Imation Corporation

Mark P Lubratt

Daniel P Stubbs

Robert S Jackson

David M Perry

Robert C Martin

John J Simbal

Stephen W Farnsworth

Lewis S Damer

Arne Bengt Boberg

Leslie M Milner

Israel Tzur

Brian K Parliament

James K Knudsen

Methods and systems for laser etching of optical servo patterns on magnetic data storage media using two or more beams of laser energy produced from a single source of laser energy to produce a servo pattern on the magnetic data storage media. By using two or more etching beams, the time required to produce a servo pattern on the magnetic data storage media can be significantly reduced. Alternatively, each servo track in the servo pattern can be written more than once. The servo patterns thus formed can be read optically or they may be read magnetically using magnetic overwriting (if the servo pattern is formed in a magnetic coating on the media). In either case, the servo patterns are either permanently formed in the media when read optically, or they can be recreated after bulk erasing if they are provided using magnetic overwriting. In yet another alternative, the servo patterns may be read both magnetically and optically, with the magnetic and optical reading occurring simultaneously or sequentially.

Multibeam laser servowriting of magnetic data storage media

Magnetic data storage tapes with etched servo patterns are disclosed along with methods of manufacturing the tapes. The servo tracks formed by etching may be read magnetically by magnetically overwriting a pattern etched into a magnetic coating on the tape, followed by detecting the electromagnetic modulation caused by the servo pattern etched into the magnetic coating. The etched servo pattern may also be read optically in addition to magnetically, with the optical writing occurring simultaneously, sequentially or both simultaneously and sequentially. Whether the servo tracks are read magnetically or magnetically and optically, the electromagnetic and/or electromagnetic/optical modulation caused by the etched pattern can be used to accurately position a read/write head on the tape.

Magnetic data storage tape with etched servo pattern, method of manufacturing same, and method of servo positioning on same

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for stabilizing data storage media during laser servowriting of optical servo tracks on the media. The apparatus includes a spindle for rotating the media during servowriting, a fixed media platform, and a media support for stabilizing the vertical position of the media during servowriting. The media support may include channels to reduce or control the formation of an air bearing in the area of servowriting to stabilize the vertical positioning of the media. The media support may also include a vacuum slot for drawing a vacuum through the channels.

Media stabilization for laser servowriting

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White Bear Township, MN, United States of America

Mark P Lubratt