Development of ultra-low flying pico slider

A new magnetic head slider called "X" slider was developed and its flying characteristics and dynamic response were studied. The pico size X slider is composed of four diamond shaped pads and have a slot in its center, and has the following features: it has (1) inclined rails for skew and accessing stability, (2) trailing rail for accommodating head element and for rolling stability, (3) effective side rails for rolling stability, (4) rear-cut side rails for preventing contact during rolling, (5) centered slot for stable and constant flying height, (6) separated six positive pressure peaks for pitching and stability, and (7) trailing pad and wedge-shaped leading edge for keeping contamination off. It was proved that, the X slider flies very smoothly with ultra-low and uniform height and very small rolling over data band, and is therefore suitable for MR head application.