Considerations in the design of probe heads for 100 Gbit/in(2) recording density

Thin film perpendicular playback yoke-GMR heads capable of reading at a density of 100 Gbit/in(2) have been designed using 3D boundary element reciprocity modeling. Two basic head types are considered, a single pole and a ring-type geometry. The influence on the playback voltage and D-50 of the throat height, fly height, and permeability are studied. Isolated pulse response, roll-off curves, and off-track profiles are calculated. Media with and without a soft underlayer are also considered. The simulations show that of the designs studied the ring head in combination with the media without a soft underlayer has playback properties suitable for this density.