Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recording head that includes a write pole extending to a media-facing surface of the recording head; a near-field transducer extending to a media-facing surface of the recording head; a trailing return pole positioned between the write pole and the trailing edge; and a recessed portion that is recessed relative to the media-facing surface by a distance when no power is applied to the recording head. The trailing return pole is located in the recessed portion. The present disclosure also includes relates methods of making and detecting contact between a recording head and recording medium.

Abstract: A recording head has a waveguide that delivers optical energy from an energy source and a write pole extending to a media-facing surface of the recording head. The recording head also has a near-field transducer coupled to receive the optical energy from the waveguide and emit surface plasmons from the media-facing surface towards a recording medium while the write pole applies a magnetic field to the recording medium. The near-field transducer has an extended portion that, as-manufactured, protrudes beyond the media-facing surface by a first distance.

Abstract: A slider for a data recording device such as a disc drive. The slider has a pattern, which can be a micro-pattern, of SAM material on the air-bearing surface (ABS). The pattern comprises discrete unconnected features, such as dots or lines, that may or may no cover the entire ABS. Methods of micro-printing on the ABS are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for providing a SAM (self-assembled monolayer) coating on a slider and subsequently removing a portion of the SAM coating. In one implementation, the method includes applying a SAM coating on at least a first surface of a slider and on a second surface of the slider opposite the first surface, and removing at least a portion of the SAM coating from the second surface by irradiating the second surface with UV radiation in a wavelength range of 100-200 nm.