Prediction of the limitations placed on magnetoresistive head servo systems by track edge writing for various pole tip geometries

The typical configuration for inductive write/magnetoresistive read heads used in hard disk applications involves a shared pole (shield) between the write transducer and the read transducer. The shared pole forms the leading pole of the write portion of the head. The write track width is primarily determined by the width of the trailing pole, however, the leading pole geometry has an important influence on track-edge writing effects and, therefore, on embedded servo system performance. This effect is simulated for shared pole, trimmed pole, and, for comparison, conventional inductive head pole geometries. The merits of each geometry and impact of side writing on servo is discussed. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.