Patent ID: 6466386
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method for magnetically recording input data to a magnetic medium as a sequence of magnetization vectors having alternating magnetic orientation and associated lengths that range from a minimum symbol length to a maximum symbol length, the method comprising steps of:providing a write element having a leading edge and a trailing edge to form a write gap which generates a write gap recording field having a length substantially greater than the minimum symbol length; applying a first current pulse to the write element to magnetically orient a first area of the magnetic medium in a first direction; and subsequently applying a second current pulse to the write element to magnetically orient a second area of the magnetic medium in a second direction opposite the first direction, the first and second current pulses of opposite polarity and each having a substantially short duration with respect to a period of time required for a point on the magnetic medium to traverse the write gap, wherein the second current pulse is applied while a portion of the first area remains between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the write element so that the portion of the first area is magnetically reoriented by the second current pulse, a remaining portion of the first area beyond the trailing edge of the write element comprising a selected magnetization vector of desired symbol length, wherein the elapsed period of time between the first and second pulses is variably adjusted in relation to the desired symbol length of the selected magnetization vector.