/magnetic shielding layers laminated on a non-magnetic substrate; the total of magnetic recording/reproducing head elements formed therein are displaced from each other in a head width direction, and each magnetic recording/reproducing head layer has a plurality of magnetic recording/reproducing head elements formed at a predetermined pitch.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head is disclosed. The method and system include providing a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) uniformity structure having an aperture therein and forming a perpendicular magnetic recording pole within the aperture. The CMP uniformity structure may include a CMP barrier layer. The method and system further include fabricating an insulator after formation of the perpendicular magnetic recording pole and performing a CMP to remove a portion of the insulator, expose a portion of the perpendicular magnetic recording pole and planarize an exposed surface of the perpendicular magnetic recording head.

Abstract: During fabrication of a perpendicular write head in a wafer, at least two sides of a write pole are defined (e.g. by ion milling) while a third side of the write pole is protected by a masking material. At this stage, a material that is to be located in the write gap is already present between the write pole and the masking material. After definition of the write pole surfaces, a layer of dielectric material is deposited. During this deposition, the masking material is still present. Thereafter, the masking material (and any dielectric material thereon) is removed, to form a hole in the dielectric material. Next, a trailing shield is formed in the structure, so that at least one portion of the trailing shield is located in the hole, and another portion of the trailing shield is located over the dielectric material, in an area adjacent to the hole. Note that the gap material is now sandwiched between the portion of the trailing shield in the hole, and the write pole.

Abstract: There is provided a tape recording system and head device. A tape recording system and head device include a plurality of recording sections for recording data signals on a recording medium wherein one recording section of the plurality of recording sections and another recording section arranged so as to adjoin the one recording section are disposed such that the one recording section and the another recording section are shifted from each other in a running direction and a width direction of the recording medium, and wherein the one recording section and another recording section simultaneously record a data signal on adjacent recording tracks on the recording medium.

Abstract: A magnetic head including a plurality of head element units provided along a width direction with respect to a magnetic tape. Each head element unit is provided with at least one recording element for recording a data signal on the magnetic tape and at least one reproducing element for reproducing a data signal from the magnetic tape. In each head element unit, an AC erase head for performing AC erase on a data track of the magnetic tape is positioned upstream in a tape travel direction with respect to the recording element.

Abstract: The perpendicular magnetic head fabrication and testing method includes the additional fabrication of magnetic pole testing structures in the kerf area of the wafer substrate. Particularly, magnetic interconnect pieces are fabricated in the kerf area to magnetically connect an extending portion of the first magnetic pole with an extending portion of the second magnetic pole. As a result, when the perpendicular magnetic heads are fabricated at the wafer level, the first and second magnetic poles are interconnected through structures located in the kerf area. Thereafter, an ISAT magnetic pole test can be conducted by passing electrical current through the induction coil of the magnetic head, and magnetic flux will flow through the interconnected magnetic pole structure, thereby enabling the testing of the magnetic poles of the perpendicular magnetic head at the wafer level.

Abstract: A thin film servo head apparatus is described that provides verification of time-based servo marks on a magnetic tape. The thin film servo head apparatus includes a plurality of thin film servo heads formed in a substrate. The substrate is canted such that servo gaps included in each of the thin film servo heads are substantially parallel to the time-based servo marks. Thin film servo heads eliminate the high labor, low yield machining process associated with conventional ferrite composite servo heads. Thin film servo heads may be fabricated in bulk on substrate wafers to reduce manufacturing time and cost. The invention described herein enables thin film servo heads to be used with time-based servo markings by defining a servo gap spacing such that when the substrate is canted, the servo gaps of the thin film servo heads substantially align with the time-based servo markings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrically coupling read elements and write elements of a tape head assembly to another component includes an interconnect structure having plural layers of traces, with the traces comprising write traces electrically connected to respective write elements, and read traces electrically connected to respective read elements. The write traces and read traces are interleaved across a dimension of the interconnect structure.

Abstract: A recording head to simultaneously read or write data to and from a plurality of tracks on magnetic tape, while compensating for shrinkage or expansion caused by moisture, temperature, creep caused by tension in the tape, creep caused by dimensional instability of the tape, as well as other causes. A recording head in accordance with the invention includes a leading module and a trailing module. In order to accommodate fluctuation in tape dimensions due to expansion or shrinkage, the leading and trailing modules may be offset with respect to one another. By offsetting one module with respect to the other, selected read and write elements from one module may more closely align with certain tracks of an expanded or shrunk tape, while other read and write elements from the other module may more closely align with other tracks on the tape.

Abstract: A magnetic tape head system and associated method are disclosed. Included is one or more head assemblies each including a base with a row bar coupled thereto with a head situated therein for defining a tape bearing surface defining a tape wrap angle with respect to a horizontal plane. A length of the tape bearing surface is between approximately 0.57 millimeters and 0.7 millimeters and the tape wrap angle is between approximately 0.5 degrees and 1.3 degrees such that a resolution of the magnetic tape head system is substantially independent of a velocity of the tape.

Abstract: A composite magnetic head comprising a DC-erasing head, which is slidably contact with a driving magnetic tape, and which DC-erases a servo band of the magnetic tape in such a manner that the direction of the magnetization of the servo band the servo band is directed towards one direction of the lengthwise direction of the magnetic tape; a servo writing head, which is slidably contact with the magnetic tape, and which writes a servo signal thereon so that the direction of the magnetization of the servo band is directed toward the reverse direction to the direction directed by the DC erasing head; and an AC-erasing head, which is contact with the magnetic tape, and which AC-erases the magnetization of the data band of the magnetic tape is disclosed. The servo writing head and the AC-erasing head are provided at downstream of the driving magnetic tape relative to the DC-erasing head, and the DC-erasing head, the servo writing head and the AC-erasing head are unified with each other.

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 magnetic head according to another embodiment includes a head body including a top face, a bottom face, a pair of elongated side faces, and a pair of short end faces; at least one transducer formed in communication with the top face of the head body; and a single groove formed in the top face of the head body and extending between the transducers and one of the side faces of the head body. A method for manufacturing a magnetic head is also presented.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an exemplary multi-format magneto resistive recording head is provided. The magnetic head includes a first set of data transducers configured transversely across a direction of tape transport, the first set of data transducers associated with a first data format, and a second set of data transducers configured transversely across the direction of tape transport, the second set of data transducers associated with a second data format, wherein the first set of data transducers and the second set of data transducers are separated by a distance along the direction of tape transport. In one example, the magnetic head includes a first raised elongated island positioned transversely across the direction of tape transport, the first island including the first set of data transducers, and a second raised elongated island positioned transversely across the direction of tape transport, the second island including the second set of data transducers.

Abstract: A tape recording head is provided comprising a support plate having a contoured surface with an opening in the contoured surface which allows head chips to protrude far enough to allow proper head tape contact for recording. The support plate is fixed on a coarse actuator so that the support plate and coarse actuator move together perpendicular to the motion of the recording tape. The head chips comprising rowbar substrates containing a multiplicity of recording elements are supported on a carrier mounted on a fine actuator and are not fixed to the support plate to allow low mass fine actuation.

Abstract: Closer spacing of elements for writing multiple tracks onto a magnetic media increases the areal density of stored information. A thin film multiple track recording head includes recording gaps in a plane parallel with the head substrate. This configuration allows for flexible placement of the elements within the head, improved control of recording gap geometry, and alternating azimuth gap angles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for data recording and reading for increasing overall tape data storage density, especially for data written in azimuth style. The principles of the invention provide servo formats and systems that allow accurate on track guidance for higher density applications and that are less sensitive to off track error. Preferred embodiments of the invention offer servo formats and systems of the invention that allows positive track and group identification at the beginning, end, and optionally periodically along the length of a tape.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive has a servo head for performing the tracking control and a head unit. The head unit includes a recording head group composed of a plurality of recording heads, which are lined up along the width directions with respect to a magnetic tape. In this head unit, the distance between the recording heads is the same distance as the distance between adjacent data tracks to be formed on the magnetic tape, and the azimuth angle of each recording heads differs with each other. A plurality of data tracks are simultaneously formed on the magnetic tape using a plurality of recording heads, respectively, when performing the recording of data on the magnetic tape.

Abstract: The invention presents techniques for verifying patterns, such as time-based servo marks, recorded on magnetic media. Patterns of this kind can be recorded on a magnetic medium using a recording head that includes a surface having a flux gap with a defined shape. The patterns may be verified with a verify head, having a surface with a flux gap with the defined shape or part of the defined shape. The verify head may include two or more ferromagnetic cores, with a flux gap associated with each core. Each core can independently verify part of the recorded pattern.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a non-rotating head used in linear scanning of linear magnetic tape. For example, the head may include a non-rotating contoured surface shaped to facilitate flyability of linear magnetic tape passing over the non-rotating contoured surface. A contact area defining a magnetic gap may protrude from the surface. The contact area that projects from the surface can contact the magnetic tape to read data from the tape and/or write data to the tape as the tape flies over the surface.

Abstract: Present processes used for planarizing a cavity filled with a coil and hard baked photoresist require that a significant amount of the thickness of the coils be removed. This increases the DC resistance of the coil. In the present invention, cavity and coil are overfilled with photoresist which is then hard baked. A layer of alumina is then deposited onto the surface of the excess photoresist, following which CMP is initiated. The presence of the alumina serves to stabilize the photoresist so that it does not delaminate. CMP is terminated as soon as the coils are exposed, allowing their full thickness to be retained and resulting in minimum DC resistance.

Abstract: A storage device comprising a magnetic storage medium mounted in a first plane, a read and write mechanism mounted in a second plane that is parallel to the first plane and configured to write information to the magnetic storage medium, and a micromover configured to move the magnetic storage medium in a first direction parallel to the first plane and configured to move the magnetic storage medium in a second direction parallel to the first plane and perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A writer for head positioning information, or a so-called servo track writer allows the read gap to follow a track which has been established on a recording medium or disk. As long as the read gap keeps following the existing track, the write gap is allowed to move along a path extending in parallel with the existing track. The write gap is utilized to write head positioning or servo information into the recording medium along the path. Even when the recording medium suffers from vibration or the like, the read gap can follow the track. The head positioning information can thus be written into the recording medium so as to establish a head positioning pattern at a higher positional accuracy.

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 servo head for magnetic tape is provided. The head includes a substantial planar head surface. The head includes a leading edge that is disposed adjacent to the head surface such that the tape contacts the leading edge before passing over the head surface. The leading edge includes a rounded portion so as to form an air bearing between the head surface and the tape. The leading edge can include an abrupt change in slope at the leading edge. Alternatively, the leading edge can include a smooth transition.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic recording head is provided with a tape bearing surface that has magnetically isolated channels while still providing a maximum continuous surface area with which to engage the media. This can be accomplished by providing spaces in the magnetically permeable thin film that are large enough to prevent cross-talk between the channels, but small enough to prevent significant interference with the moving media. Alternatively, magnetically impermeable thin film spacers can be provided to magnetically isolate each of the channels. The spacers are generally even with the magnetically permeable thin film so as to provide a continuous media-bearing surface.

Abstract: A thin film inductive write head for magnetic recording has a write gap formed as a lamination of alternating layers of a nonmagnetic gap layer and a ferromagnetic spacer layer. There are N gap layers and N?1 spacer layers, with each pole tip of the write head being located adjacent to a gap layer. The spacer layers in the gap structure are formed of a ferromagnetic material with a high saturation moment density (BS) that is close to the BS of the spacer material from which the pole tips are formed. Unlike the pole tips, the spacer layers are not part of a magnetic circuit and are magnetically isolated, i.e., completely surrounded by nonmagnetic gap material. The effect of the spacer layers is to effectively divide the gap into a plurality of smaller gaps. The write head with the laminated gap creates a write bubble that is narrower in the off-track direction and wider in the in-track direction.

Abstract: A magnetic head cluster is provided along with a method of making a magnetic head cluster. The magnetic head cluster comprises a substrate having a plurality of magnetoresistive (MR) read and inductive magnetic write transducers and a plurality of terminals formed thereon. A plurality of lapping guides are also provided on the substrate between adjacent transducers.