Head/tape spacing measurements for digital linear tape drives using three-color interferometry

摘要

The spacing of the head/tape interface in a digital linear tape (DLT) drive was measured using replica glass heads and three-color interferometry. A modified load-unload method was used to calibrate the light intensity. Glass heads with different island widths and zero and nine degree skew angle were used to investigate the effect of head contour on the head/tape spacing. In addition, thin and thick metal particle tapes were evaluated to study the effect of tape compliance, tape speed and tape tension. "Tape tenting" was observed for heads with a narrow center island.