Abstract: A thin film disk and a method for producing the disk having an overcoat with two thickness regions. The thicker overcoat region can be used as a start/stop or loading zone and the thinner overcoat region can be used over the data recording area. This provides increased wear resistance while allowing improved magnetic performance through a reduction in the thickness of the overcoat over the data recording area. The dual thickness regions can be formed using different embodiments of the method. One method sputter deposits a relatively thick layer of overcoat material over the entire disk surface, masks off the portion of the disk for the thick layer, etches the unmasked area to reduce or eliminate the overcoat from the unmasked area, then deposits a second relatively thin layer of overcoat material over the entire surface.

Abstract: A method of selectively patterning a structured substrate without using a mask is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a surface having a plurality of protrusions, coating the surface with a filler material thick enough so that the protrusions are covered, and planarizing the filler coating. The filler material is thereafter partially removed in a uniform fashion to expose only those portions of the protrusions to be modified. After modifying the protrusions by, for example, deposition or etching, the remaining filler material may be removed, resulting in a structured substrate selectively modified or patterned at its protrusions.

Abstract: The method relates to a method comprising providing a coating of a cross-linkable polymeric substance on a transparent or translucent substrate, applying a pattern of cross-linker to said coated substrate by ink jet printing to cross-link said polymeric substance in the pattern of the crosslinker, washing the coated substrate to remove cross-linkable polymer in the area not having the pattern of cross-linker applied thereto, and applying a contrasting color layer to the hardened cross-linked polymeric material.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance effect type head comprises a magnetoresistance effect film having a pair of leads connected thereto and possessing a magnetic field responding part and a pair of upper and lower shield layers having a magnetoresistance effect film nipped therebetween through the medium of a magnetic gap-forming insulating film. This magnetoresistance effect type head satisfies the relations, W.sub.s <W.sub.r and T.sub.r <W.sub.r, wherein W.sub.s stands for the width of the surface of the upper shield layer facing the magnetoresistance effect film, W.sub.r for the distance between the pair of leads, and T.sub.r for the width of the magnetic field responding part of the magnetoresistance effect film. The magnetic field responding part of the magnetoresistance effect film is formed as of the remainder of the MR film region whose magnetic moment is fixed outside the end part of the upper shield layer facing the MA film.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic device having a magnetic film provided with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, the magnetic film, which is formed on a Si wafer, is patterned, before it is heat-treated in a magnetic field, in such a manner that the length of the magnetic film in a direction parallel to that of the magnetic field is greater than the length of the magnetic film in a direction perpendicular thereto. The magnetic film is divided into band-like magnetic films, and the band-like magnetic films are heat-treated in the magnetic field and each provided with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. The band-like magnetic films are patterned and each divided again into magnetic films of a chip size. Thus, a crack or a blister can be prevented from occurring on the magnetic film, and the magnetic characteristics of the magnetic film can be prevented from deteriorating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination read/write thin film magnetic head wherein the width of a gap layer is the same as the track width Tw, and a shielding magnetic layer of a soft magnetic material is formed on both sides of the gap layer so that blots of a record magnetic field out of the track width Tw can be absorbed by the shielding magnetic layer, and write fringing can be prevented. Particularly, when the saturation magnetic flux density and thickness of the shielding magnetic layer are appropriately adjusted, it is possible to suppress write fringing, and at the same time maintain reproduced output at a high level.

Abstract: A method for removing surface layers of a metal coating is disclosed. The method comprises applying an aluminum containing slurry to the surface of the metal coating, melting and diffusing the aluminum to form an aluminide layer within the surface of the metal coating, and removing the aluminide layer.

Abstract: An antifalsification paper having a security element in the form of a thread or band that consists of a translucent plastic film with an at least partly opaque coating. The coating has translucent areas in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns that form first information. In addition second information in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns is disposed on the plastic film, differing from the first information with respect to its size and/or visual impression.

Abstract: The leading edge of a lower pole is constituted by a protruded central parallel portion, opposite end parallel portions, and slanted portions coupling the central parallel portion and the opposite end parallel portions. The width T.sub.wc of the central parallel portion is set to 10 to 25% of the total width T.sub.wa of the lower pole. The thickness P1' of the opposite end portion is set in the range from 1/3 or thicker to 2/3 or thinner than the thickness P19 of the central parallel portion.

Abstract: An inorganic board consisting of an inorganic base layer formed by a paper making method and an inorganic surface layer formed by the dry method on said inorganic base layer is provided in the present invention. A synthetic resin emulsion and/or a rubber latex is coated on and permeates said inorganic base layer so as to supply the water to said inorganic surface layer and improve the delamination strength between said inorganic base layer and said inorganic surface layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic disk comprises the step of depositing a metallic layer on a glass substrate and laser texturing the metallic layer. The magnetic disk is then completed by deposition of (a) an underlayer such as Cr or sputtered NiP, (b) a magnetic layer such as a Co or Fe alloy, and (c) a protective overcoat such as ZrO.sub.2, carbon or hydrogenated carbon. By providing the above-mentioned metallic layer, laser texturing can now be used in conjunction with glass substrates.

Abstract: The present invention is predicated on applicants' discovery that inhomogeneity in films deposited on heated heterogeneous substrates can be substantially reduced by patterning the large area metal structures. Specifically, metal structures having areas in excess of about 2 mm.sup.2 are patterned so that the metal is within 1 mm of a metal edge. Thus, for example, a normally solid chromium bonding pad on a glass substrate is conveniently made as a patterned, open grid of 1 mm chromium lines. With such patterning, a subsequently deposited layer of silicon nitride has enhanced homogeneity over a large area, including enhanced uniformity of etching rate.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film resistor. There is first provided an insulator substrate. There is then formed upon the insulator substrate a blanket thin film resistive layer. There is then removed through a non-photolithographic etching method a portion of the blanket thin film resistive layer to form upon the substrate a patterned thin film resistive layer. Finally, there is then formed through a non-photolithographic printing method upon the patterned thin film resistive layer a patterned conductor lead layer. Alternatively, the portion of the blanket thin film resistive layer may be removed to form the patterned thin film resistive layer after the patterned conductor lead layer is formed upon the blanket thin film resistive layer.

Abstract: A method of recycling an image supporting material from an image supporting material comprising a non-absorbent substrate and an absorbent swelling layer that swells with absorption of liquids, which is overlaid on the non-absorbent substrate, includes the steps of: applying to an image-bearing side of the image supporting material a liquid in an amount which exceeds a maximum amount of the liquid that can be absorbed by the swelling layer; leveling the liquid applied to the image-bearing side of the image supporting material to form a liquid film layer on the image supporting material; heating the swelling layer or the liquid film layer; bringing a peeling member into contact with the image forming material with the application of heat and pressure thereto when at least part of the liquid reaches an interface between the swelling layer and the image forming material deposited on the swelling layer; and separating said peeling member from image supporting material, to remove the image forming material from th

Abstract: A method for fabricating soft tissue implants using a mold. The cavity surface of an initially untextured mold, made of an organic material such as epoxy, is given a thin film coating of material that has pinholes and is resistant to atomic particle bombardment. The mold cavity surface is then subjected to atomic particle bombardment, such as when placed in an isotropic atomic oxygen environment. Microscopic depressions in the mold cavity surface are created at the pinhole sites on the thin film coating. The thin film coating is removed and the mold is then used to cast the soft tissue implant.

Abstract: The present invention uncouples the dependence between the zero throat height and the flare point of a write head by recessing the first insulation layer within the first pole piece layer. The first pole piece layer and the first insulation layer have planar surfaces which preferably lie in a common plane, the zero throat height being defined at the point where the planar surface of the first pole piece layer first meets the planar surface of the first insulation layer within the head. It is also at this point that the first and second pole piece layers separate from one another. Accordingly, the zero throat height can be accurately placed relative to the stripe height of a magneto-resistive (MR) sensor. Further, when a photoresist layer is spun onto the partially completed head for the construction of the pole tip of the second pole piece light directed into the photoresist layer for photo-imaging the pole tip does not reflect into the photoresist layer adjacent the pole tip.

Abstract: A process for preparing a toner donor roll having an integral electrode pattern involving: (a) providing a cylindrically shaped insulating member; (b) coating the insulating member with a photo or thermally sensitive composition comprised of a polymeric material and a conductive metal nucleating agent; (c) patterning the composition, resulting in a first composition portion corresponding to the electrode pattern and a second composition portion; and (d) depositing conductive metal on the first composition portion, resulting in the electrode pattern which is capable of being electrically biased to detach toner particles from the donor roll. In an alternative embodiment, there is provided an insulating member comprised of an insulating polymeric material and a conductive metal nucleating agent.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to allow an optical element to be obtained with good precision using a polymer film and a glass substrate as a reinforcer. The present invention is characterized by the fact that a polymer film is formed on a glass substrate which has been treated to prevent the glass substrate and polymer from separation. This allows an optical circuit pattern to be formed without producing separation between the glass substrate and polymer film when the film is formed. The dimensional precision of the configuration of the distributed index in the polymer film can be maintained generally to the same extent as the expansion and shrinkage of the glass substrate. In addition, a vessel obtained with a glass substrate as the bottom surface can be used as the casting vessel.

Abstract: A magnetic domain controlling film for controlling the magnetic domain of a magnetoresistive film is formed by the patterning technique on a lower insulating film formed on a lower shield film. The magnetoresistive film is formed on the magnetic domain controlling film for converting a magnetic signal from a magnetic recording medium into an electrical signal using the magnetoresistive effect. A resist pattern is formed by the lift-off method on the magnetoresistive film in such a fashion as to leave a region of the magnetoresistive film corresponding to the tracks of the magnetic recording medium. A magnetoresistive element is formed by ion milling leaving only the portion of the magnetoresistive film corresponding to the tracks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of printed orthopedic casting tapes. A knit, open mesh fibrous tape having elastic filaments extending in the length direction is stretched in a predetermined amount and a pattern is printed onto the stretched fibrous tape using a low temperature drying ink. The printed tape is thereafter passed through a drying zone maintained at a temperature of less than about 100.degree. C. while the tape is maintained in the stretched condition. The printed tape is thereafter allowed to relax and is subsequently coated with a hardenable liquid resin.

Abstract: A method for forming a supported thin layer of non-evaporable getter (NEG) material and a getter device formed thereby are provided. A suspension comprised of non-evaporable getter (NEG) material particles in a dispersing medium is prepared. The NEG material particles in the suspension have a particle size not greater than about 150 .mu.m. The dispersing medium has an aqueous, alcoholic, or hydroalcoholic base and contains not more than about 1 wt % of organic compounds having a boiling temperature of at least about 250.degree. C. The ratio of the weight of the NEG material particles to the weight of the dispersing medium is between about 4:1 and about 1:1. A layer of the suspension is deposited on a carrier by a serigraphic technique. Next, the deposited layer is dried to evaporate volatile components of the dispersing medium and thereby form a dried deposit. Finally, the dried deposit is sintered under vacuum at a temperature between about 800.degree. C. and 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: This self-supported, anisotropic conductive film has a partly annealed polymer layer (46) containing through holes, nail-shaped conductive elements (51) filling the through holes, having a central portion and ends, and the central portion of the nails is made from a hard material (52) and each end respectively of a first and a second meltable materials (44, 54).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an organic/polymer electroluminescent device to effectively inject electrons and holes by forming a film consisting of a charge transfer complex or charge transfer salt between a organic/polymer electroluminescent layer and electrodes for injecting electrons and holes in order to increase an electroluminescent quantum efficiency, is disclosed. The inventive structure of organic/polymer electroluminescent device comprises a transparent substrate. A plurality of transparent electrodes is formed on a selected portions of the transparent substrate. A first film is formed on the entire surface of the resulting structure including the plurality of transparent electrodes formed on the selected portions of the transparent substrate. An emissive layer formed on the first film. A second film is then formed on the luminous layer. A plurality of metal electrodes is formed on a selected portions of the second film.

Abstract: An improved CVD apparatus for depositing a uniform film is shown. The apparatus comprises a reaction chamber, a substrate holder and a plurality of light sources for photo CVD or a pair of electrodes for plasma CVD. The substrate holder is a cylindrical cart which is encircled by the light sources, and which is rotated around its axis by a driving device. With this configuration, the substrates mounted on the cart and the surroundings can be energized by light of plasma evenly throughout the surfaces to be coated.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous film on a silicon substrate is described. The substrate 14 is placed in a vacuum chamber in the presence of oxygen at specified pressure and temperature for a period of time to form a thin oxide film 10 thereon. Then the conditions in the chamber are altered so that voids 14 of a desired dimension are formed in the oxide film 10. Alternatively, a substrate 20 is subjected to specific conditions in the vacuum chamber whereat oxide islands 22 nucleate on the surface. As the islands grow, they eventually cover most of the surface leaving voids 24 of the desired size.

Abstract: A method of producing a cathode ray tube comprising forming a phosphor layer on the inner surface of a panel of a glass bulb, forming an lacquer intermediate film on the phosphor layer, removing the lacquer intermediate film formed on the inner surface of the funnel of the glass bulb by a liquid in a state with the temperature of the glass bulb higher than the temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: A phosphor layer is formed on an inside surface of a panel of a glass bulb comprising the panel and funnel connected with each other. A nozzle sprays an organic solvent lacquer on the phosphor layer to form a lacquer intermediate film under conditions ofa/2.ltoreq.L.multidot.tan (.THETA./2).ltoreq.(a/2)+.alpha.(0.ltoreq..alpha. )where,a is the length of the short side of the inside surface of the panel,L is the length from the connecting portion of the panel and funnel to the nozzle in the direction of spray,.THETA.0 is the angle of spray of the nozzle, and.alpha. is a length addition parameter. The lacquer intermediate film formed on the inside surface of the funnel is removed by a liquid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a two-color non-slip tread or flooring plate includes the steps of dimensioning the plate, cleaning the plate and applying a bonding agent to the plate. A uniform layer of plastisol of a light color, containing gritty particles such as aluminum oxide, is sprayed on one of the surfaces of the plate or tread. After partial curing by baking, a masking material is applied along one of the edges. This edge is selected to be the edge which would abut a discontinuity in the floor such as the edge of a step or a flooring area which is raised. A second layer of plastisol containing gritty particles with a darker pigment is then sprayed on to the first layer of plastisol. The plastisol layers are then cured by baking and the masking material is removed. The invention includes tread plates and flooring plates made in accordance with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of forming an oxide enhancing region, such as phosphorus, in a semiconductor substrate with minimal damage is provided. The method includes the steps of forming an oxide enhancing region in the semiconductor substrate to a depth below the semiconductor substrate. A 308 nm excimer laser is then applied to the oxide enhancing region in order to reduce the damage caused by forming the oxide enhancing region. A uniform and reliable oxide layer is then formed on the surface of the substrate over the damage reduced oxide enhancing region.

Abstract: A copper film layer and a resin film are sequentially layered on a skin material, the resin film is irradiated with a laser beam so as to be removed, a mask is formed on the copper film layer by use of the residual of the resin film, thereafter, an etching process is provided thereto, so that a copper film layer pattern is formed on the reflective surface of the skin material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the selective heat-induced deposition of solid material from gas-phase or super-critical fluids to produce three-dimensional parts by pyrolysis of the fluids. The apparatus involves computer/feedback control of the evolving shape by direct monitoring of the volumetric deposition rate or growth profile, and modifying light beam focal properties, the position and orientation of the deposit relative to the beam foci, and/or the pressure and flow of reactants to the growth zone. The precursor gases may be pressurized and heated to the critical point or beyond, becoming super-critical fluids, without condensation. Growth occurs by diffusion of reactants to the growth zone through a boundary layer over the deposit. One method of growth includes directing a large-area impinging jet of precursor fluid(s) onto a deposit interface, while limiting the reaction zone to a smaller area determined solely by size of the heated zone (through use of a radiant beam, e.g.).

Abstract: An MR sensor includes an MR layer and permanent magnets defining an active area on the MR layer. A bi-layer test structure is fabricated with a permanent magnet layer deposited on a substrate and an MR layer deposited on the permanent magnet layer. If desired, a SAL may be deposited prior to deposition of the permanent magnet layer. A DC magnetic field is applied to the bi-layer test structure, and the strength of the DC magnetic field is varied. During application of the DC magnetic field, the magnetic response of the bi-layer test structure is measured to determine a hysteresis loop of the bi-layer structure. The exchange coupling between the permanent magnet layer and the MR layer is characterized by a point of inflection identified on the measured hysteresis loop.

Abstract: An improved display product and method of making a display wherein a perforated panel is provided with layers of paint which are kept on the panel. Thus, a sign painter can have a wide latitude of designs which can be applied to see-through graphics. The resulting product can be opaque to an observer looking from one side of a display product yet the observer is able to see through the product from the other side of the product. A window to be provided with a display product is masked with masking paper and masking tape to cover the exposed parts. A perforated panel is cut to fit the window and attached over the masking paper and the masking tape. The perforated panel is painted with an image that is desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative lighting paper in which the printed matter can be easily discerned with clarity whether viewed with transmitted light or reflected light, and a method of manufacturing the said paper thereof. The paper according to the present invention comprises a substrate and a coating layer formed on at least one side of the substrate, the overall opacity of the paper being in the range of 50-75%, the brightness as measured from the one side is 80% or more, and the luster of the paper is 5-23%.

Abstract: Master disks for providing dies in particular for pressing optical disks, methods of manufacturing same, pressing dies obtained from such master disks and optical disks obtained from the latter and such pressing dies, the master disks consisting of a support carrying at its surface a succession of microcups representative of the information to be duplicated and consisting of a hard, conducting material reflecting in the near infrared range and selected from a zirconium, hafnium or titanium nitride or carbonitride, a hard ceramic reflecting in the near infrared range and conducting at the surface only and a hard glass reflecting in the near infrared range and conducting at the surface only.

Abstract: Processes for patterning amorphous fluoropolymer Teflon.RTM.AF, passivating high temperature superconductor films, and improved electronic devices with amorphous fluoropolymer Teflon.RTM.AF films are disclosed.

Abstract: A film is applied to a substrate in accordance with a predetermined pattern by applying a solution of a copolymer of fluoropolymers dissolved in a solvent onto the surface of the substrate; curing and annealing the solution to boil off the solvent and form a copolymer film on the substrate; depositing a thin metal film on the copolymer film; patterning the thin metal film by a photoresist etching process to expose the underlying copolymer film in accordance with the predetermined pattern; removing the exposed copolymer film so that the underlying substrate is exposed in accordance with the predetermined pattern; removing any remaining thin metal film; depositing the film to the remaining copolymer film and exposed substrate; then removing the remaining copolymer film and any film applied thereon by ultrasonic cleaning.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic disk comprises the step of depositing a metallic layer on a glass substrate and laser texturing the metallic layer. The magnetic disk is then completed by deposition of (a) an underlayer such as Cr or sputtered NiP, (b) a magnetic layer such as a Co or Fe alloy, and (c) a protective overcoat such as ZrO.sub.2, carbon or hydrogenated carbon. By providing the above-mentioned metallic layer, laser texturing can now be used in conjunction with glass substrates.

Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic disk having a surface roughness in the entire portion of its main surface in which the peak height of the surface roughness in a data zone of the magnetic disk is lower than the peak height of the surface roughness in a CSS zone of the magnetic disk, wherein forming a magnetic disk substrate having the main surface in which a surface roughness having a substantially uniform peak height is formed in the substantially entire portion of the main surface; conducting varnishing only to the data zone in the main surface of the substrate having the surface roughness to lower the peak height of the surface roughness of the data zone; and forming a ferromagnetic layer, a protective layer and a lubricant layer sequentially on a region of the main surface of the substrate, which includes the data zone and the CSS zone.

Abstract: An additive electrical circuit (5) on a flexible substrate (1) fabricated by; metallization of the substrate, applying a mask pattern comprising a plating resistant material, applying a conductive circuit material in a circuit pattern that is uncovered by the mask pattern, and removing the plating resistant material and the metallization. Leaving the circuit (5) on the substrate (1) to be applied as a harness or instrument panel.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a dual magnetoresistive (DMR) sensor with improved sensor-to-sensor match is disclosed. A first Mo conductor layer and a first NiMn antiferromagnetic layer are formed on top of a first gap layer in wing regions of the DMR sensor. The first NiMn layer is formed on top of the first Mo layer. A first NiFe sensor layer, a first spacer layer and a second NiFe sensor layer are deposited on top of the first NiMn layer in the wing regions and on top of the first gap layer in the active region. The first NiFe sensor layer, the first spacer layer and the second NiFe sensor layer are all deposited in a single vacuum deposition run to minimize material mismatches, and are simultaneously patterned to the desired geometry to minimize misalignment between the two sensor layers. A second conductor layer and a second antiferromagnetic layer are formed on top the second NiFe sensor layer in the wing regions.

Abstract: An awning fabric for use with a backlit sign of the type having a light source disposed on one side of the awning fabric. The awning fabric includes a scrim and a translucent coating on at least one side of the scrim. The scrim is treated with an optical brightener. When the awning fabric is viewed by an observer from the side opposite the light source, the visibility of the scrim to the observer is minimized. The translucent coating may be plastisol. The optical brightener is preferably a fluorescent whitening agent comprising a stilbene derivative. Also disclosed is a method for producing an awning fabric. The method includes applying an optical brightener to a scrim and applying a translucent coating onto at least one side of the scrim. The method may further include applying an opaque coating onto the translucent coating. Thereafter, a solvent is selectively applied to the opaque coating thereby forming a selected pattern on the awning fabric.

Abstract: An image forming method is disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is constructed with a substrate made of glass, one or two underlayers, and a magnetic film. In order that the easy magnetization axis of the magnetic film is parallel to the magnetic film, an underlayer having an NaCl crystallographic structure is superposed on the substrate. A magnetic film made of a Co based alloy having a hexagonal close packed crystallographic structure is formed on this underlayer, putting an underlayer made of a material having a body centered cubic crystallographic structure therebetween at need. Magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic film is increased by forming grooves in a predetermined direction in a surface portion of the substrate. These grooves play a role also for defining the orientation of the underlayer made of the material having an NaCl crystallographic structure.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating is provided which is adapted to be formed on an article subjected to a hostile thermal environment while subjected to thermally, mechanically and/or dynamically-induced stresses, such as a component of a gas turbine engine. The thermal barrier coating is composed of a bond layer that tenaciously adheres an insulative ceramic layer to the article. The bond layer is formed of a metallic oxidation-resistant material, and has an average surface roughness R.sub.a of at least about 7.5 micrometers, while the ceramic layer is characterized by being segmented by at least two sets of grooves. The grooves have substantially uniform widths of about 100 to about 500 micrometers, with adjacent grooves of each set being spaced about 10 to about 250 millimeters apart.

Abstract: A process for forming a film on a ceramic substrate or on a fired film formed thereon includes coating, on a ceramic substrate or on a fired film formed thereon, a material which becomes a metallic film or a ceramic film upon firing, to form an as-coated film, irradiating the as-coated film with an energy beam which does not damage the ceramic substrate or the fired film formed thereon to such an extent that it becomes useless and which can decompose and remove the as-coated film, to trim the unrequired portion(s) of the as-coated film, and firing the trimmed as-coated film to form a desired film. The film can be formed on a ceramic substrate or on a fired film formed thereon while the damage to the substrate or the fired film is minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a painting method which comprises applying a synthetic resin having an adhesivity and a dye staining property to the surface of a drawn body 10 comprising a metal, glass, ceramics or plastics at 0.1-100 .mu.m thickness, drying the coated synthetic resin to form an accepting layer 11 on the drawn body 10, drawing a character or a pattern on the surface of the accepting layer 11 with a drawing material 12 containing a sublimation dye which is capable of fixing the accepting layer 11 and drying the drawing material 12,wherein the drawing material 12 contains a releasable resin 12a which become releasable after drying or a water-soluble resin 12b, and after drying, the releasable resin 12a is peeled off or the water-soluble resin 12b is dissolved by water and removed.

Abstract: An arbitrary pattern write head assembly for writing timing-based servo patterns on magnetic storage media is provided, comprising: (a) a first pole piece comprising a substrate comprising a magnetic material, said substrate having a major surface; (b) a plurality of electrically conducting windings formed on the major surface; and (c) a second pole piece formed on the substrate, with a portion thereof formed above the plurality of electrically conducting windings and electrically insulated therefrom, the second pole piece having at least one opening therethrough defining a gap above the electrically conducting windings and the substrate, the second pole piece comprising at least two layers, each layer comprising a magnetic material. A method of batch fabricating servo writer heads is also provided for batch fabrication of servo writer heads at a very low cost. The method enables fabrication of heads capable of azimuthal recording commonly practiced in the video recording art.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for electroless plating of a conductive metal layer onto the surface of a non-conductive substrate, in which the substrate surface is prepared for receiving a coating of activator using conventional methods, and the coating of activator is applied by contacting the substrate surface with a stabilized sensitizing solution comprising ions of at least one Group VIII and IB transition metal, preferably palladium chloride, stannous ions in a molar concentration in excess of that of the transition metal ions, an acid, and a buffering salt; followed by contacting the sensitized substrate surface with a noble metal activating solution to catalyze the substrate surface for subsequent electroless plating. The sensitized and activated substrate is then contacted with an aqueous dry film photoresist, which is then imaged and developed to form a predetermined electrical circuit pattern, using conventional methods.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium with high reliability by rendering simply a surface of a magnetic recording medium rough. A recording film of a magnetic material is formed on a nonmagnetic substrate, then a multilayered or composite protection film including first and second materials is formed on the recording film, and then selectively etching one of said first and second materials to transform a surface of the recording film into a rough surface.