Load/unload processes for sub-10NM flying height sliders - a simulation study

Abstract

The rapid increase of areal density requires the slider to load to sub-10-nm flying height within a tight spacing margin. This call for greater understanding and control of the design parameters that affect load/unload processes. The vertical load/unload velocities of the slider are found to have the most significant effect on the load/unload performance, which is characterized by no slider-disk contact, with smooth and short load/unload processes. Small lift-off force is also required for unloading process. Sliders with air bearing force centers that tend near the trailing edge as well as minimal positive and negative air bearing force give good load/unload performance. The pitch static attitude and roll static attitude have the most obvious effects on the load/unload processes. The vertical load/unload velocities and ABS designs are optimized to widen the pitch static attitude and roll static attitude regions with safe load/unload processes without slider-disk contact.