Patent ID: 7092195
Filing Date: 2006-08-15
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A method of adjusting a flying-height distance between a magnetic write head and a magnetic medium, the method comprising: positioning the write head in a location spaced from the magnetic medium by the flying-height distance, the write head comprising a magnetic yoke and a proximal region in proximity to the magnetic medium, the write head further comprising a resistive heater, at least a portion of the resistive heater being within the magnetic yoke and in proximity to the proximal region, the resistive heater configured to heat the proximal region, the proximal region having a coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the proximal region is configured to expand and to contract in response to a temperature of the proximal region; flowing an electric current through the resistive heater; and controlling the electric current to adjust the temperature of the proximal region to selectively expand and contract the proximal region and thereby control the flying-height distance, wherein controlling the electric current comprises pulsing the electrical current and adjusting a time interval between pulses.