Abstract: A cartridge includes a tape-shaped nonwoven fabric, a reel on which the tape-shaped nonwoven fabric is wound, and a case that accommodates the reel. A basis weight of the tape-shaped nonwoven fabric is equal to or less than 25 c/m2 and an average fiber diameter of the tape-shaped nonwoven fabric is equal to or less than 11 ?m.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a head gimbal assembly includes a head connecting step which a thermally assisted magnetic head is connected to a suspension. The head connecting step includes a solder ball arrangement step which only one solder ball is arranged so that a laser diode of the thermally assisted magnetic head is connected with a flexure of the suspension, in an assembly structure which a slider of the thermally assisted magnetic head is adhered to the suspension. The solder ball arrangement step is performed using a connecting ball, as the solder ball, having a size larger than a wiring gap and being in unmelted-solid condition. The head connecting step includes a heat step which an electrode surface of the laser diode is heated.

Abstract: In order to reduce the possibility of occurrence of retraction of a cleaning member during cleaning of a magnetic head and the possibility of the cleaning member not being able to return to a retraction position due to stopping part way, the cleaning enabling device is provided with: a holding member having a first surface capable of holding the cleaning member for cleaning the magnetic head, and a second surface capable of lifting a magnetic tape from the magnetic head; a transmission part which transmits a first driving force for driving a first driving member; and a first force application part which applies, to the holding member, a first force in a direction that causes the cleaning member to remain in the retraction position when the cleaning member is in the retraction position and releases the first force when the cleaning member is drawn away from the retraction position.

Abstract: A device may receive data related to operations of an organization. The operations of the organization may be associated with a value. The data may be received from two or more systems associated with the organization. The device may process the data using a set of rules to permit an analysis of the data. The device may process the data to identify an error related to the data or a source of the error. The error may negatively impact the value associated with the operations of the organization. The device may perform an action after identifying the error or the source of the error. The action may facilitate fixing the error.

Abstract: Multi-cache-based digital output generation is provided. A system receives data objects that include fields from a remote data source. The system sorts the data objects based on a field to generate a sorted data set. The system cleans the sorted data set to generate a clean data set based on a policy. The system receives a request for a type of digital output based on the data objects received from the data source and loads a portion of the clean data set to a first level cache. The system selects a machine learning model configured for the type of digital output, and loads a primary cache with a subset of fields stored in the first level cache selected based on the machine learning model. The system generates, based on the first level cache being complete, digital output corresponding to the type of digital output from data in the primary cache.

Abstract: A magnetic tape device includes: a magnetic head; a head actuator that holds the magnetic head; and a tape lifting mechanism including a lifter arm. The lifter arm comes into contact with the magnetic tape to separate a magnetic tape from the magnetic head. The tape lifting mechanism moves the lifter arm in a push-out direction in conjunction with the head actuator moving in a first direction. The tape lifting mechanism moves the lifter arm in a retreating direction in conjunction with the head actuator moving in a second direction. The lifter arm pushes out the magnetic tape to separate the magnetic tape from the magnetic head, in response to the lifter arm moving in the push-out direction. The lifter arm separates from the magnetic tape to bring the magnetic tape into contact with the magnetic head, in response to the lifter arm moving in the retreating direction.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a main pole configured to serve as a first electrode, an upper pole containing a trailing magnetic shield configured to a serve as a second electrode, and an electrically conductive portion located in a trailing gap between the main pole and the trailing magnetic shield. The electrically conductive portion is not part of a spin torque oscillator stack, and the electrically conductive portion includes at least one electrically conductive, non-magnetic material layer. The main pole and the trailing magnetic shield are electrically shorted by the electrically conductive portion across the trailing gap between the main pole and the trailing magnetic shield such that an electrically conductive path is present between the main pole and the trailing magnetic shield through the electrically conductive portion.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance effect element and a Heusler alloy in which a state change due to annealing does not easily occur. The element includes a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, and a non-magnetic layer positioned between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer, in which at least one of the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer is a Heusler alloy in which a portion of elements of an alloy represented by Co2Fe?Z? is substituted with a substitution element, in which Z is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Ga, Ge, and Sn, ? and ? satisfy 2.3??+?, ?<?, and 0.5<?<1.9, and the substitution element is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of elements having a melting point higher than that of Fe among elements of Groups 4 to 10.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a slider comprising an air bearing surface (ABS). The slider comprises a reader, a writer, and a reader heater. The reader heater is configured to cause a protrusion of the ABS proximate the reader, and the reader heater comprises a first planar loop and a second planar loop, wherein the first and second loops are in the same plane.

Abstract: A data storage device includes at least one head supported by an actuator arm. The at least one head interacts with the at least one data storage disc when positioned over the at least one data storage disc. The data storage device further includes a split ramp for supporting the at least one head when the at least one head is moved away from the at least one data storage disc. The split ramp has a first ramp portion adjacent to a first outer diameter (OD) of the at least one data storage disc and a second ramp portion adjacent to the first ramp portion, such that the first ramp portion is between the second ramp portion and the first OD. At least one of the first ramp portion or the second ramp portion is independently moveable.

Abstract: A tape cartridge for increasing tape drive head performance is provided. The tape cartridge comprises a cleaning tape, a tape guide arrangement that guides the cleaning tape within the cleaner cartridge, a cleaning fluid application arrangement that applies cleaning fluid to the cleaning tape within the cleaner cartridge, and a cartridge memory that stores cleaning count and motor taches count information. The tape guide arrangement is operable to bring the cleaning tape in contact with the cleaning fluid application arrangement to apply the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning tape when the cleaning tape is subject to a first tension level and avoid the contact with the cleaning fluid application arrangement when the cleaning tape is subject to a second tension level to prevent application of the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning tape.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a main pole configured to serve as a first electrode, an upper pole containing a trailing magnetic shield configured to a serve as a second electrode, and a record element located in a trailing gap between the main pole and the trailing magnetic shield. The record element includes an electrically conductive, non-magnetic material portion which is not part of a spin torque oscillator stack. The main pole and the trailing magnetic shield are electrically shorted by the record element across the trailing gap between the main pole and the trailing magnetic shield such that an electrically conductive path is present between the main pole and the trailing magnetic shield through the record element.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism is provided with an arm and a drive unit. The arm includes: a holder having a shape that allows a magnetic tape touching a magnetic head to be separated from the magnetic head without wearing the magnetic tape while the magnetic tape is under tension; and a cleaning unit that can be brought into contact with the contact surface of the magnetic head that was touching the magnetic tape while the magnetic tape is separate from the magnetic head. The drive unit drives the arm to separate the magnetic tape touching the magnetic head from the magnetic head without wearing the magnetic tape while the magnetic tape is under tension, and drives the arm so that the cleaning unit comes in contact with the contact surface of the magnetic head that was touching the magnetic tape while the magnetic tape is separate from the magnetic head.

Abstract: An approach to a reduced-head hard disk drive (HDD) involves a load/unload (LUL) ramp subsystem that includes a ramp assembly that includes a translatable lever member and a LUL ramp member coupled thereto, and interconnected elevator interfaces coupled with the ramp by way of a set of flexures. The ramp subsystem is configured such that in response to a sufficient force being applied to the lever by the HSA, a distal end of the ramp is positioned so that an outer perimeter of a recording disk of an HDD is free of a channel at the distal end of the ramp. The subsystem may further include a motor configured to drive rotation of a lead screw to which the ramp assembly is attached, to drive vertical translation of the ramp assembly, thereby providing for loading the vertically-translatable HSA onto and off of each of the disks of a multiple-disk stack.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a module having an array of transducers and a heating element positioned proximate to the array of transducers. The heating element has opposite ends and a center portion therebetween, where the heating element is configured to produce more heat per unit length along the opposite ends than in the center portion.

Abstract: A diagnostic tape (318) for use with a tape drive (310) having a tape head (322) includes a first tape section (430A) and a second tape section (430B). The first tape section (430A) and the second tape section (430B) are configured to move across the tape head (322) during use of the tape drive (310). The first tape section (430A) includes a first patterned data code (432A) that is indicative of a first spacing between the tape head (322) and the first tape section (430A). The second tape section (430B) includes a second patterned data code (432B) that is indicative of a second spacing between the tape head (322) and the second tape section (430B). The second patterned data code (432B) is different than the first patterned data code (432A). The diagnostic tape (318) can further include a tape head cleaning section (630F) including abrasive material (650) that is configured to move across the tape head (322) to clean the tape head (322).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are magnetic write heads and hard disk drives comprising such magnetic write heads. A magnetic head comprises a magnetic pole, a first shield separated from the magnetic pole at an air-bearing surface (ABS) of the magnetic head, a magnetic layer disposed between the magnetic pole and the first shield, wherein the magnetic layer comprises at least of iron, cobalt, or nickel, a first non-magnetic layer disposed between the magnetic pole and the magnetic layer, and a second non-magnetic layer disposed between the magnetic layer and the first shield, wherein the magnetic layer is the only magnetic layer at the ABS that is between the main pole and the first shield that is not adjacent to the main pole or the first shield.

Abstract: Provided herein is a magnetic write head including a near field transducer and a magnetic recording media including a media lubricant. The media lubricant includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion of the media lubricant is evaporated in response to heat emitted from the near field transducer. The second portion of the media lubricant that is evaporated removes a contaminant over the near field transducer.

Abstract: A magnetic tape includes a non-magnetic support; a non-magnetic layer including non-magnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic support; and a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic layer. The total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 0.60 ?m. The magnetic layer includes an abrasive, and the percentage of a plan view maximum area of the abrasive confirmed in a region having a size of 4.3 ?m×6.3 ?m of the surface of the magnetic layer with respect to the total area of the region, obtained by plane observation performed by using a scanning electron microscope, is greater than or equal to 0.02% and less than 0.06%. Also, the logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 0.050.

Abstract: A magnetic tape includes a non-magnetic support; a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on one surface side of the non-magnetic support; and a back coating layer including non-magnetic powder and a binding agent on the other surface side of the non-magnetic support. The center line average surface roughness Ra measured regarding a surface of the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 1.8 nm. The contact angle with respect to 1-bromonaphthalene measured regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is 45.0° to 55.0°. Also, the logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the back coating layer is less than or equal to 0.060.

Abstract: A magnetic tape includes a non-magnetic support; and a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic support. The center line average surface roughness Ra measured regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 1.8 nm. The logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 0.050, and the contact angle with respect to 1-bromonaphthalene measured regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is 45.0° to 55.0°.

Abstract: A magnetic tape includes a non-magnetic support; a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on one surface side of the non-magnetic support; and a back coating layer including non-magnetic powder and a binding agent on the other surface side of the non-magnetic support. The thickness of the back coating layer is less than or equal to 0.30 ?m. The logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the back coating layer is less than or equal to 0.060. Further, the contact angle with respect to 1-bromonaphthalene measured regarding the surface of the back coating layer is 15.0° to 30.0°.

Abstract: A magnetic tape includes a non-magnetic support; and a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic support. The center line average surface roughness Ra measured regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 1.8 nm. The logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 0.050, and ?SFD in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape calculated by Expression 1: ?SFD=SFD25° C.?SFD?190° C. is greater than or equal to 0.35. In Expression 1, the SFD25° C. is the switching field distribution SFD measured in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape at a temperature of 25° C., and the SFD?190° C. is the switching field distribution SFD measured in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape at a temperature of ?190° C.

Abstract: A slider has a read transducer comprising first and second shields surrounding a read sensor. The first shield faces a substrate. A first end of the reader stack is at a media-facing surface of the slider and a second end of the reader stack faces away from the first end. A heater is located farther away from the media-facing surface than the second end of the read transducer. The heater is configured to control a thermal protrusion of the read transducer from the media-facing surface. A heat sink is located between the first shield and the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for corrosion protection of a tape drive. The system includes: the tape drive, a temperature sensor, a heating entity and a controller for activating the heating entity. The method includes: establishing, via the temperature sensor, temperature information indicative of a temperature in an area of, or within, the tape drive; receiving the temperature information at the controller; and activating the heating entity in a manner dependent on the temperature information established via the temperature sensor in order to prevent corrosion within the tape drive.

Abstract: A wafer laminate has an adhesive layer (2) sandwiched between a support (1) and a wafer (3), with a circuit-forming surface of the wafer facing the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer (2) includes a light-shielding resin layer (2a), an epoxy-containing siloxane skeleton resin layer (2b), and a non-silicone thermoplastic resin layer (2c).

Abstract: The magnetic tape has a nonmagnetic layer containing nonmagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic support, and has a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder and binder on the nonmagnetic layer, wherein the combined thickness of the magnetic layer and the nonmagnetic layer is less than or equal to 0.80 ?m; and the logarithmic decrement as determined by a pendulum viscoelasticity test on the surface on the magnetic layer side of the magnetic tape is less than or equal to 0.050 and the coefficient of friction as measured on a base portion of the surface on the magnetic layer side is less than or equal to 0.35.

Abstract: The magnetic tape has a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic support, wherein the centerline average surface roughness Ra as measured on the surface on the magnetic layer side of the magnetic tape is less than or equal to 1.8 nm, and the logarithmic decrement as determined by a pendulum viscoelasticity test on the surface on the magnetic layer side of the magnetic tape is less than or equal to 0.050.

Abstract: The magnetic tape has a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder and binder on the surface on one side of a nonmagnetic support and has a backcoat layer containing nonmagnetic powder and binder on the surface on the other side of the nonmagnetic support, wherein the backcoat layer is less than or equal to 0.30 ?m in thickness; and the logarithmic decrement as determined by a pendulum viscoelasticity test on the surface on the backcoat layer side of the magnetic tape is less than or equal to 0.060.

Abstract: The magnetic tape has a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder and binder on the surface on one side of a nonmagnetic support and has a backcoat layer containing nonmagnetic powder and binder on the surface on the other side thereof, wherein the centerline average surface roughness Ra as measured on the surface on the magnetic layer side of the magnetic tape is less than or equal to 1.8 nm, the logarithmic decrement as determined by a pendulum viscoelasticity test on the surface on the magnetic layer side of the magnetic tape is less than or equal to 0.050, and the logarithmic decrement as determined by a pendulum viscoelasticity test on the surface on the backcoat layer side is less than or equal to 0.060.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an array of magnetic read transducers each having a current-perpendicular-to-plane sensor, magnetic shields on opposite sides of the sensor in an intended direction of media travel thereacross, and a stabilizing layered structure between at least one of the magnetic shields and the sensor. The stabilizing layered structure has an antiferromagnetic layer, a first ferromagnetic layer adjacent the antiferromagnetic layer, and a second ferromagnetic layer. The antiferromagnetic layer pins a magnetization direction in the first ferromagnetic layer along an antiferromagnetic polarized direction of the antiferromagnetic layer. An antiparallel coupling layer is positioned between the ferromagnetic layers such that a magnetization direction in the second ferromagnetic layer is opposite the magnetization direction in the first ferromagnetic layer.

Abstract: This thin film magnetic head includes: a magnetic pole including a first end surface exposed on an air bearing surface; a coil configured to provide a magnetic flux passing through inside of the magnetic pole; and a heatsink including a second end surface that is provided at a position recessed from the air bearing surface. The second end surface is configured to suppress reflection causing light that has traveled through an entering position on the air bearing surface to return to the entering position.

Abstract: A system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic structure having a tunnel junction, and a controller and logic integrated with and/or executable by the controller. The logic is configured to reduce a local relative humidity in a vicinity of the tunnel junction by passing a current through the tunnel junction for at least a period of time that the tunnel junction would otherwise not have a current passing therethrough. A method according to one embodiment includes determining a relative humidity in an environment of a tunnel junction that is part of a magnetic structure and selecting an operating current from a range of allowable operating currents based on the determined relative humidity. The selected level of the current is high enough to heat the tunnel junction to a temperature which reduces a local relative humidity in a vicinity of the tunnel junction.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for implementing dual partially independent flyheight control (TFC) for hard disk drives (HDDs). A dual thermal flyheight control (TFC) includes a series connected first heater resistor and a second heater resistor connected between a pair of wires. A capacitor is connected in parallel with the first heater resistor providing a frequency dependent shunt to the parallel connected first heater resistor. TFC electrical bias signals are applied to the first heater resistor and second heater resistor carried by the pair of wires. For example, the TFC electrical bias signals include high frequency electrical signals including a frequency range between 1 MHz and 100 MHz having a set amplitude in a voltage range between 0 and 7 Volts, and/or DC current signal.

Abstract: A magnetic data processing device includes a magnetic head configured to read data from or write data to a magnetic stripe extending in a first direction on a medium, while moving in the first direction, a pad facing the magnetic head and extending in the first direction, and a controller configured to cause the pad to be in contact with the magnetic head and cause the magnetic head to move in the first direction while being in contact with the pad.

Abstract: A micro-milliactuator, a micro-microactuator, an actuator arm assembly, a hard disk drive and a method for operation of the hard disk are provided. In accordance with one aspect, the actuator arm assembly includes an arm, a slider for reading and writing information to disk media in response to read/write signals, and an actuator selected from the group comprising a micro-milliactuator and a micro-microactuator. The actuator has the slider mounted thereon and supports it above the disk media. The actuator includes one or more piezoelectric actuators for horizontally shifting the slider in response to actuator control signals. The actuator further includes one or more sensors physically coupled thereto for vibration sensing, compensation and suppression, the one or more sensors generating sensor signals in response to sensed vibrations during operation, wherein the actuator control signals are generated at least partially in response to the sensor signals.

Abstract: A magnetic recording apparatus includes a write element and an optical device for heating a portion of a magnetic medium. The optical device and the write element are arranged to generally prevent the write element from affecting the optical fields generated by the optical device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a microwave assisted magnetic head includes a spin torque oscillator, and if driving current of the spin torque oscillator is zero, a magnetization direction of the spin injection layer is identical regardless of polarity of recording current, and if the driving current of the spin torque oscillator is not zero, the magnetization direction of the spin injection layer changes in response to the polarity of the recording current.

Abstract: Articles that contain a solid support with a grafted chain extending from the solid support, methods of making these articles, and various uses of the articles are described. More specifically, the grafted chain has a functional group that can react with or interact with target compound. Alternatively, the functional group on the grafted chain can react with a modifying agent to provide another group that can react with or interact with the target compound. The grafted chains are attached to the solid support through a ring-opened azlactone group. The articles can be used to purify the target compound or to separate the target compound from other molecules in a sample.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a near field transducer, the near field transducer including an electrically conductive nitride.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) head. The MAMR head includes a main pole, a trailing shield, and a spin torque oscillator (STO) disposed between the main pole and the trailing shield. The STO is recessed from an air bearing surface.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a MAMR head. The MAMR head includes an STO. The STO has a first surface at a media facing surface, and a portion of the first surface has a trapezoidal shape. Having this configuration, the acute angles of the trapezoidal shaped portion provide a greater width of the STO at the media facing surface, which protect the main pole from over-etching during the fabrication of the STO. In addition, the acute angles of the trapezoidal shaped portion of the first surface are large enough to keep a low STO driving voltage and provide the MAMR head with a long operation lifetime and higher reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus for a magnetic storage drive includes a magnetic head assembly having a first slider and a second slider arranged with a gap between the first and second sliders, the first slider comprising a first magnetic head and the second slider comprising a second magnetic head. The apparatus includes a ramp constructed of a first material, the ramp being configured to guide and hold the magnetic head assembly in place when parked; and a fin constructed of a second material different than the first material, the fin arranged with the ramp to protect the first slider from contacting the second slider when the magnetic head assembly is parked on the ramp.

Abstract: A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) device has a thin MgO tunneling barrier layer and a free ferromagnetic multilayer. The free ferromagnetic multilayer includes a CoFeB first ferromagnetic layer, a face-centered-cubic (fcc) NiFe compensation layer with negative magnetostriction, and a body-centered-cubic (bcc) NiFe insertion layer between the CoFeB layer and the fcc NiFe compensation layer. An optional ferromagnetic nanolayer may be located between the MgO barrier layer and the CoFeB layer. An optional amorphous separation layer may be located between the CoFeB layer and the bcc NiFe insertion layer. The bcc NiFe insertion layer (and the optional amorphous separation layer if it is used) prevents the fcc NiFe layer from adversely affecting the crystalline formation of the MgO and CoFeB layers during annealing. The bcc NiFe insertion layer also increases the TMR and lowers the Gilbert damping constant of the free ferromagnetic multilayer.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring cross-talk in an array reader magnetic storage system includes an array reader with multiple read heads operable to read data from a magnetic storage medium, a first preamplifier connected to a first read head, a second preamplifier connected to a second read head, and a cross-talk measurement circuit connected to the first preamplifier and to the second preamplifier, operable to measure cross-talk between a first signal from the first read head and a second signal from the second read head.

Abstract: A head cleaning device includes: a wiper member formed in an elongate shape and having a wiper anchoring portion anchored so as not to move in a tape width direction; and a support member that includes a wiper entrainment portion about which the wiper member is entrained so as to double back, that causes the wiper entrainment portion to move in the tape width direction so that a surface of the wiper member at an opposite side of the wiper entrainment portion from the wiper anchoring portion wipes a head that performs at least one of writing information to, or reading information from, a recording tape.

Abstract: A disk drive includes: a disk, a head, and control circuitry including a servo control system operable to actuate the head. The head is unloaded onto a ramp for a period of time based on a time constant. The head is loaded onto the disk after the period of time has elapsed and head-media spacing (HMS) is repeatedly measured. The head is unloaded when the HMS measurements become constant within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a MAMR head. The MAMR head includes an STO and an embedded contact sensor (ECS). The STO and the ECS are electrically connected in series and are connected to the same terminals. During operation, the current applied to the STO is controlled with respect to a change in resistance of the ECS.

Abstract: A spin torque oscillator is provided which is adapted to high data transfer rates and which can perform assisted magnetic recording of sufficient magnitude. A spin torque oscillator is provided with a stacked spin injection layer and a high frequency magnetic field generation layer. The stacked spin injection layer has a stacked structure in which a first magnetic layer, a coupling layer, and a second magnetic layer are stacked in the order mentioned from a far side as viewed from the high frequency magnetic field generation layer. Magnetization of the first magnetic layer and magnetization of the second magnetic layer are coupled antiparallel to each other. A polarity of the magnetization of the second magnetic layer is reversed temporally earlier than a magnetic field polarity reversal of a leakage magnetic field from the main magnetic pole.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to the data storage field and hard disk drives (HDD) using microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) technology. Aspects of the preferred embodiments are to prevent the breakdown of spin torque oscillators (STO) due to large amounts of current flowing through the STO during head/disk contact. A magnetic head slider is disposed above and spaced apart from a disk. A STO is formed on a section of the magnetic head slider. Two electrodes are coupled to the STO, and one electrode has a higher potential than the other electrode. A preamplifier is adapted to send a current through the two electrodes, resulting in the higher potential electrode protruding closer to the disk than the lower potential electrode. Current then flows from one electrode to the disk without flowing through the STO, and breakdown of the STO is prevented.