Abstract
Sony Corp., Information Systems Res. Center A return path core of a single-pole thin film head for perpendicular recording was extended up to the top surface of the head in order to improve the reproducing sensitivity. In this type of head, as the gap length between the main pole and the return path core decreases, the reproducing sensitivity increases, while distortion of a reproduced waveform caused by a contour effect of the return path core increases. We developed a new head with waved edge of the return path core in order to reduce the distortion of the reproduced waveform. The waved edge was formed by the ion milling process. By simulation and experiment, the azimuth effect of the waved return path on recording characteristics, reproduced waveform and peakshift characteristics was investigated. The new head has high sensitivity, low distortion of waveform and small peakshift displacement.
