Laser Zone Texture Design for Padded Slider on Magnetic Storage Media

This study investigates the tribology performance of padded sliders on different designs of laser zone texture in comparison with that of conventional slider. A one-sided change in the laser bump parameter will not satisfy tribological requirements. Optimization of stiction and micro-wear should be an important consideration in LZT design and padded slider design. It is found that the padded slider design combined with an optimized laser zone texture exhibits lower stiction during CSS testing than a conventional slider for the same laser texture design. With the use of a padded slider, media can be designed with lower laser bump height, hence lower glide height, while maintaining excellent tribology performance. Of particular interest was stiction caused laser bump crashes that occurred in a hot/wet environment. On the other hand, increasing pad numbers is also another feasible way to solve these issues