Abstract
Writing-induced nano-deformation of slider body becomes a big concern when the mechanical spacing between the head and disk is continuously reduced to achieve higher magnetic recording areal density. Reduced head-disk spacing increases the risk of head/disk contact and causes the thermal instability in head-disk interface (HDI). This paper reports authors' efforts towards exploration of interface solutions for writing-induced instability in ultra-low head-disk spacing magnetic system. Multi-shallow step structure with optimized rail position is analyzed and a new femto slider with such structure is explored. The results of numerical simulation indicate that the multi-shallow step structure is an effective approach in reducing the flying height change caused by the writing-induced nano-deformation of the slider body. (C) 2006 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.