Abstract: A single layer wear coating is provided for a magnetic head assembly. The single layer is silicon or silicon-based material with a thickness in the range of 30-75 .ANG.. The single layer may be formed by a single step of deposition employing a DC magnetron. The single layer wear coating improves the wear performance of the magnetic head assembly and protects one or more sensitive elements of a magnetic head without significant reduction of spacing loss.

Abstract: We disclose a bi-layer wear pad, for use in a slider/magnetic media interface, comprising a wear layer and an adhesion layer. The wear material is either carbon or a carbonaceous material. Typical carbonaceous materials useful for wear layers include elements such as hydrogen, fluorine, nitrogen, boron, and silicon dioxide. The adhesion layer is a thin cermet such as nichrome oxide (NiCrOx) or chromium silicon oxide (CrSiOx). Use of the cermet adhesion layer allows a relatively thick wear layer to be deposited with good adhesion and superior durability.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying an overcoat to a slider and sensitive elements of a magnetic head which has improved coverage, reduced spacing loss and improved corrosion resistance. After lapping, an overcoat material is sputter deposited on the air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider, followed by a step of sputter etching the overcoat. The sputter etching redeposits material from high points on the slider and fills in trenches formed during the lapping process. The redeposition of the overcoat from the high places to the low places of the slider decreases the overall thickness of the overcoat, thereby decreasing spacing loss. The filling of the trenches implements increased coverage which increases wear resistance of the slider and more adequately protects the sensitive elements of the magnetic head from corrosion. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the overcoat is left on the high places to ensure that the sputter etching does not damage the sensitive elements of the magnetic head.

Abstract: A single layer wear coating is provided for a magnetic head assembly. The single layer is silicon or silicon-based material with a thickness in the range of 30-75 .ANG.. The single layer may be formed by a single step of deposition employing a DC magnetron. The single layer wear coating improves the wear performance of the magnetic head assembly and protects one or more sensitive elements of a magnetic head without significant reduction of spacing loss.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved high performance magnetic recording device. The recording device comprises a magnetic recording disk, a slider having a transducer for reading or writing data on the disk, a motor operable to rotate the disk at speeds greater than 7000 RPM and an actuator connected to the slider to move the slider across the disk. The trailing surface of the slider is coated with a low surface energy film to prevent build up of droplets of liquid contaminants.