Stephen Arnold Olson

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Stephen Arnold Olson in Magnetic Recording Technology

Introduction

Stephen Arnold Olson, an accomplished inventor based in Palo Alto, CA, has made significant contributions to the field of magnetic recording technology. With a total of seven patents to his name, Olson has developed innovative tools and methods that enhance the performance and reliability of magnetic recording media.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions is an "Apparatus for burnishing small asperities and cleaning loose particles from magnetic recording media." This technology involves an air bearing burnish slider that effectively addresses very small asperities and cleans loose particles from magnetic recording media. The slider applies a controllable contact force that optimizes the burnishing of disk asperities and the cleaning of attached particles. Two distinct designs allow for different configurations: a low pitch design with diagonal rails for pushing contaminants away from the disk surface, and a milder burnish force that operates in a high pitch configuration, balancing stable contact and debris removal.

Another notable patent is the "Method and tool for measurement of roll static attitude of sliders in a magnetic recording head stack assembly." This innovative method employs reference elements on the magnetic recording slider that are optically analyzed through a video camera linked to a computer. The system facilitates fast measurements by using motorized stages to position each slider accurately, allowing for precise comparisons against known control parameters.

Career Highlights

Stephen Olson's professional journey includes significant roles at renowned companies such as IBM and Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. His experiences in these leading organizations have undoubtedly influenced his innovative mindset and contributed to his expertise in magnetic recording technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Olson has collaborated with notable colleagues like Gwendolyn Jones Chung and Ramamurthy Nagarajan. These partnerships have played a vital role in the development and refinement of his inventions, showcasing the importance of collaboration in driving technological advancements.

Conclusion

Stephen Arnold Olson continues to be a pivotal figure in the realm of magnetic recording technology. His impressive array of patents, coupled with his collaborations and experiences in various esteemed organizations, positions him as an influential inventor dedicated to innovation in the industry. As technology evolves, it is evident that Olson's contributions will remain significant in enhancing the performance and efficiency of magnetic recording media.