Interactions at the head–tape interface of a linear tape system

Abstract

In this study, tape cycling experiments were performed using two different experimental metal particle media in combination with a Travan™ linear tape system. The aim was to investigate the effect of head/tape contact on the tribological properties and signal performance of the system. A combination of cycling at extreme environmental conditions, use of experimental media, and cycling beyond the normal limit of operation ensured a worst-case scenario for the head–tape interactions. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the chemical and physical surface changes that occurred on and in the head surfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to identify the chemical changes that occurred at the media surface and these changes were correlated to variation in signal dropout rate. Measurements were made as functions of number of cycles. The cycling experiments for the two different tapes were performed at conditions of 32°C, 80% RH and 5°C, 10% RH and transfer of material from the media to the head was observed at each condition for both tape types. The degree of material transfer was influenced by the environmental operating conditions, but was governed by localized heating effects, such as those originating from active magnetoresistive (MR) elements and frictional interactions between the head and media. XPS analyses of the surface of the media revealed a reduction of nitrogen with increasing number of cycles indicating binder depletion. Significant differences in elemental concentrations were also detected between areas corresponding to regions directly under the cartridge belt compared to those off belt.