High-density magnetic recording heads

This paper outlines the important dimensions and parameters of high-density heads and discusses why each is important and how they are related. Among factors discussed are: head-to-media spacing, record gap size, media coercivity and remanence, record demagnetization fields, record gap-edge saturation in ferrite, metal, metal-in-gap, and thin-film heads, and head wear. Gap-edge straightness is discussed. Magnetoresistive read heads are described. Vertical recording and pole-type heads are discussed. Principle sources of head noise are outlined.