Abstract: A method of fabrication of a slider includes forming a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, and an antiferromagnetic layer and applying a layer of protective material to proximal ends of those layers that are proximal to the disk surface. The method further includes recessing a proximal end of a non-magnetic metal layer formed on the first ferromagnetic layer from the disk surface to form at least one recessed area. The method also includes filling the recessed area with protective material to a depth such that when the layer of protective material is worn from the ends of the first ferromagnetic layer, the second ferromagnetic layer, and the antiferromagnetic layer by burnishing of the ends by the disk surface, protective material still remains in the recessed area of the non-magnetic metal layer.

Abstract: A slider (34) for reading data from a disk surface (80), the slider (80) including a magneto-resistive head (36). The head (36) includes a transducer (58) having a stack of layers (59), each layer (62,66,70,74) having a proximal end (64,68,72,76) proximal to the disk surface, and a pair of electrical leads (82), connected to the transducer (58), each one of the electrical leads (82) also having a proximal end (83) proximal to the disk surface (80). At least one of the proximal ends (83) of the electrical leads (82) and the layers (66) is recessed to provide one or more recessed areas (92). The recessed areas (92) are then filled with protective material (94) to a depth such that when the layer of protective material (48) is worn from the proximal ends (64,68,72,76,83) by burnishing by the disk surface (80), protective material (94) still remains in the recessed areas (92).

Abstract: A slider (34) for reading data from a disk surface (80), the slider (80) including a magneto-resistive head (36). The head (36) includes a transducer (58) having a stack of layers (59), each layer (62,66,70,74) having a proximal end (64,68,72,76) proximal to the disk surface, and a pair of electrical leads (82), connected to the transducer (58), each one of the electrical leads (82) also having a proximal end (83) proximal to the disk surface (80). At least one of the proximal ends (83) of the electrical leads (82) and the layers (66) is recessed to provide one or more recessed areas (92). The recessed areas (92) are then filled with protective material (94) to a depth such that when the layer of protective material (48) is worn from the proximal ends (64,68,72,76,83) by burnishing by the disk surface (80), protective material (94) still remains in the recessed areas (92).

Abstract: Plural carbon-containing overcoats are formed on a media-facing surface of an information storage system head. The plural carbon-containing overcoats can mitigate corrosion without increasing head-media spacing. A first of the overcoats may be formed prior to creation of contact or air bearing features on the media-facing surface, with a second overcoat formed after creation of air bearing features. The first overcoat may be etched back substantially or completely prior to formation of the second overcoat. Laminated carbon-containing overcoats may have greater strength and/or coverage than non-laminated overcoats of the same thickness. The overcoats may be formed of several forms of diamond-like carbon (DLC) or silicon-carbide (SiC).