Optimization of bump shape and pattern in laser-texture design for improving media tribological performances

Laser-texturing at the landing-zone of a magnetic disk surface provides a head-bump-interface with well-defined contact geometry, which can be optimized for better drive tribology performance. This paper presents the investigation aimed at achieving low glide avalanche and maintaining low stiction/long durability by optimizing the bump shape with bump pattern in laser-texture design. A cost-effective method is to re-shape the circular Gaussian laser beam into elliptical Gaussian beam to produce elliptical-shaped bumps which have streamlined open front edge, gradually-increasing height profile, and reduced real contact area, to help reduce stiction and geometry-induced glide resonance, which may be critical for future ultra-low-flying head-disk-interfaces.