Abstract: Described are magnetic recording heads that include an overcoat that includes a titanium oxynitride (TiON) layer.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes an MR element and a support member. The support member has an opposed surface including a first inclined portion, and a bottom surface. In a given cross section, the first inclined portion is inclined at a first angle at a first position, and inclined at a second angle smaller than the first angle at a second position. The absolute value of a curvature of the first inclined portion at the first position is less than the absolute value of the curvature of the first inclined portion at the second position. The MR element is provided on the first inclined portion so that the first edge is located above the first position in a given cross section.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head assembly is provided and is configured to read from and write to a magnetic media. The head assembly includes a first module having a first media facing surface (MFS), a first closure, and a first recessed portion disposed between the first MFS and the first closure. The first MFS includes AlTiC. A second module is provided having a second MFS, a second closure, and a second recessed portion disposed between the second MFS and the second closure. The second MFS includes AlTiC. An overcoat disposed within the first and second recessed portions includes an adhesive layer and a protective layer disposed within the first and second recessed portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to a tape head comprising a first module and a second module joined together along a seam. The first module comprises a plurality of data heads disposed in a first row parallel to the seam, and the second module comprises a plurality of data heads disposed in a second row parallel to the first row. The first row and the second row are spaced apart a distance of about 50 ?m to about 175 ?m. A via is disposed at a media facing surface (MFS) along a portion of the seam. The via has a length less than a width of the MFS and equal to or greater than a length of the first and second rows of data heads. The via is configured to create a vacuum effect to pull a magnetic media against the media facing surface when the tape head reads and writes data to the magnetic media.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes forming a metal layer on a substrate, wherein the metal layer comprises a first coil, forming a planarized insulator layer on the metal layer, forming at least one via in the planarized insulator layer, depositing a magnetoresistance (MR) element on the planarized insulator layer, and forming a second coil extending above the MR element. The at least one via electrically connects to the metal layer on one end and to MR element on the other end.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a head assembly of a data storage device. The data storage device may include magnetic media embedded in the device or magnetic media from an insertable cassette or cartridge (e.g., in an LTO drive), where the magnetic head assembly reads from and writes to the magnetic media. During drive operation, the magnetic media moves across the magnetic head assembly. The magnetic head assembly is spaced a distance from the magnetic media such that non-contact recording occurs between the magnetic head assembly and the magnetic media. The magnetic media is supported by either a back plate or an air film generated by one or more fillet edges of the back plate and the velocity of the magnetic media as the magnetic media moves across the magnetic head assembly.

Abstract: A PMR (perpendicular magnetic recording) write head configured for microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) includes a spin-torque oscillator (STO) and trailing shield formed of high moment magnetic material (HMTS). By patterning the STO and the HMTS in a simultaneous process the HMTS and the STO layer are precisely aligned and have very similar cross-track widths. In addition, the write gap at an off-center location has a thickness that is independent from its center-track thickness and the write gap total width can have a flexible range whose minimum value is the same width as the STO width.

Abstract: A vibrating actuator is disclosed, comprising: a magnetic part including at least two magnets arranged with same polarities facing each other; a receiving part including a hollow member with a cavity for receiving the magnetic part and at least one coil wrapped around the hollow member and fixed thereto; elastic elements interconnecting the magnetic part and the hollow member; and a chassis. In one aspect, the magnetic part is fixed to the chassis via attachment elements such that the magnetic part, attachment elements and chassis are stationary, and the receiving part performs a linear movement with changing direction causing the vibration when an alternating current passes through the coil(s). In another aspect, the elastic elements are flat elastic metal or plastic membranes. In another aspect, a magnetic guidance member of ferromagnetic material partly surrounding the hollow member and coil(s) is mounted to the longitudinally outer ends of the magnetic part.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to data storage devices, and more specifically, to a magnetic media drive employing a magnetic recording head. The head includes a main pole at a media facing surface (MFS), a trailing shield at the MFS, and a heavy metal layer disposed between the main pole and the trailing shield at the MFS. Spin-orbit torque (SOT) is generated from the heavy metal layer and transferred to a surface of the main pole as a current passes through the heavy metal layer in a cross-track direction. The SOT executes a torque on the surface magnetization of the main pole, which reduces the magnetic flux shunting from the main pole to the trailing shield. With the reduced magnetic flux shunting from the main pole to the trailing shield, write-ability is improved.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a tape head module having recessed portion to provide air bearing between a tape medium and a tape bearing surface of the tape head module. A module of the tape head has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, between the first and the second ends, a tape bearing surface and a second surface, opposite the tape bearing surface, between the first end, the second end, the first side, and the second side. Material is removed from the tape bearing surface of the module to form a first recessed portion between the first end and before a region of the tape bearing surface having an array of transducers, and between the first side and the second side.

Abstract: An apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment, includes a write transducer having a pair of writer poles having pole tips, the pole tips defining a write gap therebetween. A thin film device is positioned at least in part in the write gap for raising a local temperature of the write gap. Electrical connections for causing a current to pass through the thin film device are also present. A method, in accordance with one embodiment, includes passing a current through a thin film device positioned at least in part in a write gap defined between pole tips of writer poles of a write transducer for causing heating of the thin film device. A level of the current is changed in response to detection of a predefined condition.

Abstract: Provided are a tape head module, tape drive, and method for moving a tape medium over a tape head having a recessed portion to provide air bearing between a tape medium and a tape bearing surface of the module. The tape head includes a tape bearing surface, an array of transducers, including read and/or write transducers, on the tape bearing surface, and a recessed portion formed on the tape bearing surface, wherein the array of transducers is located on the tape bearing surface between the recessed portion and an end of the module to perform read and/or write operations with respect to the tape medium.

Abstract: A data storage device may be configured with a transducing head mounted to a slider. The slider may be suspended above a magnetic data storage medium and have a variable depth region, central rail wall, first wall, and trailing edge wall. The variable depth region continuously contacting a central rail wall from a first wall to a trailing edge wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods of forming air bearing surfaces having multi-tier structures using nanoimprint technology and/or 3D printing technology. In some embodiments, a single stage of milling can be used to transfer a multi-tier photoresist pattern into a substrate (e.g., an AlTiC substrate).

Abstract: An electricity generating device including a magnet array; and an inductive body having one or more metal wires. The inductive body and the magnet array are movable relative to each other and a magnet mounting structure, on which the magnet array is mounted. The inductive body is fixed to the magnet mounting structure. The electricity generating device has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, achieves high efficiency of electricity generation, and is easy to carry.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes: a plurality of tunnel valve read transducers arranged in an array extending along a read module. Each of the tunnel valve read transducers includes: a sensor structure having a cap layer, a free layer, a tunnel barrier layer, a reference layer and an antiferromagnetic layer, and electrically insulating layers on opposite sides of the sensor structure. Moreover, a height of the free layer measured in a direction perpendicular to a media bearing surface of the read module is less than a width of the free layer measured in a cross-track direction perpendicular to an intended direction of media travel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining a distance from a to an edge closest thereto and selecting a wrap angle based on the determined distance for inducing tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape in a region above the transducer whereby a resulting tent of the moving tape extends from the edge closest thereto to a minima with a tent apex therebetween. In response to a determination to move the tape over the tape bearing surface, the method includes moving the tape over the tape bearing surface, and checking for changes in the tenting characteristics. In response to determining changes are present, the method includes sequentially selecting a different wrap angle based on the determined distance for inducing a desired tenting characteristic, and checking for changes in the tenting characteristics. Moreover, the method includes selecting a final wrap angle in response to determining no significant changes are present.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes forming a wear-resistant in-situ film on a magnetic read transducer having a sensor with magnetic shields. The in-situ film including material derived from a flexible medium. The material is formed on the transducer by passing the flexible medium over the transducer at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to computer program products for use with tape drives that oscillate the relative transverse position of a tape and magnetic head during seek operations (for example, by moving the magnetic head in the transverse direction). Some embodiments are directed to methods and computer program products for use with tape drives that select relative transverse position of the tape and magnetic head to counter uneven wear (for example, observed uneven wear, uneven wear predicted based on historical tape and drive usage data).

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides an Fe—Ni alloy metal foil having excellent heat resilience, where the Fe—Ni alloy metal foil is prepared by an electroforming (EF) method and has a thickness of 100 ?m or less (except O ?m), wherein the Fe—Ni alloy metal foil comprises, by wt %, Ni: 34-46 %, a remainder of Fe and inevitable impurities, and wherein the Fe—Ni metal foil has a degree of heat resilience in an amount of 30 ppm or less.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, an intermediate layer, a magnetic pole, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The second magnetic layer is separated from the first magnetic layer in a first direction. The intermediate layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. A second direction from the first magnetic layer toward the magnetic pole crosses the first direction. The first terminal is electrically connected to the intermediate layer. The second terminal is electrically connected to the second magnetic layer.

Abstract: An integrated magnetic device has a magnetic core which includes layers of the magnetic material located in a trench in a dielectric layer. The magnetic material layers are flat and parallel to a bottom of the trench, and do not extend upward along sides of the trench. The integrated magnetic device is formed by forming layers of the magnetic material over the dielectric layer and extending into the trench. A protective layer is formed over the magnetic material layers. The magnetic material layers are removed from over the dielectric layer, leaving the magnetic material layers and a portion of the protective layer in the trench. The magnetic material layers along sides of the trench are subsequently removed. The magnetic material layers along the bottom of the trench provide the magnetic core.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes determining a first distance from a sensor to a first edge closest thereto, where the sensor is positioned between a lower shield and the first edge, selecting a first wrap angle based on the first distance for inducing tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape in a region above the sensor, determining a second distance from a second edge to the sensor, and selecting a second wrap angle based on the determined second distance for affecting or not affecting the tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape in the region above the sensor.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to computer program products for use with tape drives that oscillate the relative transverse position of a tape and magnetic head during seek operations (for example, by moving the magnetic head in the transverse direction). Some embodiments are directed to methods and computer program products for use with tape drives that select relative transverse position of the tape and magnetic head to counter uneven wear (for example, observed uneven wear, uneven wear predicted based on historical tape and drive usage data).

Abstract: A unidirectional and bi-directional tape head with sub-ambient pressure cavities. The tape head is adapted for reading and/or writing to a magnetic tape. The tape head includes: a tape-bearing surface; a transducer area, having at least one transducer designed for reading and/or writing to the magnetic tape; a cavity open on the tape-bearing surface adjacent to the transducer area that extends parallel to the transducer area and transversally to the longitudinal direction of circulation of the tape such that an opening of the cavity faces the tape in operation; and one or more air bleed slots connected to the cavity. The cavity is further dimensioned and arranged with respect to the transducer area to create, upon circulation of the tape in operation, sub-ambient pressure therein.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting sensor-damaging tape media, according to one embodiment, includes acquiring a metric for at least one sensor of a tape drive after performing an operation on a magnetic recording tape, and comparing the metric for the at least one sensor after performing the operation to a metric for the at least one sensor acquired before performing the operation. An action is taken in response to a result of the comparing indicating that a difference between the metrics is in a predetermined range. A product, according to one embodiment, includes a magnetic recording tape, and a memory coupled to the magnetic recording tape. At least one value is stored in the memory, the at least one value being indicative of whether the magnetic recording tape is potentially sensor-damaging.

Abstract: A magnetic write apparatus has a media-facing surface (MFS) and includes an auxiliary pole, coil(s) and a main pole having a pole tip and a yoke. The pole tip occupies part of the MFS. The yoke has a yoke length measured from the MFS in a yoke direction perpendicular to the MFS. The yoke length is less than four microns. The main pole has a total length in the yoke direction and a width in a cross-track direction. The main pole is continuous along the total length. The aspect ratio of the main pole is the total length divided by the width and exceeds one. The main pole includes surface(s) having a nonzero acute flare angle from the MFS. The auxiliary pole is adjacent to the main pole and recessed from the MFS by not more than 1.05 micron. The coil(s) energizes the main pole and have not more than two turns.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a module having a tape bearing surface, an array of magnetic transducers, and a channel in the tape bearing surface. The channel has a longitudinal axis oriented about parallel to a longitudinal axis of the array of magnetic transducers for inducing tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape above the array of magnetic transducers. A method according to one embodiment includes forming a channel in a tape bearing surface of a module. The channel is formed to have a longitudinal axis about parallel to a longitudinal axis of an array of magnetic transducers. The channel is formed proximate to the array of magnetic transducers for inducing tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape above the array of magnetic transducers.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a magnetic read transducer comprised of a sensing portion and proximate magnetic shields, and a wear-resistant in-situ film on a media-facing side of the read transducer. The in-situ film is comprised of material derived from a flexible medium. The in-situ film is primarily above the read transducer. A method according to one embodiment includes forming a wear-resistant in-situ film on a magnetic read transducer having a sensor with magnetic shields. The in-situ film including material derived from a flexible medium. The material is formed on the transducer by passing the flexible medium over the transducer at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a module having a tape bearing surface, a magnetic transducer in a thin film region, and an edge closest to the transducers. A guide is positioned relative to the edge for inducing tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape above a tape tenting region of the tape bearing surface. The magnetic transducer is positioned along the tape tenting region.

Abstract: A method of forming a read head. The method includes forming first and second read sensors that are substantially trapezoidal in shape. A first read measurement is performed on a storage medium using the first read sensor. A second read measurement is performed on the storage medium using the second read sensor. Based on a comparison of the first and second read measurements to a predetermined quantity, either the first read sensor or the second read sensor is selected to be operational in a data storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a substrate having a media bearing surface, and a first shield above the substrate. The first shield has a media facing side recessed from a plane extending along the media bearing surface of the substrate. A current-perpendicular-to-plane sensor is located above the substrate, the sensor having a media facing side recessed from the plane extending along the media bearing surface of the substrate. An electrically nonconductive first film is positioned on the media facing sides of the first shield and sensor. A second film is positioned on a media facing side of the first film, the second film comprising a refractory metal.

Abstract: A magnetic chip device such as a chip detector or chip collector, comprising a horseshoe magnet held within a housing and having two adjacent tips protruding from the housing, and having a plurality of portions extending sequentially from one of the tips to the other, the plurality of portions including two end portions, each one of the two end portions extending to a corresponding one of the tips, and a rare-earth magnet portion made of a rare earth magnet material and positioned between the two end portions in the sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes to manufacture sliders having extended three-dimensional air-bearing surfaces and non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing machine-executable instructions to cause at least one processor to perform the processes. A disclosed method of manufacturing a slider for use in a hard disk drive comprises removing a first portion of material from a wafer, the first portion of material comprising substrate, and, using an additive fabrication technique, forming at least a portion of a feature of the slider in a first location formerly occupied by at least some of the first portion of material. The additive fabrication technique may comprise three-dimensional printing, stereo lithography, fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, or multi jet modeling. Also disclosed are sliders manufactured using the disclosed methods of manufacture and disk drives comprising such sliders.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a module having a tape bearing surface, a first edge, and a second edge. A sensor is located in a thin film region of the module. The sensor has a free layer. A distance from the first edge to the free layer is less than a distance from the second edge to the free layer. A method according to another embodiment includes detecting a distance between a free layer of a sensor and an edge closest thereto. The free layer is positioned between an upper shield and the edge. A wrap angle is selected based on the detected distance for inducing tenting of a magnetic recording tape in a region above the free layer when the magnetic recording tape moves over the module.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a magnetic head forms a leading shield having a top surface. The top surface of the leading shield includes first and second portions. The second portion is located farther from a medium facing surface than is the first portion, and recessed from the first portion. A first gap layer is then formed on the first portion. Then, a magnetic layer including an initial first side shield, an initial second side shield and a coupling section connecting them is formed using a mold. The mold is then removed. The coupling section is then removed by etching the magnetic layer. A second gap layer and a main pole are then formed in this order.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a magnetic recording medium which includes a magnetic layer, a lower protective layer, an upper protective layer and a lubricating layer on a substrate, and in which the total film thickness of the lower protective layer and the upper protective layer is 2.5 nm or less, includes: 1) depositing the lower protective layer; 2) performing oxygen plasma treatment on the lower protective layer; 3) depositing the upper protective layer; and 4) performing nitrogen plasma treatment on the upper protective layer. It is preferable that the lower protective layer and the upper protective layer are formed of a carbon-based material, and it is further more preferable that the lower protective layer and the upper protective layer are formed of diamond-like carbon. Moreover, it is preferable that the contact angle of the lower protective layer with respect to water in the atmosphere is 25° or less.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording head includes an air bearing surface, a magnetic core including a main magnetic pole and a write shield arranged to face the main magnetic pole with a write gap, a coil, and a high-frequency oscillator provided between the main magnetic pole and the write shield in the write gap. The magnetic core includes an opposite surface facing a film surface of the high-frequency oscillator, a magnetic layer, and a nonmagnetic layer in which magnetic microparticles are dispersed. The nonmagnetic layer is provided outside the magnetic layer in at least a part of the opposite surface of the magnetic core.

Abstract: A unidirectional and bi-directional tape head with sub-ambient pressure cavities. The tape head is adapted for reading and/or writing to a magnetic tape. The tape head includes: a tape-bearing surface; a transducer area, having at least one transducer designed for reading and/or writing to the magnetic tape; and a cavity open on the tape-bearing surface adjacent to the transducer area that extends parallel to the transducer area and transversally to the longitudinal direction of circulation of the tape such that an opening of the cavity faces the tape in operation. The cavity is further dimensioned and arranged with respect to the transducer area to create, upon circulation of the tape in operation, sub-ambient pressure therein. The present invention allows for a very close tape-head spacing.

Abstract: A writer includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a longitudinal axis defined between the leading and trailing edges, and a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A writer region is provided at a protruded section of the trailing edge oriented along the longitudinal axis. A write pole is arranged at the protruded section to write data to two locations spaced apart from one another relative to the transverse axis for a range of skew angles.

Abstract: A cleaning head and methods for removing contaminants from a data storage media, the cleaning head having a cleaning surface comprising a self-assembled monolayer, with the cleaning surface leading a read/write transducer. The self-assembled monolayer is selected to have a terminal functional group that has a high affinity to the contaminant(s) desired to be attracted and/or removed.

Abstract: A method of removing a magnetic domain from a slider structure, such as a shield of a write head, in a storage assembly having a storage media. The method includes passing the slider structure in close proximity to a region on the storage media having a magnetic field sufficiently large to remove a magnetic domain in the slider structure.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide magnetic media access heads with metal coatings. In a particular embodiment, a magnetic media head for accessing magnetic media comprises a base substrate configured to support a magnetic head layer. The magnetic head layer is formed on the base substrate and configured to magnetically access the magnetic media. A metallic layer formed over the magnetic head layer and disposed between the magnetic head layer and the magnetic media when the magnetic media is positioned for access by the magnetic head layer.

Abstract: The magnetic recording medium for a heat-assisted recording system has a magnetic recording layer on a non-magnetic substrate and a protective layer on top of the magnetic recording layer. The protective layer includes a first lower protective layer on top of the magnetic recording layer, a first upper protective layer on the first lower protective layer, and a second protective layer on the first upper protective layer. The first lower protective layer is composed mainly of an element selected from the group consisting of Si, Al and Cu, and the first upper protective layer is a layer configured by an oxide of the material of the first lower protective layer.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a module having first and second transducers of different transducer types positioned towards a media facing side of the module, where 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. The apparatus also includes a first protection structure for protecting the first transducer. The second transducer has either no protection or is protected by a second protection structure that is different than the first protection structure. In one embodiment, the first protection structure includes a coating on the media facing side of the module adjacent the first transducer. In another embodiment, the first protection structure is a recessed portion of the media facing side adjacent the first transducer.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic head. The magnetic head has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion together providing a tape bearing surface. The first portion has two pieces defining an opening at least partially encircling the second portion. The second portion has at least one array of transducers. A longitudinal axis of each of the at least one array is defined between opposite ends thereof, and is oriented at an angle relative to a line oriented orthogonally to the intended direction of tape travel thereacross, the angle being between 0.2° and about 10°. A closest distance between tape bearing surfaces of the two pieces of the first portion in the intended direction of tape travel is less than a widest width of the tape bearing surface of the second portion in the intended direction of tape travel.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes a magnetic head. The magnetic head has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion together providing a tape bearing surface. The first portion has two pieces flanking the second portion in an intended direction of tape travel thereacross. The second portion has at least one array of transducers. A longitudinal axis of each of the at least one array is defined between opposite ends thereof. The longitudinal axis of each of the at least one array of transducers is oriented at an angle relative to the line oriented orthogonally to the intended direction of tape travel thereacross, the angle being between 0.2° and about 10°.

Abstract: A write pole may be formed by first depositing a dielectric layer onto a substrate and then patterning the dielectric layer to form a trench with a write pole shape. The trench is subsequently filled with the evaporation deposition of a magnetic material to form a write pole. The trench may have a greater depth dimension than width dimension.

Abstract: A nickel-iron alloy plating solution which can suppress, in a nickel-iron alloy plating solution containing divalent iron ions and divalent nickel ions, oxidation of divalent iron ions to trivalent iron ions and can prevent the occurrence of the precipitation of iron (III) hydroxide to allow stable continuous operation and also to provide a nickel-iron alloy plating solution which allows production of a soft magnetic film which is stable in composition. The nickel-iron alloy plating solution of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises divalent iron ions, divalent nickel ions and a hydroxylamine salt and has a pH of 3.0 or lower.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bearing surface of the head slider includes a leading step at the inflow end portion, a skirt portion at the inflow end portion, a leading pad on the leading step and including a junction extending to the skirt portion, first groove surfaces individually on the opposite sides of the junction and being continuous with a downstream central portion of the skirt portion, second groove surfaces on an upstream side of the first groove surfaces and formed deeper than the first groove surfaces, and negative-pressure grooves individually on the transversely opposite sides of the first groove surfaces between the second groove surfaces and the skirt portion and formed deeper than the second groove surfaces.