Write transducer for magnetic recording system

Abstract

In an approach to improving write transducers, a write transducer for recording data on a magnetic medium is disclosed. The write transducer includes a first pole piece. The write transducer further includes a second pole piece. The first pole piece and the second pole piece are arranged such that a write gap is formed between the first pole piece and the second pole piece. A longitudinal axis is defined between opposing ends of the write gap. The length of the write gap along the longitudinal axis varies in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Background of the Invention The present invention relates generally to magnetic data storage systems, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a magnetic transducer for recording data, each linear track of data, on a magnetic medium that can reduce spatial variations in magnetic imprints produced on the medium.

[0002] In magnetic storage systems, data is read from and written to magnetic recording media using magnetic transducers. Data can be written to magnetic recording media, particularly magnetic tape, by moving a magnetic recording transducer, such as a gapped electromagnet based on a ferromagnetic yoke and magnetic poles, included in the write transducer, to a position on the media where the data will be stored. The magnetic recording transducer then generates a magnetic field to encode the data on the magnetic media. Data is read from the media by similarly positioning a magnetic read transducer, such as a magnetoresistive element, and then sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic media. The read and write operations can be independently synchronized with the operation of the media to ensure that data can be read from and written to the desired location on the media.

[0003] In the case of magnetic tape systems, high data throughput rates are typically achieved by simultaneously operating multiple transducers, embedded within a head body that is flush with the tape support surface of the head and arranged in a regularly pitched array along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of relative tape motion over the head, resulting in parallel, non-overlapping tracks of written data along the length of the tape. If the write transducer is assumed to be a ring-type gapped electromagnet, the longitudinal axis of the transducer is defined by the shortest distance between the two pole pieces on either side of the gap. The set of transducers is typically aligned along a transverse direction defined perpendicular to the tape support surface. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic write transducer for recording data on a magnetic medium. The write transducer includes a first pole piece. The write transducer further includes a second pole piece, the first pole piece and the second pole piece being arranged such that a write gap is formed between the first pole piece and the second pole piece. A longitudinal axis is defined between opposing ends of the write gap. The length of the write gap along the longitudinal axis varies in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0005] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium. The longitudinal magnetic recording system includes a magnetic medium and at least one magnetic write transducer for recording data on the magnetic medium. The at least one magnetic write transducer has a first pole piece. The at least one magnetic write transducer further has a second pole piece. The first pole piece and the second pole piece are arranged such that a write gap is formed between the first pole piece and the second pole piece. A longitudinal axis is defined between opposite ends of the write gap. The length of the write gap along the longitudinal axis varies in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of this invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Moreover, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic write transducer of a magnetic longitudinal recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium, according to one embodiment.

[0008] [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a tape-facing view of a write gap of a magnetic write transducer of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium, according to one embodiment.

[0009] [Figure 3] 10 illustrates a write gap of a magnetic write transducer of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium according to a further embodiment.

[0010] [Figure 4]10 illustrates a write gap of a magnetic write transducer of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium according to a still further embodiment.

[0011] [Figure 5] 10 illustrates a write gap of a magnetic write transducer of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium according to a still further embodiment.

[0012] [Figure 6] 10 illustrates a write gap of a magnetic write transducer of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium according to a still further embodiment.

[0013] [Figure 7] 10 illustrates the effect of varying the length of the write gap of a write transducer on magnetic flux density, according to one embodiment.

[0014] [Figure 8] 1 shows a magnetic write head with multiple magnetic write transducers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that the amount of data stored on magnetic tape can be increased by increasing the number of data tracks across the tape. Reducing the feature size of readers and writers, such as by using thin-film fabrication techniques and magnetoresistive (MR) sensors, allows for more tracks. However, for various reasons, embodiments of the present invention recognize that reader and writer feature sizes cannot be reduced arbitrarily, and therefore factors such as lateral tape motion transients and lateral tape stretch must be balanced with a reader / writer size that provides acceptable written tracks and readback signals. Embodiments of the present invention recognize that one issue that limits areal density is misregistration caused by lateral tape stretch. Tape width can vary, for example, by up to about 0.1%, due to stretch caused by changes in humidity, tape tension, temperature, aging, etc. This is often referred to as tape dimensional stability (TDS), or more appropriately, tape dimensional instability (TDI).

[0016]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that when a tape is written in one environment and then read back into another, tape dimensional instability can prevent the spacing of tracks on the tape from exactly matching the spacing of the read elements during readback. Embodiments of the present invention recognize that in modern products, the change in track spacing due to tape dimensional instability is small compared to the size of the written tracks and is part of the tracking budget that is considered when designing the product. As tape capacity increases over time, tracks become smaller and smaller, and tape dimensional instability takes up an increasingly larger portion of the tracking budget, this is the limiting factor for increasing areal density.

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that to address tape dimensional instability, a process called skew-based TDS compensation has been developed in which a target nominal operating pitch is determined for transducers for reading and / or writing to magnetic tape. A write head containing an array of write transducers is oriented with its longitudinal axis at an angle, typically between greater than 0.2° and about 15°, with respect to the direction of tape motion so as to achieve the desired pitch when projected across the tape. Embodiments of the present invention recognize that during operation, this angle can be dynamically adjusted to change the effective pitch between the transducers to match the pitch of the track locations on the tape in response to changes in the width of the tape due to TDS.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that to ensure the reliability of recorded data, tape systems utilize a process called read-while-write verification, in which a set of read transducers is located immediately downstream from a set of writer transducers. Data is first written by the write transducers as the tape flows over the recording head, and then the written data is read back as it passes over the read transducers to verify that it was written correctly. Embodiments of the present invention recognize that for this process to work over the range of angles applied to compensate for TDS during operation, the write transducers must be relatively wide compared to the width of the read transducers to ensure that the reader is always positioned over some portion of the written track, even as the head angle needs to be adjusted. To increase the track density achievable with such wide writers, a process called shingling is used. In this process, tracks are first written with a width corresponding to the width of the write transducers. Embodiments of the present invention recognize that to write a neighboring track adjacent to this first track, the transverse position of the head is adjusted by a distance less than or equal to the width of the write transducer and equal to the desired track pitch, in this example partially overlapping the first track. When the neighboring track is written, it partially overwrites the first track, leaving a residual or shingled track at the target track pitch. Each subsequent track partially overlaps and partially overwrites the previous track. Embodiments of the present invention recognize that in this process, it is desirable for the shingled portion of the track to have high quality, while the later-overwritten portion of the track can have lower quality as long as it is still sufficient for the read-while-write verification process.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on magnetic tape typically comprises a magnetic medium, for example a longitudinal magnetic recording medium having a magnetic layer formed on a substrate via a multi-layer underlayer, a magnetic recording head having a magnetic write transducer section and a readback transducer section, a device for moving the head longitudinally relative to the magnetic recording medium, and a read / write signal processor used as a means for processing signals input to the magnetic write transducer and outputting signals received from the readback section of the head.

[0020]

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that a magnetic write transducer can include at least one coil. When a current passes through the at least one coil, a magnetic field is generated depending on the direction of the current. To write data to the magnetic medium, the direction of the magnetic field is alternated between two directions by alternating the polarity of the current in the at least one coil, whereby different bits can be created by reversing the polarity of the at least one coil.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that during shingling, write transducers with wide write gaps often exhibit spatial variations in the cross-track direction in the magnitude of the magnetic field they generate during writing. These variations can impart random dips or edge-of-track droop to the readback signal-to-noise ratio at corresponding locations across the width of the written track, degrading the quality of the recorded data. When the magnetic write transducer is wide in the cross-track direction and the length of the write gap is large, their effect on the recording signal-to-noise ratio is generally greater near the lateral edges of the magnetic write transducer. In shingled writing, only a small edge portion of the recording transducer is actually used to record data that is retained after shingling, and this edge portion is also the area of ​​the magnetic write transducer that is typically most affected by variations.

[0022] The examples described herein may have the technical advantage that by varying the length of the write gap of a magnetic write transducer in its cross-track direction, the variance in the signal-to-noise ratio yield of the recording transducer may be tightened, while also retaining a much larger operational length of the write gap in its cross-track direction for read-back for write verification purposes. Thus, the length of the write gap may be varied by at least more than 10% in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the write gap. In particular, the length of the write gap may be varied by 20 to 100% relative to the shortest length of the write gap in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0023] Furthermore, at least a portion of the write gap located at a lateral edge of the write transducer used to record the portion of the track that is retained after shingling can have a minimum length within the write gap. This example can have the technical advantage of directing the magnetic flux through the pole piece to this edge region to better overcome hysteresis domain motion processes, thereby promoting a smoother, polarity-symmetric, and more repeatable magnetic response during bipolar switching at this location. For wide track writers, this feature particularly counteracts the tendency of the effective magnetic reluctance to vary laterally toward the edge, statistically resulting in a long-range droop of the write field strength toward the edge. In various embodiments, the minimum length can be a predetermined unit of measure.

[0024] Thus, the width of the portion can be set based on the targeted operational track pitch. In particular, the length of the portion can correspond to approximately between 1 and 5 times the targeted operational track pitch. This example can have the technical advantage that the narrow gap region width ratio can also be as small as possible to increase the efficiency of the focus effect and the write current efficiency, while also retaining the ability to record high-quality tracks wide enough to meet the system operating point requirement of the track pitch.

[0025] The write gap can be divided into at least two sections of fixed length transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0026] The length of the write gap can also be continuously varied transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0027] The write transducer can further be used for shingled writing and can have a tape support surface therebetween, where the longitudinal axis is rotated about a normal to the tape support surface so as to be at an angle with respect to the intended direction of travel of the magnetic media, where the angle can be between greater than 0.2° and about 15°. Additionally, the write transducer can be used in a magnetic longitudinal recording system for recording data on magnetic media.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a magnetic write transducer 1 of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on magnetic tape, according to one example.

[0029] In the example shown, the write transducer 1 comprises a first pole piece 2 and a second pole piece 3. The first pole piece 2 and the second pole piece 3 are arranged such that a write gap 4 is formed between the first pole piece 2 and the second pole piece 3, where a longitudinal axis is defined between opposite ends of the write gap 4, where the length of the write gap 4 along the longitudinal axis varies in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and where the write gap 4 has a width that varies in its cross-track direction. Thus, the first pole piece and the second pole piece may be connected to each other by, for example, a lower yoke, a rear yoke, and an upper yoke.

[0030] Furthermore, the first pole piece can be a front pole piece and the second pole piece can be a rear pole piece. Alternatively, the first pole piece can be a rear pole piece and the second pole piece can be a front pole piece. The first pole pieces can each further have a first face that is a tape bearing surface, and the second pole pieces can each further have a second face that is a tape bearing surface, where each of the first and second faces is positioned to face a magnetic medium during operation.

[0031] Here, a longitudinal axis is defined between opposing ends of the write gap 4, and the length of the write gap 4 along the longitudinal axis varies in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, respectively, where the write gap 4 has a variable length in its cross-track direction means that the write gap has a variable length in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the first surface or second surface to the magnetic medium, respectively, in a direction transverse to the track direction in which data is written to the magnetic medium by the corresponding longitudinal recording system.

[0032] Furthermore, the term longitudinal does not refer to the orientation of the media; magnetic media can have a longitudinal, perpendicular, or random orientation.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a write gap 10 of a magnetic write transducer 11 of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium, according to one example.

[0034] In the example shown, the magnetic write transducer 11 comprises a first pole piece 12 and a second pole piece 13, with a write gap 10 formed between the first pole piece 12 and the second pole piece 13, with a longitudinal axis 110 defined between opposing ends of the write gap 10, and the length of the write gap 10 along the longitudinal axis 110 varying in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0035] According to the example shown in FIG. 2, the length of the write gap varies by at least 10% transverse to the longitudinal axis, and more particularly, the length of the write gap varies by 10 to 50%, or 20 to 50%, and especially 20 to 100% transverse to the longitudinal axis relative to the longest length of the write gap.

[0036] 2, at least a portion 14 of the write gap 10 at a lateral edge 15 of the write transducer 11 used to record data has a minimum length 100 of the write gap 10, the minimum length being a predetermined length less than any other length of the write gap. Furthermore, a width 120 of the portion 14 is set based on a targeted operating track pitch. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a magnetic write transducer with a smaller write gap region at the lateral shingling edge, which begins at a corner of the first pole piece 12 and spans width 120, corresponding to a targeted operating track pitch when recording data on magnetic tape.

[0037] 2, the width 120 of the portion corresponds to approximately between 1 and 5 times the targeted operating track pitch, in particular 2 times the targeted operating track pitch. However, the portion length corresponding to 2 times the targeted operating track pitch corresponds only to a possible example, and the portion length could also correspond to, for example, 1 time the targeted operating track pitch.

[0038] Furthermore, the illustrated write gap 10 is divided into two portions of constant length transverse to the longitudinal axis, having a first length 100 and a second length 200, where first length 100 is different from second length 200. In particular, according to the example shown in FIG. 2, the first pole piece 12 is designed such that a central portion 16 of the write gap 10 widens gradually relative to the lateral edges 15 of the first pole piece 12.

[0039] Thus, the first pole pieces can each be designed and formed by, for example, inserting one photolithography process step and one subtractive process step into a conventional process for fabricating a magnetic write transducer.

[0040] Additionally, magnetic write transducer 11 can be used for shingled writing, where portion 14 of magnetic write transducer 11 is used only to record data that is retained after shingling. Thus, magnetic write transducer 11 has first and second pole pieces 12 and 13, respectively, and tape support surface 17 having a first edge 18 oriented perpendicular to the intended direction of tape travel therebetween, with a longitudinal axis 110 defined between opposing ends of write gap 10, where longitudinal axis 110 is oriented at an angle relative to first edge 18 and is rotated about a normal to the tape support surface so as to be angled relative to the intended direction of advancement of the magnetic medium.

[0041] According to the example shown in FIG. 2, the angle is between greater than 0.2° and about 15°.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a write gap 20 of a magnetic write transducer 21 of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium, according to a further example.

[0043] In the example shown, the magnetic write transducer 21 again comprises a first pole piece 22 and a second pole piece 23, with a write gap 20 formed between the first pole piece 22 and the second pole piece 23.

[0044] Also, a longitudinal axis is defined between opposing ends of the write gap 20, with the length of the write gap 20 along the longitudinal axis varying in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0045] Additionally, the portion 24 of the write gap 20 at the lateral edge 25 of the write transducer 21 used to record data that is retained after shingling has a minimum length 102 in the write gap 20 .

[0046] The difference between the example write gap 20 shown in Figure 3 and the example write gap 10 shown in Figure 2 is that a corresponding narrow gap region having length 101 is provided on only one side of the write transducer 21. In the example shown in Figure 3, the narrow gap region is provided at the shingling edge of the write transducer.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows a write gap 30 of a magnetic write transducer 31 of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium, according to yet a further example.

[0048] In the example shown, the magnetic write transducer 31 comprises a first pole piece 32 and a second pole piece 33, with a write gap 30 formed between the first pole piece 32 and the second pole piece 33.

[0049] Also, a longitudinal axis is defined between opposing ends of the write gap 30, with the length of the write gap 30 along the longitudinal axis varying in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0050] Additionally, the portion 34 of the write gap 30 at the lateral edge 35 of the write transducer 31 used to record data that is retained after shingling has a minimum length 102 in the write gap 30 .

[0051] The difference between the example write gap 30 shown in FIG. 4 and the example write gap 10 shown in FIG. 2 is that in the example shown in FIG. 4, the second pole piece 32 is topographically modified, respectively, to result in a desired variation in the write gap.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows a write gap 40 of a magnetic write transducer 41 of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium, according to yet a further example.

[0053] In the example shown, the magnetic write transducer 41 again comprises a first pole piece 42 and a second pole piece 43, with a write gap 40 formed between the first pole piece 42 and the second pole piece 43.

[0054] Thus, a longitudinal axis is defined between opposing ends of write gap 40, with the length of write gap 40 along the longitudinal axis varying in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0055] 5, the length of the write gap 40 decreases continuously in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the length of the write gap decreases continuously and uniformly toward the shingling edge of the write transducer across its entire span, each the width of the magnetic write transducer 41, so that the write track retained after shingling is written on the side of the writer having the narrowest write gap length.

[0056] FIG. 6 shows a write gap 50 of a magnetic write transducer 51 of a longitudinal recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium, according to yet a further example.

[0057] In the example shown, the magnetic write transducer 51 again comprises a first pole piece 52 and a second pole piece 53, with a write gap 50 formed between the first pole piece 52 and the second pole piece 53.

[0058] Also, a longitudinal axis is defined between opposing ends of the write gap 50, with the length of the write gap 50 along the longitudinal axis varying in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0059] Furthermore, the length of at least a portion of the write gap 50 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis decreases continuously.

[0060] The difference between the write gap 50 according to the example shown in FIG. 6 and the write gap 40 according to the example shown in FIG. 5 is that in the example shown in FIG. 6, the length of the above-mentioned portion of the write gap 50 does not decrease uniformly, but only in two portions toward the shingling edge of the write transducer.

[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates the effect of varying the length of the write gap of a magnetic write transducer on magnetic flux density, according to one example.

[0062] In particular, FIG. 7 shows a diagram in which the horizontal axis represents the lateral position along the write gap of a magnetic write transducer of a longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on a magnetic medium relative to the lateral edges of the write gap in microns, where the lateral edges correspond to the corresponding portions of the magnetic write transducer used to record the data, and in which the vertical axis represents the magnetic flux density in Tesla.

[0063] Thus, FIG. 7 shows a graph 60 illustrating the relationship between lateral position along the write gap and magnetic flux density, respectively, and corresponding pairs of values ​​of magnetic flux density for a magnetic write transducer with a write gap having a uniform length in the cross-track direction.

[0064] FIG. 7 further shows a graph 61 representing the relationship between lateral position along the write gap and corresponding pairs of values ​​of magnetic flux density, respectively, for a magnetic write transducer having a write gap with variable lateral position and length in its cross-track direction, where a longitudinal axis is defined between opposing ends of the write gap, where the length of the write gap along the longitudinal axis varies in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and where the portion of the write gap at the lateral edges, each of which is a single edge of the magnetic write transducer, has a minimum length within the write gap, where the minimum length is a predetermined length that is less than any other length in the write gap.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 7, graph 60 represents pairs of lateral positions and corresponding values ​​of magnetic flux density for a magnetic write transducer with a write gap having a uniform length in its cross-track direction, specifically a uniform length equal to the shortest length of the write gap represented in graph 61.

[0066] As can be seen in FIG. 7, comparing graphs 60 and 61, respectively, there is an enhancement of magnetic flux density in the narrow gap edge regions, which are the lateral edge regions having the smallest length within the write gap, and a reduction of magnetic flux density in the middle region of the write gap, which has a variable length in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, which has a longer length than the narrow gap region.

[0067] In particular, according to the example shown in FIG. 7, by correspondingly varying the length of the write gap, the magnetic flux through the write pole can be directed to the edge of the writer where the write gap has the smallest length transverse to the longitudinal axis, thereby better overcoming hysteresis domain motion processes and promoting smoother polarity symmetry and more repeatable magnetic switching during bipolar switching at this location.

[0068] FIG. 8 shows a magnetic write head 70 comprising multiple magnetic write transducers 71 .

[0069] In particular, FIG. 8 shows a magnetic write head 70 having a plurality of magnetic write transducers 71 embedded therein, where such a magnetic write head typically has a linear array of 32 transducers.

[0070] Each of the magnetic write transducers 71 has a tape bearing surface 72 that faces and is adjacent to a sheet of magnetic media, such as a sheet of magnetic media coated on a tape. In particular, the magnetic write transducers 71 are positioned so that the magnetic poles of the magnetic write transducers are essentially coplanar with the tape bearing surface of the write head 70.

[0071] When recording data on magnetic media, writing of the data can occur near a write gap 73 formed between the magnetic poles of a magnetic write transducer 71. As the magnetic tape advances, tracks of written data are formed.

[0072] For span adjustment purposes, the longitudinal axes formed between opposite ends of the write gaps 73 of the magnetic write transducers 71 may be further rotated about a normal to the tape support surface 72 to form an angle with respect to the intended direction of travel of the magnetic tape 74. Thus, the angle may be between greater than 0.2° and about 15°.

[0073] It will be apparent that the various features of the above-described systems and / or methodologies may be combined in any manner to create multiple combinations from the description provided above.

[0074] While various examples have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of examples of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary examples, but should rather be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0075] The descriptions provided herein are made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of this invention and are not intended to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Moreover, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

[0076] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation, including the meanings implied by this specification as well as the meanings understood by those skilled in the art and / or defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

[0077] It should also be noted that as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless otherwise specified.

[0078] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures (i.e., diagrams) illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, having one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, depending on the functionality involved, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may be executed in the reverse order. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0079] The description of various embodiments of the present invention has been presented for illustrative purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. The terms used herein have been selected to best explain the principles, practical applications, or technical improvements of the embodiments beyond those found in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. 1. A magnetic write transducer for recording data on a magnetic medium, said magnetic write transducer comprising: a first pole piece; and a second pole piece, the first pole piece and the second pole piece being arranged to form a write gap between the first pole piece and the second pole piece, a longitudinal axis being defined between opposing ends of the write gap, and a length of the write gap along the longitudinal axis varying in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

2. 10. The magnetic write transducer of claim 1, wherein the length of the write gap varies by at least 10% in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

3. 3. The magnetic write transducer of claim 2, wherein the length of the write gap varies by 20% to 100% in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

4. 2. The magnetic write transducer of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the write gap having a minimum length is located at a lateral edge of at least one of the first and second pole pieces.

5. 5. The magnetic write transducer of claim 4, wherein the width of the portion of the write gap is set based on a targeted operating track pitch.

6. 6. The magnetic write transducer of claim 5, wherein the width of the portion corresponds to between approximately 1 and 5 times the targeted operational track pitch.

7. 10. The magnetic write transducer of claim 1, wherein the write gap is divided into at least two width portions of constant length in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

8. 10. The magnetic write transducer of claim 1, wherein the length of the write gap varies continuously in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

9. 10. The magnetic write transducer of claim 1, further comprising a tape support surface, the longitudinal axis being rotated about a normal to the tape support surface and angled with respect to an intended direction of travel of the magnetic media.

10. The write head of claim 9 , wherein the angle is between 0.2° and 15°.

11. 1. A longitudinal magnetic recording system for recording data on magnetic tape, the longitudinal magnetic recording system comprising: magnetic media; and at least one magnetic write transducer for recording data on the magnetic medium, the at least one magnetic write transducer comprising: a first pole piece; and a second pole piece, the first pole piece and the second pole piece being arranged to form a write gap between the first pole piece and the second pole piece, a longitudinal axis defined between opposing ends of the write gap, and a length of the write gap along the longitudinal axis varying in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; Longitudinal magnetic recording system.

12. The longitudinal magnetic recording system of claim 11 , wherein the length of the write gap varies by at least 10% in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

13. The longitudinal magnetic recording system of claim 12 , wherein the length of the write gap varies from 20% to 100% in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

14. 12. The longitudinal magnetic recording system of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the write gap having a minimum length is located at a lateral edge of at least one of the first and second pole pieces.

15. The longitudinal magnetic recording system of claim 14 , wherein the width of the portion is set based on a targeted operational track pitch.

16. 16. The longitudinal magnetic recording system of claim 15, wherein the width of the portion corresponds to between approximately 1 and 5 times the targeted operational track pitch.

17. The longitudinal magnetic recording system of claim 11 , wherein the write gap is divided into at least two width portions of constant length in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

18. The longitudinal magnetic recording system of claim 11 , wherein the length of the write gap varies continuously in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

19. 12. The longitudinal magnetic recording system of claim 11, wherein the write transducer further comprises a tape support surface, and wherein the longitudinal axis is rotated about a normal to the tape support surface and at an angle to an intended direction of travel of the magnetic media.

20. 20. The longitudinal magnetic recording system of claim 19, wherein the angle is between 0.2 degrees and 15 degrees.

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