MR head design is based on the ability of metals to change their resistivity in the presence of a magnetic field. This effect was first found in 1857. Inductive thin film heads generate strong magnetic fields at the gap between the poles, thereby magnetizing areas of the media. Continuous improvement of the head design allowed extremely high densities of magnetic recording with magnetic bits getting smaller and smaller. But, the head is only one component of the magnetic recording system, with magnetic media being extremely important as well.
Magnetic layer is needed to store the data.
A thin layer of lubricant on the top is used to minimize the wear of the carbon layer. US Byte . com . All rights reserved.