Scanning magnetoresistance microscopy (SMRM) as a diagnostic for high density recording

Scanning Magneto-Resistance Microscopy (SMRM) is a technique which we have developed whereby commercial magneto-resistive (MR) heads are used to both image and record magnetic media. A high resolution, linearized positioning stage is used to raster-scan the recording media (either a hard disk platter or tape coupon) with respect to the MR read/inductive write head. The scanning is performed with the slider in physical contact with the media. Thermal asperities are not present since the contact is continuous rather than intermittent, and the scan speed is slow. This report describes the SMRM hardware, and SMRM measurements of isolated transitions from two different types of MR heads are analyzed and compared to corresponding spin stand data.