Disc head slider with pole tip spacing de-coupled from slider fly height

摘要

A disc head slider has a disc facing surface with a leading slider edge and a trailing slider edge. A primary bearing feature is formed on the disc facing surface forward of the trailing slider edge and has a bearing surface. A plurality of pads is formed on the disc facing surface between the primary bearing feature and the trailing slider edge. Each of the pads has an upper surface that is discrete from the upper surfaces of the other pads. An airflow barrier wall is positioned adjacent the plurality of pads to at least partially shield the plurality of pads from airflow from the primary bearing feature.