Abstract: Methods for fabricating pole piece tips for a magnetic transducer are disclosed. The ion-milling operations for trimming P2 and notching P1 are controlled using feed-forward and feedback. The preferred method of the invention includes steps for setting four time values used in different phases of the ion-milling process based on feed-forward and feedback of measured values including the P2 width measured in the mask, multiple P2B measurements and measurement of the notch depth.

Abstract: A method is used for fabricating sliders for use in a disc drive actuation system, the sliders having bonds pads formed on either a top surface or side faces of the slider. The method comprises providing a substrate having a top surface. Trenches are formed in the substrate and filled with a bond pad material to form slider bond pads. Excess bond pad material is removed from the trenches such that the slider bond pads are flush with the top surface of the substrate. A transducer is fabricated on the top surface of the substrate. Finally, the slider bond pads are exposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining leading edge taper of a write pole tip is disclosed. The fabrication process uses reactive ion etching to fabricate LET with tight control of the placement of LET's edge and to achieve higher angle for providing a higher effective write field at the pole tip while minimizing ATI for high-density perpendicular recording. The placement of a resist's edge is used to define the LET's edge and a CMP process is used to provide a planar surface for the fabrication of the write pole.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of forming a first magnetic pole layer; removing both sides in a track width direction of the first magnetic pole layer so as to leave a predetermined residual area in the first magnetic pole layer; forming an insulating layer about the residual area of the first magnetic pole layer; forming a gap layer made of a nonmagnetic material; forming a second magnetic pole layer magnetically connected to the first magnetic pole; and patterning the second magnetic pole layer by etching while using a mask.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic head is provided which can improve controlling a thickness of a gap layer. A coil base layer having at least a surface layer formed of one or two or more alloys selected from Au, Ru, and Rh is formed on a contact layer. Thereby, since a surface of the coil base layer is not oxidized due to air exposure, the contact layer is not oxidized. As such, the coil base layer protects the contact layer, so that it is not necessary to perform an etching process for removing an oxide layer, as in the related art. Therefore, it is possible to further improve controlling a thickness of a gap layer without cutting the gap layer by the etching process, as compared with the related art.

Abstract: Aggressive (i.e. tight tolerance) stitching offers several advantages for magnetic write heads but at the cost of some losses during pole trimming. This problem has been overcome by replacing the alumina filler layer, that is used to protect the stitched pole during trimming, with a layer of electro-plated material. Because of the superior step coverage associated with the plating method of deposition, pole trimming can then proceed without the introduction of stresses to the stitched pole while it is being trimmed.

Abstract: A magnetic device having a magnetic feature, the magnetic feature including a magnetic portion comprising a magnetic material, a region of non-magnetic material adjacent to the magnetic portion, and a stop layer disposed above the region of non-magnetic material, defining a planar upper boundary of the magnetic portion.

Abstract: Provided are a thin film magnetic head and a method of manufacturing the same, which can locally miniaturized a pole width with high accuracy. A thin film coil is provided in a region located more rearward than a position (a first position) of a rear end of a top shield layer. A position of a surface of an underlayer of a rearward region of a write gap layer, i.e., the region in which the thin film coil is to be formed is lower than a position of a surface of an underlayer of a frontward region. Thus, a height (?m) of an apex portion formed of an insulating film decreases. Thus, a top pole can be formed so that a tip portion has a local miniature uniform width. Therefore, the pole width can be locally miniaturized with high accuracy.

Abstract: Biasing schemes used for CIP GMR devices were previously thought to be impractical for CPP devices due to current shunting by the abutted hard magnets. In the present invention the CPP stripe is a narrow conductor directly above the free layer. The resistivity of the latter is made to be relatively high so the sensing current diverges very little as it passes through it. This makes it possible to use abutted hard magnets for longitudinal bias with virtually no loss of sensing current due to shunting by the magnets.

Abstract: A slider includes a slider main body and a thin-film magnetic head element. The slider main body has an air bearing surface, an air inflow end, and an air outflow end. The air bearing surface has a first part closer to the air outflow end, a second part closer to the air inflow end, and a border part between the first part and the second part. The second part is slanted against the first part so that the entire air bearing surface has a convex shape bent at the border part.

Abstract: A method for making a tunnel valve head with a flux guide. The tunnel valve sensor is created by forming a tunnel valve at a first shield layer. The tunnel valve includes a free layer distal to the first shield layer, a first insulation layer deposited over the first shield layer and around the tunnel valve, a flux guide formed over the first insulation layer and coupling to the tunnel valve at the free layer, a second insulation layer formed over the flux guide and a second shield layer formed over the second insulation layer. The flux guide and the free layer are physically isolated by the first and second insulation layers to prevent current shunts therefrom. The structure achieves physical connection between the flux guide and the free layer and insulates the flux guide from the shields.

Abstract: A method is described which uses a CMP resistant metal layer to replace the upper dielectric layer in the track width definition phase of a TMR or CPP spin valve magnetic head. The metal which is selected to be resistant to the CMP process can be rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt), chromium (Cr), vanadium (V), etc. The additional CMP resistance of the refill layer structure provides a much larger processing window which results in higher yields. A CPP head according to the invention has a metal layer according to the invention above the hard bias structures on the sides of the sensor which define the track width.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic head having an air bearing surface (ABS) composed of a flat and smooth worked surface and having a reduced step produced between a rail portion on the ABS and an element portion. Steps of the method include forming an electromagnetic transducing element including an insulating layer on a board, and then removing only a specific plane of the board opposed to a magnetic recording medium up to a first predetermined depth. Forming an insulating film composed of the same material as that of the element insulating layer on the surface of the board after the removal. Polishing the surface of the element portion and then the insulating film is polished by a chemical mechanical polishing method till the element is exposed. Then forming a recessed portion having a second predetermined depth on the insulating film.

Abstract: A pattern forming method includes forming a resist pattern for lift off of a first film disposed on a surface side of a base, patterning the first film by dry etching using the resist pattern as a mask, depositing a second film after patterning, removing the resist pattern to remove a portion of the second film on the resist pattern, and etching the surface side of the base after removing the resist pattern. The etching includes dry-etching the surface side of the base using etching particles with a main incident angle of the etching particles to the surface side of the base being set in a range of 60° to 90° relative to a normal direction of the one surface of the base. The dry etching is performed while rotating the base about an axis substantially parallel with the normal direction.

Abstract: The GMR read head includes a GMR read sensor and a longitudinal bias (LB) stack in a read region, and the GMR read sensor, the LB stack and a first conductor layer in two overlay regions. In its fabrication process, the GMR read sensor, the LB stack and the first conductor layer are sequentially deposited on a bottom gap layer. A monolayer photoresist is deposited, exposed and developed in order to open a read trench region for the definition of a read width, and RIE is then applied to remove the first conductor layer in the read trench region. After liftoff of the monolayer photoresist, bilayer photoresists are deposited, exposed and developed in order to mask the read and overlay regions, and a second conductor layer is deposited in two unmasked side regions. As a result, side reading is eliminated and a read width is sharply defined by RIE.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium that has a sufficiently flat surface and includes a recording layer having a concavo-convex pattern that provides favorable accuracy of recording and reproduction. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: forming a lower non-magnetic film over a recording layer having a concavo-convex pattern; and forming an upper non-magnetic film on the lower non-magnetic film to fill concave portions 34 of the concavo-convex pattern. A bias power is applied to an object to be processed at least in the step of forming the upper non-magnetic film, and no bias power or a smaller bias power than the bias power applied in the step of forming the upper non-magnetic film is applied in the formation of the lower non-magnetic film.

Abstract: A longitudinal bias magnetic field control layer applies a counter bias magnetic field to a soft magnetic layer that is antiparallel (in opposite direction) to a longitudinal bias magnetic field. A magnitude of the counter bias magnetic field applied to the soft magnetic layer by the longitudinal bias magnetic field control layer is set smaller than that of the longitudinal bias magnetic field at a track center portion of the soft magnetic layer applied by a pair of bias magnetic field applying layers. A substantial longitudinal bias magnetic field is substantially applied to the soft magnetic layer in the same direction as that of the longitudinal bias magnetic field, and a magnitude of the substantial longitudinal bias magnetic field is maximum at both end portions of the soft magnetic layer and is weakened at the center portion of the soft magnetic layer.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head is capable of precisely forming a core section with preventing the variation of the write-core head caused by ion milling for removing an electric conductive film and capable of improving yield of products. The method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head, in which a core section having prescribed write-core width is formed by applying ion milling to an upper magnetic pole and a lower magnetic pole, comprises the steps of examining the write-core width of the core section; covering a surface of the core section with a protection film except an electric conductive film for preventing electro static charge of a wafer; and removing the exposed electric conductive film by ion milling.

Abstract: A wire gap film is formed on a flat coplanar surface formed on a bottom pole by a bottom track pole and a thin film coil, first and second magnetic material films constituting a top pole are formed on a flat surface of the thin film coil, and the first and second magnetic material films, write gap film and bottom track pole are partially removed forming a top track pole and trim structure. The thin film coil is formed by first and second thin film coil halves having self-aligned coil windings and have a CVD formed first conductive film, and an electrolytic plating formed second conductive film. A thin insulating film is interposed between successive coil windings of the first and second thin film coil halves. Jumper wirings, formed with the top pole, connect innermost and outermost coil windings of the first and second thin film coil halves respectively.

Abstract: A method of forming a reader of a magnetic head includes multiple processing steps. First, a sensor is formed having an air bearing surface. Next, a hard mask is formed on the sensor extending a distance from the air bearing surface substantially equal to the desired stripe height of the sensor. Finally, a portion of the sensor not covered by the hard mask is removed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic head manufactures a magnetic head having a base, and a laminate stacked on the base and including a magneto-resistive device. The method mechanically polishes a surface of a structure including the base and the laminate close to a magnetic recording medium, wherein the surface of the structure includes an end face of the laminate including an end face of the magneto-resistive device and a surface of the base. Next, the method selectively etches a first region on the surface of the structure close to the magnetic recording medium, wherein the first region includes the surface of the base but does not include the end face of the magneto-resistive device. Subsequently, the method entirely etches the surface of the structure close to the magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: Embodiments include a slider having a silicon body and at least one carbide pad structure embedded therein. At least one head structure for reading and/or writing data is located on the silicon body. The silicon body includes an air bearing surface on which the head is located. The air bearing surface also includes at least a portion of the carbide pad structure thereon. In one aspect, the metal carbide structure may be made from a material such as titanium carbide, zirconium carbide, vanadium carbide, tungsten carbide, or molybdenum carbide. In another aspect, the head may be located on the air bearing surface between carbide pad structures.

Abstract: A writing magnetic pole portion composed of a first magnetic film and a second magnetic film formed on the first magnetic film via a gap film is fabricated on a given wafer. Then, the writing magnetic pole portion is swung forward and backward around a rotation standard axis parallel to a center line of the writing magnetic pole portion in a direction parallel to a surface of the. Then, the writing magnetic pole portion is milled during the swing of the writing magnetic pole portion to define the width of the writing magnetic pole portion.

Abstract: Methods for use in forming a CPP read sensor for a magnetic head are disclosed. In a particular example, a plurality of read sensor layers are formed over a first shield layer and a resist without undercuts is formed over the plurality of read sensor layers in a central region. With the resist in place, read sensor materials in side regions adjacent the central region are removed by milling to thereby form a read sensor structure in the central region. Insulator materials and metallic seed materials are then deposited in the side regions. High angle ion milling is performed to reduce a thickness of the insulator materials, the metallic seed materials, or both, along sidewalls of the read sensor structure. Magnetic hard bias materials are subsequently deposited over the metallic seed materials, and a second shield layer is formed over the structure after the resist is removed.

Abstract: A magnetic head and method for forming the same. Leads are added to a wafer stack having a free layer, a bias layer, and a spacer layer between the free layer and bias layer. A gap is formed between the leads. A protective layer is added to the wafer stack such that the gap is covered, as well as facing ends of the leads. Material is removed from at least one side area of the wafer stack using the protective layer as a mask. The protective layer is removed. A portion of the bias layer below the gap is processed for reducing a magnetic moment of the bias layer in the portion of the bias layer below the gap for forming a sensor in which magnetic moments of end portions of the free layer are pinned by magnetic moments of end portions of the bias layer, and preferably antiparallel thereto.

Abstract: For high track density recording, tighter reader and writer track width control are essential. This has been achieved by using a plated NiPd write gap which is self-aligned with a plated 23 KG pole material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a magnetic head includes forming a first pole and a flux shaping layer in spaced relation to the first pole. A nonmagnetic layer is formed adjacent the flux shaping layer and positioned on an air bearing surface (ABS) side of the flux shaping layer. A tapered recess is created in the nonmagnetic layer, the taper of the recess increasing (i.e., becoming deeper) towards the flux forming layer. The recess is filled with a magnetic material. A probe layer is formed such that it is in electrical communication with the magnetic material filling the recess.

Abstract: A method for shaping an ABS of a magnetic head slider including a step of holding at least one row bar with a plurality of aligned thin-film magnetic head elements by adhering a first surface of the at least one row bar to an adhesive or UV tape capable of passing a laser beam there through, the first surface being opposite an ABS of the at least one row bar, a step of shaping the ABS of the at least one row bar in a convex shape by radiating a laser beam to the first surface of the at least one row bar through the adhesive or UV tape, a step of cutting the at least one row bar into individual magnetic head sliders, and a step of then, removing the magnetic head sliders from the adhesive or UV tape after weakening adhesion properties of the adhesive or UV tape.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head, a groove defined by the inner side surfaces of a first nonmagnetic layer and the top surface of a main magnetic pole layer is formed using the difference in etching rates for dry etching between the main magnetic pole layer and the first nonmagnetic layer. An auxiliary magnetic pole layer is formed on the groove with a nonmagnetic material layer disposed therebetween. A projection integrated with the auxiliary magnetic pole layer is formed in a recess of the nonmagnetic material layer on the groove. This projection extends toward the main magnetic pole layer.

Abstract: A main magnetic pole layer is formed on an insulating layer flattened into a high-flatness surface, and a yoke layer having a large film thickness is formed under the main magnetic pole layer independently of the main magnetic pole. The main magnetic pole layer has a front end surface formed in a shape with a width size gradually increasing in a direction of track width as the front end surface departs farther away from an auxiliary magnetic pole layer. A perpendicular magnetic recording head can be provided which can suppress the occurrence of fringing in a recording pattern, and can form the main magnetic pole layer with high pattern accuracy, and can satisfactorily introduce a recording magnetic field to a fore end of the main magnetic pole layer.

Abstract: A patterned, synthetic, longitudinally exchange biased GMR sensor is provided which has a narrow effective trackwidth and reduced side reading. The advantageous properties of the sensor are obtained by satisfying a novel relationship between the magnetizations (M) of the ferromagnetic free layer (F1) and the ferromagnetic biasing layer (F2) which enables the optimal thicknesses of those layers to be determined for a wide range of ferromagnetic materials and exchange coupling materials. The relationship to be satisfied is MF2/MF1=(Js+Jex)/Js, where Js is the synthetic coupling energy between F1 and F2 and Jex is the exchange energy between F2 and an overlaying antiferromagnetic pinning layer. An alternative embodiment omits the overlaying antiferromagnetic pinning layer which causes the relationship to become MF2/MF1=1.

Abstract: Insulating layers are formed on both sides of a multilayer film, and bias layers are formed in contact with at least portions of both end surfaces of a free magnetic layer. The bias layers are formed so as not to extend to the upper surface of the multilayer film. In this construction, a sensing current from electrode layers appropriately flows through the multilayer film, and a bias magnetic field can be supplied to the free magnetic layer from the bias layers through both side surfaces of the free magnetic layer. Furthermore, the magnetic domain structure of the free magnetic layer can be stabilized to permit an attempt to decrease instability of the reproduced waveform and Barkhausen noise.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic head involves providing a partially constructed magnetic head which has a top surface formed by a front P2 pole tip, a back gap P2 pedestal, and insulator materials disposed between the front P2 pole tip and the back gap P2 pedestal; forming a layer of selectively etchable materials over the top surface of the partially constructed magnetic head, the layer having a front edge that is recessed away from an air bearing surface (ABS); forming additional insulator materials over the selectively etchable material layer and over a front portion of the front P2 pole tip; performing a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) to form a substantially coplanar top surface with the selectively etchable material layer and the additional insulator materials; etching to remove the selectively etchable material layer; and depositing yoke layer materials over the resulting structure.

Abstract: An integrated lead suspension includes a solder ball that is placed between a lead wiring pad provided on a flexure of the suspension, and a bonding pad provided on a slider of a head gimbal section. The lead wiring pad and bonding pad are soldered by melting the solder ball. As a result, there is provided a recessed section into which a solder ball is placed by way of surface raised sections, using gravitational force, in the vicinity of the center line of the surface of the lead wiring pad. In this way the position of the solder ball is not displaced from the center line when a bonding pad and lead wiring pad are connected by means of a solder ball.

Abstract: Currently, in a process of manufacturing a top spin valve structure, the shield-to-shield separation of a spin valve head cannot be below about 800 ?, mainly due to sensor-to-lead shorting problems. This problem has now been overcome by inserting a high permeability, high resistivity, thin film shield on the top or bottom (or both) sides of the spin valve sensor. A permeability greater than about 500 is required together with a resistivity about 5 times greater than that of the free layer and an MrT value for the thin film shield that is 4 times greater than that of the free layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a write head having a small write pole tip that emits magnetic flux sufficient for effective perpendicular recording. The method creates a leading edge taper (LET) between the write pole tip and a magnetic flux guide to create a sufficient magnetic flux in the write pole. The LET is fabricated by ion milling away a sacrificial striated material whose layers have different rates of ion milling. The top layer of material thus mills away faster than lower layers, creating the required tapering of a negative mold. An endpoint material stops the milling. The LET magnetic material is then spattered into the negative mold, resulting in a well defined taper of magnetic flux shaping material extending the magnetic flux guide to the write pole tip, such that the write pole tip is able to emit sufficient magnetic flux for perpendicular recording.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a slider comprises the steps of: forming a slider material including a substrate, a thin-film magnetic head element and an insulating portion; forming a first surface in the slider material by etching a surface of the substrate facing toward a recording medium; forming a medium facing layer in the slider material so as to be adjacent to the first surface; and forming a medium facing surface in the slider material by lapping a surface of the medium facing layer facing toward the recording medium and a surface of the insulating portion facing toward the recording medium. The substrate has a hardness greater than that of the insulating portion. As the substrate and the medium facing layer are compared in hardness, the medium facing layer has a hardness closer to that of the insulating portion.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a sense current perpendicular to the planes of the sensor (CPP) and flux guide type of read head has a gap between first and second shield layers at an air bearing surface (ABS) where the flux guide is located which is less than a gap between the first and second shield layers at a recessed location where the sensor is located. This reduced gap increases the linear bit density capability of the read head. A longitudinal bias stack (LBS) is located in the sensor stack. Several unique methods of construction are described for forming the magnetic head assemblies.

Abstract: Multiple thin films of spin-valve GMR sensor are formed in a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape by laminating an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic conductive layer, a free magnetic layer and a nonmagnetic protective layer on a lower insulated gap layer. The amount of etching of the lower insulated gap layer produced in the process of patterning the spin-valve giant magnetoresistive layers into the multiple thin films of spin-valve GMR sensor is 10 nm or less. Further, the angle ? which the tangent line of each side face of the multiple thin films to the middle line of the free magnetic layer in its thickness direction forms with respect to the middle line of the free magnetic layer becomes 45 degrees or more. This structure makes it possible to provide such a spin-valve giant magnetoresistive head that it meets the requirements for securing constant breakdown voltage and preventing instability of MR output voltage waveform.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head comprises the steps of forming a first pole layer, forming a gap layer on a pole portion of the first pole layer, and forming a second pole layer on the gap layer. The second pole layer incorporates a first layer adjacent to the gap layer, and a second layer including a track width defining portion. The step of forming the second pole layer includes the steps of: forming a magnetic layer for forming the first layer on the gap layer; forming the second layer on the magnetic layer; and etching the magnetic layer to align with a width of the track width defining portion, so that the magnetic layer is formed into the first layer and the width of each of the first layer and the second layer taken in a medium facing surface is made equal to the track width.

Abstract: A GMR read head for a magnetic head, in which the hard bias layers are fabricated immediately next to the side edges of the free magnetic layer, and such that the midplane of the hard bias layer and the midplane of the free magnetic layer are approximately coplanar. The positioning of the hard bias layer is achieved by depositing a thick hard bias seed layer, followed by an ion milling step is to remove seed layer sidewall deposits. Thereafter, the hard bias layer is deposited on top of the thick seed layer. Alternatively, a first portion of the hard bias seed layer is deposited, followed by an ion milling step to remove sidewall deposits. A thin second portion of the seed layer is next deposited, and the hard bias layer is then deposited.

Abstract: Patterned, longitudinally and transversely antiferromagnetically exchange biased GMR sensors are provided which have narrow effective trackwidths and reduced side reading. The exchange biasing significantly reduces signals produced by the portion of the ferromagnetic free layer that is underneath the conducting leads while still providing a strong pinning field to maintain sensor stability. In the case of the transversely biased sensor, the magnetization of the free and biasing layers in the same direction as the pinned layer simplifies the fabrication process and permits the formation of thinner leads by eliminating the necessity for current shunting.

Abstract: A method for forming a planar GMR read-head having a narrow read gap, a narrow track-width and being well insulated from its lower shield. The method requires the formation of a planarized bottom magnetic shield in which concave regions, symmetrically disposed about a track-width region, are filled with a layer of dielectric to provide added insulation. The dielectric filled shield is planarized and an additional planar dielectric layer, a thin planar GMR sensor layer and a planar PMGI layer of uniform thickness is formed on it. A layer of photoresist is deposited on the PMGI layer and a bi-layer lift-off stencil of uniform height above the GMR layer and symmetric overhang regions is formed. The uniformity of the lift-off stencil, which is a result of the planarity of the layers on which it is formed, allows the deposition of conductive lead and biasing layers with controlled overspread.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of using direct head electrical response signals for feedback process control. When lapping the air bearing surface of a bar of sliders, a magnetic field is applied to the air bearing surface and a bias current is applied to the reader elements. A head electrical response, such as amplitude or resistance change, is measured and is used to control the lapping device. Using a fixture which allows individual slider machining, a controller can be used to monitor the head response signal for each slider on the bar and individually control each slider on the bar so that material removal over each slider proceeds until a predetermined target stripe height is reached.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head is capable of reducing inductance by shortening a magnetic path, and also preventing a cavity from being formed in a coil insulating layer. The coil insulating layer is deposited on a lower core layer and at the rear of a recording portion, and a coil forming groove is formed in the coil insulating layer. Then, a coil layer is embedded in the coil forming groove. With this arrangement, bulges of the layers from an upper surface of the recording portion can be decreased so as to shorten a magnetic path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head, capable of easily manufacturing a thin film magnetic head with high precision, in which a magnetic shield layer is disposed so as to surround a magnetic pole layer from three directions of a medium outflow direction and two side directions. In a magnetic pole formation region surrounded by a first gap layer portion, a magnetic pole layer and a second gap layer portion are formed and the magnetic pole layer is covered with the first and second gap layer portions. After that, a write shield layer is formed on the first and second gap layer portions so as to surround the magnetic pole layer from three directions (a trailing direction and two side directions).

Abstract: A representative method for manufacturing a highly-laminated magnetic inductor core includes: depositing at least a first layer of a ferromagnetic material; depositing at least a first layer of a sacrificial conductive material; depositing a support structure formed of a ferromagnetic material; and removing the sacrificial conductive material, thereby leaving the at least first layer of ferromagnetic material mechanically supported by the support structure.

Abstract: A process is described for fabricating magnetic transducers with metallic thin films with a corrosion resistant surface produced by exposing the thin films to a nitrogen in a plasma chamber. The exposure to the nitrogen is believed to increase the corrosion resistance of the metallic thin films by causing nitrides to form in a thin surface region. In the preferred embodiment the thin film metals of a magnetic transducer are treated with the nitrogen after being cut from the wafer and lapped. Typical metals used in magnetic transducers are NiMn, FeMn, NiFe, cobalt, CoFe, copper, IrMn and PtMn. The films may be further protected by the addition of prior art protective layers such as carbon.

Abstract: An integrated lead suspension includes a solder ball that is placed between a lead wiring pad provided on a flexure of the suspension, and a bonding pad provided on a slider of a head gimbal section. The lead wiring pad and bonding pad are soldered by melting the solder ball. As a result, there is provided a recessed section into which a solder ball is placed by way of surface raised sections, using gravitational force, in the vicinity of the center line of the surface of the lead wiring pad. In this way the position of the solder ball is not displaced from the center line when a bonding pad and lead wiring pad are connected by means of a solder ball.

Abstract: An integrated lead suspension includes a solder ball that is placed between a lead wiring pad provided on a flexure of the suspension, and a bonding pad provided on a slider of a head gimbal section. The lead wiring pad and bonding pad are soldered by melting the solder ball. As a result, there is provided a recessed section into which a solder ball is placed by way of surface raised sections, using gravitational force, in the vicinity of the center line of the surface of the lead wiring pad. In this way the position of the solder ball is not displaced from the center line when a bonding pad and lead wiring pad are connected by means of a solder ball.