Abstract: A method for protecting magnetic read/write head assembly against electrostatic discharge during disk drive manufacturing are disclosed. The magnetic head assembly is supported on a substrate having a magnetoresistive sensor element disposed in spaced relationship between several magnetic shield elements. Before a focused ion beam fabrication operation, at least a portion of an air bearing surface of the magnetic head assembly is coated with a thin and transparent layer of conductive material. This layer of conductive material is subsequent removed after the focused ion beam fabrication operation.

Abstract: An air bearing slider embodiment of the present invention includes a body portion having an air bearing surface (ABS) side and a flexure surface side. The ABS side has at least one air bearing surface and at least one recessed area. A thin film composed of a compressive force material is deposited within the recessed area. The compressive force material produces an omnidirectional outward force within the recessed area that creates a positive crown and camber. Preferably, the thin film has a thickness range from 10 nm to 200 nm, and is composed of diamond-like carbon (DLC). An alternative air bearing slider includes a body portion with an ABS side and a flexure surface side. A thin film composed of a tensile force material is deposited upon said flexure side. The tensile force material creates an onmidirectional inward force on the flexure side which results in positive crown and camber. The manufacturing method for the improved sliders utilizes semiconductor processing techniques.