Method for manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head wafer

1. A method for manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head wafer on which identification information is recorded, the method comprising the steps of:

preparing a ceramic wafer for a thin-film magnetic head, the wafer having a first principal surface for supporting an electrical/magnetic transducer and a second principal surface that are substantially parallel to each other;

recording the identification information on the first principal surface of the wafer before the electrical/magnetic transducer is provided on the first principle surface, said identification information includes information that is unique to the wafer;

depositing an insulating film on the first principal surface of the wafer so as to cover the identification information recorded thereon before the electrical/magnetic transducer is provided on the first principle surface; and

planarizing the surface of the insulating film before the electrical/magnetic transducer is provided on the first principle surface; wherein

the insulating film is arranged to separate the electrical/magnetic transducer from the ceramic wafer.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of recording the identification information includes the step of recording the identification information in an area on the first principal surface such that light radiated toward the wafer to read the identification information is able to reach the area.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of recording the identification information includes the steps of:

forming a mask, having a pattern that defines the identification information, on the first principal surface; and

selectively etching away portions of the first principal surface that are not covered by the mask.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the step of forming the mask includes the step of defining a photoresist pattern.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of forming a thin film on the first principal surface,

wherein the step of recording the identification information includes the steps of:

forming a mask, having a pattern that defines the identification information, on the thin film; and

selectively etching away portions of the thin film that are not covered by the mask.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of recording the identification information includes the step of forming a metal layer, having a pattern that defines the identification information, on the first principal surface.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of recording the identification information includes the step of forming an alignment mark.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the planarizing step includes the step of planarizing the surface of the insulating film to a surface roughness of at most about 2 nm.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of depositing the insulating film includes the step of depositing an alumina film.

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of reducing the thickness of the wafer by polishing the second principal surface of the wafer.

11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing an electrical/magnetic transducer on the first principle surface of the ceramic wafer.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the electrical/magnetic transducer is provided on the insulating film.