Magnetoresistive heads for magnetic tape and disk recording

The beginnings and important developments in magnetoresistive (MR) head technology are recalled, starting with the unshielded MR head by R.P. Hunt (1970, 1971). The advantages and shortcomings of the Hunt head for data recording applications are identified. Head structures that made possible the introduction of MR heads in tape storage in 1985 are shown. A general problem set is described for the developers of MR heads for either tape or disk storage, and a variety of solutions are identified for each problem from the patent and technical literature. The course of future progress in realizing and improving MR heads for both tape and disk storage is predicted.>