Magnetic head air bearing design with island stopper for smudge mitigation

Abstract

A slider for a data storage device may include a rear pad including a recording head, an outer surface, and an inner surface, where the outer surface is at an adjacent level to the media and the inner surface is at a first recess level. The slider may also include a particle blocking structure including an aperture in an inner surface of the rear pad, where a bottom surface of the aperture is at a second depression level, and an island stopper within the aperture, where a media facing surface of the island stopper is at a media adjacent level, where the recording head is between the island stopper and a trailing edge of the slider. A data storage device is also disclosed that includes a slider having a particle blocking structure that includes an aperture and an island blocker. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a slider having a particle blocking structure including an aperture and an island stopper.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Data storage systems are used to store large amounts of information. Data storage systems typically include a read / write converter for retrieving and storing information. Some data storage systems use rotating storage devices, such as rotating optical devices (e.g., CD and DVD drives) or hard disk drives containing rotating magnetic disks (also called platters or media). In some such data storage systems, a suspended slider supports a magnetic head that includes the read / write converter. The slider provides mechanical support for the magnetic head and the electrical connection between the magnetic head and the rest of the data storage system.

[0002] When a data storage system is in operation, a slider floats a short distance above a high-speed rotating recording medium (e.g., a hard disk in a hard disk drive). Components of the data storage system move the slider, and therefore the magnetic head, to a desired radial position on the surface of the rotating medium, and the magnetic head reads or writes information. As the disk rotates at its operating speed, the slider sits on a cushion or bearing of air or gas created above the surface of the medium. The slider has an air bearing surface (ABS) facing the medium. The ABS is designed to generate an air bearing force that counteracts the preload bias that pushes the slider toward the medium. The ABS causes the slider to fly over the medium and lose contact with the medium.

[0003] Many older data storage devices operate in an atmosphere of standard air (e.g., a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and water vapor). The recording medium in a hard disk drive is inefficiently rotated at high revolutions per minute under the friction of an air atmosphere and requires a certain amount of power. To address this inefficiency, a data storage device can be at least partially filled with a lower density gas, such as helium or hydrogen, and sealed to control and maintain the internal environment of the data storage device. The seal reduces or prevents internal gas from leaking out of the data storage device. The use of helium, which has a density of approximately one-seventh that of air, reduces friction and vibration in the data storage device, thereby creating less resistance and turbulence. Therefore, by operating a data storage device in a lower density atmosphere, such as an atmosphere of helium or a mixture of helium and oxygen, the friction on the recording medium is reduced, so that the recording medium requires less power to rotate at a rate similar to that of a recording medium in a data storage device operating under standard air conditions. The use of helium also generally reduces the operating temperature of the data storage device and the amount of noise it generates.

[0004] Higher storage bit densities in the magnetic media used in disk drives have reduced the size (volume) of the data cells to the point where the cell size is limited by the grain size of the magnetic material. Although the grain size can be reduced further, the data stored within the cell may not be thermally stable. That is, random thermal fluctuations at ambient temperature may be sufficient to erase the data. This state is described as the superparamagnetic limit, which determines the maximum theoretical storage density for a given magnetic medium. This limit can be increased by increasing the coercivity of the magnetic medium or by reducing the temperature. When designing hard disk drives for commercial and consumer use, reducing the temperature may not always be practical. On the other hand, increasing the coercivity may result in the need for write heads that contain higher magnetic moment materials or technologies such as perpendicular recording (or both).

[0005] Another solution uses heat to reduce the effective coercivity of a localized area on the surface of the magnetic medium and writes the data within that heated area. When the medium is cooled to ambient temperature, the data state becomes "fixed." This technology is broadly referred to as "thermal assisted (magnetic) recording" (TAR or TAMR), "energy assisted magnetic recording" (EAMR), or "heat-assisted magnetic recording" (HAMR). The term "HAMR" is used herein to refer to all of TAR, TAMR, EAMR, and HAMR.

[0006] In HAMR, high magnetocrystalline anisotropy (K u ) is locally heated during writing to reduce the coercivity enough for writing to occur, but the coercivity / anisotropy is high enough so that the recorded bits are thermally stable at the ambient temperature of the disk drive (i.e., normal operating or "room" temperature of about 15-30 degrees Celsius). In some proposed HAMR systems, the magnetic recording material is heated to near or above its Curie temperature. The recorded data can then be read back by a conventional magnetoresistive read head at ambient temperature. HAMR disk drives have been proposed for conventional continuous media, in which the magnetic recording material is a continuous layer on the disk, and for bit-patterned media (BPM), in which the magnetic recording material is patterned into discrete data islands or "bits."

[0007] One type of HAMR data storage device uses a laser source and an optical waveguide coupled to an optical near-field transducer (NFT) for heating a recording material on a medium. A "near-field" transducer refers to "near-field optics" in which light passes through a first element having subwavelength characteristics and the light is coupled to a second element, such as a substrate (e.g., the substrate of a magnetic recording medium), located at a subwavelength distance from the first element. The NFT is typically located on the air bearing surface (ABS) of an air bearing slider that also supports a read / write head and rides or "flies" above the surface of the media. The NFT can have a roughly triangular output end such that an evanescent wave generated at the surface of the waveguide couples to surface plasmons excited on the surface of the NFT and generates a strong optical near field at the vertices of the triangular output end.

[0008] One potential concern with HAMR devices is that overheating of the NFT could lead to performance degradation and ultimately failure of the data storage device. One possible cause of failure due to overheating could be adsorption of carbonaceous material on the slider's overcoat near the NFT tip. Compared to data storage devices using older recording technologies such as perpendicular magnetic recording, HAMR devices tend to have thicker carbon overcoats on the media. Hydrocarbon molecules from the recording media's overcoat and lubricant can become mobile at elevated temperatures and adsorb on the slider's ABS. Over time, these molecules can form a "smear" on the ABS, which absorbs power from the laser source, causing the NFT, which typically operates at very high temperatures, to become even hotter than usual. This heat transfer can lead to diffusion of the NFT metal until the NFT tip rounds and the recording degrades, ultimately causing the data storage device to fail.

[0009] In addition to potentially affecting NFT, stains can affect the flying height of the slider in a manner that is inconsistent over time. Carbonaceous material can accumulate as the data storage device operates and then become detached (e.g., when thick enough to contact the media and fall off). Therefore, the changing characteristics of the stain (e.g., its presence, thickness, etc.) can cause variations in the flying height of the slider. These variations can adversely affect the performance of the data storage device, such as its write performance.

[0010] Smearing is common in data storage devices that use HAMR. It is also common in sealed data storage devices that have fewer oxygen molecules.

[0011] Therefore, improvements are needed to mitigate the smear effect in these and other types of data storage devices. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This Summary represents non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Disclosed herein are sliders comprising a particle blocking structure, methods for manufacturing such sliders, and data storage devices comprising such sliders. The particle blocking structure comprises a hole in a back pad of the slider, and an island blocker positioned within the hole. In some embodiments, the island blocker comprises a lower portion and an upper portion with a flange between the lower portion and the upper portion. In some embodiments, when the slider is mounted in the data storage device, the surface of the island blocker facing the medium is at the level of the ABS closest to the medium. In some embodiments, the hole has a large depth (e.g., between about 800 nm and about 5000 nm relative to the surface of the NFT facing the medium) to facilitate capturing particles. In some embodiments, the island blocker has a form factor (e.g., size and / or shape) such that the island blocker is positioned to block and / or redirect particles advancing toward the recording head regardless of the slider tilt angle.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a slider for a data storage device, the slider having an ABS comprising at least three levels, the at least three levels including a medium-adjacent level, a first recessed level, and a second recessed level, wherein, in an orientation with the ABS oriented upward, the medium-adjacent level is above the first recessed level, and the first recessed level is above the second recessed level. In some embodiments, the slider includes a back pad comprising a recording head, an outer surface, and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is at the medium-adjacent level, and the inner surface is at the first recessed level. In some embodiments, the slider further includes a hole in the inner surface of the back pad, wherein a bottom surface of the hole is at the second recessed level, and an island stopper located within the hole, wherein a media-facing surface of the island stopper is at the medium-adjacent level. In some embodiments, the recording head is located between the island stopper and the trailing edge of the slider.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a slider wherein a maximum width of the aperture in the cross-track direction is at least 75% of a maximum width of an inner surface of the back pad in the cross-track direction.

[0016] In some aspects, at least one of a size or a shape of the island stopper is configured to stop and / or redirect particles moving in the direction of airflow toward the recording head at all slider tilt angles between a maximum inner diameter tilt angle and a maximum outer diameter tilt angle.

[0017] In some aspects, the first recessed level is recessed by between about 50 nm and about 300 nm from the medium-adjacent level. In some aspects, the second recessed level is recessed by between about 500 nm and about 2500 nm from the medium-adjacent level.

[0018] In some aspects, the recording head includes a HAMR writer.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of manufacturing a slider having a particle blocking structure, the method comprising: creating a hole in a first manufacturing step in which at least one other surface is created at a second recessed level; and creating an island blocker in a second manufacturing step in which at least one other surface is created at a media-adjacent level.

[0020] In some aspects, the island blocker includes a lower portion and an upper portion.

[0021] In some aspects, the island blocker includes a lip at the first recess level.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of manufacturing a slider having a particle blocking structure comprising a flange at a first recessed level, the method comprising: creating a hole in a first manufacturing step that creates at least one other surface at a second recessed level; creating the flange in a second manufacturing step that creates at least one other surface at the first recessed level; and creating a medium-facing surface of an island blocker in a third manufacturing step that creates at least one other surface at a medium-adjacent level.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a slider for a HAMR data storage device, the slider comprising a HAMR head including an NFT and a particle blocking structure configured to mitigate smear formation on a media-facing surface of the NFT. In some embodiments, the particle blocking structure comprises an island blocker within a hole in a back pad of the slider, the hole extending perpendicular to the slider's ABS. In some embodiments, the island blocker has a form factor such that the island blocker blocks oncoming particles with an arrival angle within a specified range of the slider's centerline.

[0024] In some aspects, the designated range includes a first angular range on a first side of the centerline and a second angular range on a second side of the centerline.

[0025] In some aspects, the depth of the pores is between about 800 nm and about 5000 nm relative to the medium-facing surface of the NFT.

[0026] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of manufacturing a slider having a particle blocking structure, the method comprising: creating a hole in a first manufacturing step; and creating an island blocker in a second manufacturing step performed after the first manufacturing step.

[0027] In some aspects, the island blocker includes a lower portion and an upper portion.

[0028] In some aspects, the island blocker includes a flange, wherein the flange is recessed from a media-facing surface of the island blocker.

[0029] In some aspects, the recessed distance between the media-facing surface of the island blocker and the ledge is between about 50 nm and about 300 nm.

[0030] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of manufacturing a slider having a particle blocking structure including a flange, the method comprising: creating a hole in a first manufacturing step; creating the flange in a second manufacturing step performed after the first manufacturing step; and creating a medium-facing surface of the island blocker in a third manufacturing step performed after the second manufacturing step.

[0031] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a data storage device that includes a recording medium and a slider that includes a particle barrier structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description of certain embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1A is a plan view illustrating an example of a data storage device that may include one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0034] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a regular slider.

[0035] Figure 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a HAMR head according to the related art.

[0036] Figure 1D Here is an ABS view of the trailing edge pad.

[0037] Figure 1E yes Figure 1D The trailing edge pad Figure 1D Cross-sectional view at the indicated location.

[0038] Figure 1F : is a diagram showing the tilt angle of the slider at different positions relative to the recording medium.

[0039] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C 、 Figure 2D and Figure 2E An example of a particle barrier structure according to some embodiments is shown.

[0040] Figure 3A 、 3B 3C show examples of island blockers according to some embodiments.

[0041] Figure 4A and 4BIt shows how the particle blocking structure is configured to mitigate or prevent particles from reaching the recording head when the slider is at a maximum inner diameter tilt angle and a maximum outer diameter tilt angle, respectively.

[0042] Figure 5A is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a slider including a particle barrier structure according to some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 5B is a flow chart of another method of manufacturing a slider including a particle barrier structure according to some embodiments.

[0044] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals are used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be advantageously employed in other embodiments without specific description. Furthermore, descriptions of elements in the context of one figure apply to the other figures showing the element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Disclosed herein is a slider ABS design for improved performance in the presence of smears. The disclosed design facilitates blocking and / or capturing particles (e.g., carbonaceous materials) that might otherwise cause smears. By blocking and / or capturing these particles, the new ABS design reduces variations in slider flying height due to smear accumulation and shedding, thereby promoting more consistent slider flying height. Furthermore, the new design provides increased damping of transient disturbances (e.g., slider flying height caused by smear shedding).

[0046] Figure 1A 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a data storage device 500, which is shown as a hard disk drive, which can include one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein. The data storage device 500 can operate under standard air conditions, or it can be a sealed device (e.g., filled with helium, a helium mixture, or another gas or gas mixture). Figure 1A An example of a functional arrangement of components of a data storage device 500 is shown, including a slider 525 that includes a recording head 540. The recording head 540 (which may also be referred to as a transducer or a read / write transducer) includes a write element and a read element for respectively writing information to and reading information from the recording medium 520 of the data storage device 500. The recording head 540 may be, for example, a HAMR head, as described further below.

[0047] The data storage device 500 includes at least one head gimbal assembly (HGA) 510 including a slider 525, a suspension and actuator arm 530 attached to the slider 525, and a load beam 535 attached to the suspension and actuator arm 530. The data storage device 500 also includes at least one recording medium 520 (which may be, for example, a magnetic recording medium) rotatably mounted on a spindle 524 and a drive motor (not shown) attached to the spindle 524 for rotating the recording medium 520. The recording medium 520, which may include a plurality of magnetic disks, may be attached to the spindle 524 using a disk clamp 528.

[0048] The data storage device 500 also includes an arm 532 attached to the HGA 510, a carriage 534, and a voice coil motor (VCM) including an armature 536 having a voice coil 541 attached to the carriage 534 and a stator 544 having a voice coil magnet. The armature 536 of the VCM is attached to the carriage 534 and is configured to move the arm 532 and the HGA 510 to access a portion of the recording medium 520. The carriage 534 is mounted on a pivot 548 with an interposed pivot bearing assembly 562. In the case of an HDD having multiple magnetic disks (sometimes also referred to as platters), the carriage 534 may be referred to as an "E-block" or comb because the carriage 534 is arranged to carry an array of linked arms (multiple instances of the arm 532), giving it the appearance of comb teeth.

[0049] The components including the head gimbal assembly (e.g., HGA 510) having a suspension flexure to which the slider 525 is coupled, an actuator arm (e.g., arm 532) to which the suspension is coupled, and an actuator (e.g., VCM) to which the actuator arm is coupled may be collectively referred to as a head stack assembly (HSA). The HSA also includes a suspension rear portion. Generally, the HSA is a component configured to move the slider 525 so that the recording head 540 can access a portion of the recording medium 520 (e.g., a magnetic recording disk) for read and write operations.

[0050] exist Figure 1AIn the example data storage device 500 shown, electrical signals (e.g., current to the voice coil 541 of the VCM, write signals to the recording head 540, and read signals from the recording head 540, etc.) are provided by a flexible interconnect cable 556 (which may be referred to as a "flex cable"). The interconnection between the flex cable 556 and the recording head 540 may be provided by an arm electronics (AE) module 560, which may have an onboard preamplifier for the read signal and other read channel and write channel electronic components. The AE module 560 may be attached to the carriage 534 as shown. The flex cable 556 is coupled to an electrical connector block 564, which provides electrical connectivity through an electrical pass-through provided by a data storage device housing 568. The data storage device housing 568, in combination with a cover (not shown), provides a protective housing for the information storage components of the data storage device 500. The housing may be sealed and filled with helium, a helium mixture, or another gas or gas mixture.

[0051] Other electronic components, including a disk controller and servo electronics such as a digital signal processor (DSP), may be included in the data storage device 500 to provide electrical signals to the drive motor, the voice coil 541 of the VCM, and the recording head 540 of the HGA 510. The electrical signals provided to the drive motor enable the drive motor to rotate, thereby providing torque to the spindle 524, which in turn is transmitted to the recording medium 520 attached to the spindle 524 via the disk clamp 528; thus, the recording medium 520 rotates in the direction 572. As it rotates, the recording medium 520 creates an air (or gas) cushion that acts as an air bearing or gas bearing on which the air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider 525 sits, allowing the slider 525 to fly above the surface of the recording medium 520 without making contact with the thin magnetic recording layer of the recording medium 520 that records information. (It should be understood that the term "air bearing surface" is used herein regardless of whether the data storage device is operating under standard air conditions or under other conditions (e.g., in helium or a helium mixture).

[0052] The electrical signal provided to the voice coil 541 of the VCM enables the recording head 540 of the HGA 510 to access the track 576 on which information is recorded. As a result, the armature 536 of the VCM swings through an arc 580, which allows the HGA 510, which is attached to the armature 536 via the arm 532, to access individual tracks on the recording medium 520. Information is stored in a plurality of sectorized tracks on the recording medium 520, which are arranged in sectors (e.g., sector 584) on the recording medium 520. Accordingly, each track is composed of a plurality of sectorized track portions, such as sectorized track portion 588. Each sectorized track portion 588 includes recorded data and a magnetic head containing a servo burst signal pattern, such as an ABCD-servo burst signal pattern, information identifying the track 576, and error correction code information. When accessing track 576, the read element of the recording head 540 of the HGA 510 reads a servo burst signal pattern that provides a position error signal (PES) to the servo electronics, which in turn controls the electrical signal provided to the voice coil 541 of the VCM, thereby enabling the recording head 540 to follow the track 576. Upon finding track 576 and identifying a particular sectored track portion 588, the recording head 540 reads data from or writes data to track 576 according to instructions received by a disk controller from an external agent, such as a microprocessor of a computer system to which the data storage device 500 is connected.

[0053] To read the information stored on the recording medium 520, the recording head 540 may include only one read sensor, or the recording head may include multiple read sensors. The read sensor(s) in the recording head 540 may include, for example, one or more giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors, tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) sensors, or another type of magnetoresistive sensor. When the slider 525 passes over the track 576 on the recording medium 520, the recording head 540 detects a change in resistance caused by a change in the magnetic field recorded on the recording medium 520, which represents a recorded bit.

[0054] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a conventional slider 525. For the convenience of explanation herein, Figure 1B A set of axes comprising a rectangular coordinate system. The x-direction represents the cross-track direction, and the y-direction represents the along-track or down-track direction. The z-direction is perpendicular to the x- and y-directions. Using the axes shown, the slider 525 has a leading edge surface 120 in the xz plane, a trailing edge surface 125 in another xz plane, an outer diameter edge 135 extending between the leading edge surface 120 and the trailing edge surface 125 in the yz plane, and an inner diameter edge 130 extending in another yz plane, also extending between the leading edge surface 120 and the trailing edge surface 125.

[0055] The slider 525 also has an ABS 150 that includes two intermediate slider cavities, an outer diameter cavity 110A and an inner diameter cavity 110B. The outer diameter cavity 110A and the inner diameter cavity 110B increase the stability of the slider 525 by promoting the flow of air (or gas) into the outer diameter cavity 110A and the inner diameter cavity 110B, particularly at large tilt angles, as will be discussed further below. The outer diameter cavity 110A and the inner diameter cavity 110B can have openings (for example, approximately 3 microns) at the outer diameter edge 135 and the inner diameter edge 130.

[0056] Slider 525 also has a leading edge pad 170 and a trailing edge pad 140. Trailing edge pad 140 has an outer region 142 and an inner region 144. As further described below, recording head 540 is located on / in outer region 142 of trailing edge pad 140, proximate trailing edge surface 125.

[0057] Figure 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a HAMR head according to the prior art. In some embodiments, Figure 1C The HAMR head shown in FIG can be used as the recording head 540. Figure 1C , a recording medium 520 moving in direction 20 is depicted as a conventional magnetic disk having a recording layer 31, which is a continuous, unpatterned magnetic recording layer of magnetizable material having magnetized regions, referred to herein as bits 34. The bits 34 are physically adjacent to each other, and the boundaries between adjacent bits are referred to as magnetic transitions 37. The bits 34 are recorded in individual data sectors. The recording layer 31 is typically composed of a high anisotropy (K) having perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. u The recording medium 520 includes an outer coating 36, typically formed of amorphous diamond-like carbon (DLC), and a liquid lubricant layer 38, typically a bonded perfluoropolyether (PFPE).

[0058] The slider 525 is supported by the suspension 35. The slider 525 has a surface 122 facing the recording medium 520. An overcoat 124 is deposited on the surface 122. The overcoat 124 is typically about 10 to 100 mm thick. An optional adhesive film or primer (not shown), such as 1 to Silicon nitride (SiN x ) film, may be deposited on surface 122 prior to depositing outer coating 124.

[0059] In the illustrated example, a slider 525 supports a write head 50, a magnetoresistive (MR) read head 60, and magnetically conductive read head shields S1 and S2. A recording magnetic field is generated by the write head 50, which consists of a coil 56, a main magnetic pole 53 for transmitting the magnetic flux generated by the coil 56, a write pole 55 having a write pole end 52, and a return pole 54. The magnetic field generated by the coil 56 is transmitted via the main magnetic pole 53 to the write pole end 52 located near the NFT 74. The write head 50 is typically capable of operating at different clock rates to enable data to be written at different frequencies. The NFT 74 (also known as a plasmon antenna) typically uses a low-loss metal (e.g., Au, Ag, Al, or Cu) and is shaped to concentrate surface charge motion at the tip located at the ABS 150 when light from the optical waveguide 73 is incident. The oscillating tip charges create a strong near-field pattern, heating the recording layer 31. The metal structure of the NFT 74 can create resonant charge motion (surface plasmons) to further increase the intensity and heating of the recording layer 31. To record to recording medium 520 , recording layer 31 of recording medium 520 is heated by the optical near field generated by NFT 74 and, at the same time, regions or bits 34 are magnetized and thus written to recording layer 31 by applying a recording magnetic field generated by write pole tip 52 .

[0060] The semiconductor laser 90 is mounted on the top surface of the slider 525. An optical waveguide 73 for guiding light from the semiconductor laser 90 to the NFT 74 is formed inside the slider 525. The semiconductor laser 90 is generally capable of operating at different power levels. A material that ensures that the refractive index of the core material of the optical waveguide 73 is greater than the refractive index of the cladding material can be used for the optical waveguide 73. For example, Al2O3 can be used as a cladding material, and TiO2, Ta2O5, and SiO2 can be used as cladding materials. X N y Alternatively, SiO2 can be used as the cladding material, and Ta2O5, TiO2, SiO X N y Or Ge-doped SiO2 as the core material. The optical waveguide 73 that transmits light to the NFT 74 is preferably a single-mode waveguide.

[0061] Figure 1D FIG is an ABS view of the trailing edge pad 140. The trailing edge pad 140 has an outer region 142 and an inner region 144. Figure 1D The position of the recording head 540 is also depicted in FIG, but it should be understood that the rectangle representing the recording head 540 in the figure is not to scale. Figure 1DIn the example shown, an outer region 142 of trailing edge pad 140 has a surface 141 that is part of the media-adjacent surface of ABS 150, and an inner region 144 of trailing edge pad 140 has a surface 145 that is recessed from surface 141. The media-adjacent surface of ABS 150 is the surface or surfaces of ABS 150 that are closest to recording medium 520 when slider 525 is installed in data storage device 500, ignoring the fact that slider 525 may be flying at a pitch angle relative to horizontal. Figure 1D Also shown is a cavity 180 having a surface 181. In the z-direction, surface 181 is recessed from surface 145. Thus, for Figure 1D In the illustrated trailing edge pad 140, slider 525 has at least three surfaces at at least three levels. As described above, surface 141 is a portion of the media-adjacent surface of ABS 150. The media-adjacent surface of ABS 150 can be said to be at the media-adjacent level of ABS 150. Surface 145 is a portion of a first concave surface of ABS 150, which can be said to be at a first concave level, where the concave surface begins in the z-direction from the media-adjacent surface. Surface 181 is a portion of a second concave surface of ABS 150, which can be referred to as a second concave level, where the concave surface begins in the z-direction from both the media-adjacent surface and the first concave surface. It should be understood that ABS 150 can have more than two concave levels.

[0062] Figure 1E The trailing edge pad 140 is Figure 1D A cross-sectional view at the position shown. In the example shown, surface 181 is at the lowest level of ABS 150. In the z-direction, surface 181 is recessed from surface 141 of trailing edge pad 140 by a distance 233. Surface 145 of trailing edge pad 140 is recessed from surface 141 by a distance 231 in the z-direction. Distance 233 can be significantly greater than distance 231. For example, distance 233 can be on the order of microns or more (e.g., 500 nm to 2500 nm), while distance 231 can be much smaller (e.g., 50-300 nm).

[0063] Figure 1F FIG5 is a diagram of a slider 525 on a recording medium 520 of a data storage device 500, illustrating tilt angles of the slider 525 at various positions relative to the recording medium 520. The suspension and actuator arm 530 supports the slider 525 at positions above the surface of the recording medium 520, including an inner diameter (ID) position P ID 、Outer diameter (OD) position P OD and P ID and P OD Positions between, including the middle disk (MD) position P MDWhen the recording medium 520 rotates, it generates an airflow in a direction tangential to the recording medium 520 in the direction of the recording medium 520 rotation, as shown by arrow A. The misalignment angle of the airflow direction with the center line 21 of the slider 525 is called the tilt angle.

[0064] When the slider 525 is at the middle disk position P MD When the slider 525 is at a position on the recording medium 520, the center line 21 of the slider 525 is approximately aligned with the direction of the airflow generated by the recording medium 520. In this case, the tilt angle is approximately 0 (zero). However, when the slider 525 is at other positions on the recording medium 520, the center line 21 of the slider 525 is not aligned with the direction of the airflow generated by the recording medium 520. Figure 1F As shown, when the slider 525 is at the ID position P ID When the slider 525 is at the OD position P OD When , the tilt angle is β, which is the maximum tilt angle in the OD direction.

[0065] The tilt angle affects the aerodynamic properties of the slider ABS and the robustness of the slider 525 to particles at different positions on the recording medium 520. Generally, the larger the tilt angle, the lower the lift generated for a given airflow velocity. In addition, when the slider 525 is tilted at a non-zero angle, unwanted particles can enter the outer diameter side cavity 110A and / or the inner diameter side cavity 110B along with the desired airflow. A larger tilt angle generally results in a higher probability of particles entering the outer diameter side cavity 110A and the inner diameter side cavity 110B. When the slider 525 is in the ID position P ID When the slider 525 is at the OD position P OD Even when the tilt angle is zero, particles, lubricant pickup, contaminants, and / or other debris (generally referred to herein as smudge) may accumulate on the ABS 150, which may cause undesirable fly height changes and / or damage the recording media and head sensor (e.g., NFT 74), thereby causing data stored on the media to be erased.

[0066] As described above, smudge accumulation and changes in smudge accumulation can have a detrimental effect on the performance of the data storage device 500. However, smudge may be largely unavoidable. Therefore, one objective of the methods disclosed herein is to mitigate or prevent smudge accumulation at specific locations of the ABS 150 (e.g., avoiding accumulation in locations that are more likely to cause fly height variations, locations that are more likely to heat the NFT 74, etc.).

[0067] Disclosed herein are slider ABS designs that provide improved robustness against smudges and / or particles without sacrificing flight characteristics (e.g., slider stability). The disclosed embodiments facilitate particle collection and / or accumulation of smudges at locations where the presence of smudges and / or variations in smudges do not significantly affect performance (e.g., performance of the NFT 74, flying height, etc.).

[0068] In particular, a sliding ABS design is disclosed herein that prevents at least some particles from reaching the recording head 540, thereby preventing or mitigating smear formation at the recording head 540 (e.g., on the NFT 74 at the ABS 150). In some embodiments, as further described below, the slider 525 includes a deep hole in the trailing edge pad 140 and an island blocker located within the hole. The hole is provided to capture particles (e.g., by drawing them into the hole) so that they do not reach the recording head 540 (or NFT 74) or accumulate on the surface of the trailing edge pad 140. The island blocker is configured to block particles for all expected tilt angles (e.g., between and including the maximum ID tilt angle and the maximum OD tilt angle) before they reach the recording head 540. The island blocker can be configured to direct particles to a location where they will have a negligible effect on the flight characteristics (e.g., flying height) of the slider 525. For example, the island blocker can redirect particles into the hole in the trailing edge pad 140. Conventional fabrication processes (eg, photolithography) can be used to create the hole and island blockers, which may be referred to as particle blocking structures.

[0069] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C 、 Figure 2D and Figure 2E An example of a particle barrier structure according to some embodiments is shown. In particular, Figure 2A is a perspective view of an example of a slider 525 including a particle blocking structure 200 according to some embodiments. Figure 2B is a closer perspective view of the trailing edge pad 140 of the slider 525, showing the particle barrier structure 200 in greater detail. Figure 2C is an ABS view of the trailing edge pad 140, showing Figure 2A and 2B The particle blocking structure 200 is provided. Figure 2D yes Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C A closer ABS view of the particle barrier structure 200 is shown. Figure 2E is Figure 2D A cross-sectional view of a portion of the particle barrier structure 200 and the remainder of the trailing edge pad 140 at the location shown.

[0070] like Figures 2A-2EAs shown, the particle barrier structure 200 is located in the trailing edge pad 140 of the slider 525. Figure 2B and 2C The location of the recording head 540 is also depicted in FIG, but it should be understood that the rectangle representing the recording head 540 in the drawings is not to scale. The particle blocking structure 200 is a feature separate from the recording head 540, and the particle blocking structure 200 is located at a distance from the recording head 540. For example, the recording head 540 is not inside the aperture 205 or the island blocker 210, nor does the recording head 540 contact the island blocker 210. Figures 2A-2E In the example shown, the particle stop structure 200 is located in the inner region 144 of the trailing edge pad 140, while the recording head 540 is located in the outer region 142 of the trailing edge pad 140. As explained further below, the particle stop structure 200 is located in front of the recording head 540 at all expected tilt angles in the direction of airflow.

[0071] The particle blocking structure 200 includes a hole 205 and an island blocker 210 located within the hole 205. The hole 205 has a bottom surface 206, and in the illustrated example, when the slider 525 is oriented with the ABS 150 oriented upward (i.e., facing upward), the hole 205 has vertical walls extending upward from the bottom surface 206. The hole 205 opens only at the ABS 150. In other words, when the slider 525 is oriented with the ABS 150 facing upward, the hole 205 has an opening only at its top. There is no path into or out of the hole 205 from any side direction.

[0072] The hole 205 can have any suitable size and shape. The examples shown herein are not intended to be limiting. In the cross-track direction, the hole 205 has a maximum width 207. In some embodiments, the maximum width 207 is at least 75% of the maximum width 147 of the inner region 144. Figures 2A-2E , holes 205 are shown at the deepest level of ABS 150 (e.g., at the same level as surface 181), but it should be understood that holes 205 can be shallower than the depth shown. As explained further below, it may be advantageous for holes 205 to be deeper rather than shallower to provide good particle capture characteristics and / or improve robustness to vibrations due to, for example, smudge shedding.

[0073] The island blocker 210 does not contact any surface of the hole 205 other than the bottom surface 206. In other words, the island blocker 210 is located inside the hole 205, and a portion of the island blocker 210 may extend beyond the hole 205 in the z-direction, but the island blocker 210 does not contact any inner surface of the hole 205 other than the bottom surface 206 (hence the term "island blocker").

[0074] The island blocker 210 can have any suitable size and shape. In some embodiments, the island blocker 210 has a selected form factor (e.g., at least one of a size or a shape) such that, regardless of the tilt angle, the island blocker 210 blocks and / or redirects (e.g., into the aperture 205) particles moving in the direction of airflow toward the recording head 540. In other words, the size and / or shape and / or form factor of the island blocker 210 is such that the island blocker 210 is located in front of the NFT 74 at all tilt angles in the direction of airflow between (and including) the maximum inner diameter tilt angle and the maximum outer diameter tilt angle. As a result, the island blocker 210 is designed and positioned to prevent oncoming particles traveling substantially in the direction of airflow from reaching the recording head 540 and the NFT 74.

[0075] It may be desirable or convenient to design the island blocker 210 so that it will block oncoming particles having an arrival angle within a specified range. The specified range may take into account the expected tilt angle of the slider 525 when the data storage device 500 is in operation. It may be convenient to specify the arrival angle of the particles to be blocked relative to the centerline 21 of the slider 525 (e.g., an arrival angle within a specified number of degrees or arcs to either side of the centerline 21). For example, the island blocker 210 may have a form factor such that the island blocker 210 blocks oncoming particles having an arrival angle within a specified range of the centerline 21. As a specific example, the island blocker 210 may have a form factor (e.g., physical design, size, shape) such that it blocks oncoming particles having an arrival angle within a first angular range on a first side of the centerline 21 and within a second angular range on a second side of the centerline 21. The ranges of the first angular range and the second angular range may be, for example, a maximum inner diameter tilt angle and a maximum outer diameter tilt angle.

[0076] exist Figures 2A-2E In the example shown, the island blocker 210 has a lower portion 212 and an upper portion 214. Figure 2D and 2E . Upper portion 214 extends a distance 231 from the top of lower portion 212. In the example shown, this distance 231 also represents the distance that surface 145 (inner region 144) of trailing edge pad 140 is recessed from surface 141 (outer region 142) of trailing edge pad 140. Upper portion 214 of island blocker 210 has a media-facing surface 211. Media-facing surface 211 is at the same level of ABS 150 as surface 141 of outer region 142.

[0077] In the example shown, the upper portion 214 of the island blocker 210 extends beyond the lower portion 212. The top surface of the lower portion 212 of the island blocker 210 forms a flange 213 that surrounds the upper portion 214 in the ABS view (see FIG. Figure 2C and 2D In this example, flange 213 is recessed from surface 141 of outer region 142 of trailing edge pad 140 by a distance 231, which is also the distance by which surface 145 of inner region 144 is recessed relative to surface 141 of outer region 142. In other words, flange 213 and surface 145 of inner region 144 of trailing edge pad 140 are at the same level of ABS 150. Distance 231 may be any suitable value (e.g., between approximately 50 nm and approximately 300 nm).

[0078] The island blocker 210 need not include a lower portion 212 and an upper portion 214. However, it may be convenient for the island blocker 210 to have such a configuration. For example, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, certain photolithography steps may result in the formation of non-vertical sidewalls in the photoresist pattern, an effect known as "fencing." If the fabrication steps used to create the aperture 205 result in fencing on the lower portion 212, it may be desirable to create the upper portion 214 of the island blocker 210 using a process that does not result in fencing to reduce the likelihood that the media-facing surface 211 of the island blocker 210 will have sharp edges that could damage the recording medium 520.

[0079] Figure 3A 、 3B 3C show an example of the island blocker 210 that does not include the lower portion 212 and the upper portion 214. In particular, Figure 3A is an ABS view of the trailing edge pad 140 showing the particle barrier structure 200, Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A closer ABS view of the particle barrier structure 200, and Figure 3C is part of the particle barrier structure 200 and the rest of the trailing edge pad 140 Figure 3B As shown in the figure, the cross-sectional view at the position shown. Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C In the example shown, the island blocker 210 does not have a flange 213. If the manufacturing process used to create the surface at the level of the medium-facing surface 211 does not introduce a fence, or if any surface irregularities or defects in the island blocker 210 left by the manufacturing process do not lead to intolerable performance degradation (e.g., too large a variation in flying height due to particles adhering to the side surfaces of the island blocker 210, damage to the recording medium 520, etc.), then a barrier such as Figure 3A 、 3B The island blocker 210 shown in FIG. 3C may be suitable.

[0080] As above Figure 1FAs explained in the discussion of , in a data storage device 500 using rotating media (e.g., a hard disk drive such as a HAMR drive), the slider tilt angle varies depending on the position of the slider 525 on the recording medium 520. In some embodiments, the particle blocking structure 200, and in particular the size and / or shape of the island blocker 210, is selected so that the island blocker 210 blocks and / or redirects oncoming particles that might otherwise reach the recording head 540 (e.g., without changing course) in the absence of the particle blocking structure 200. Figure 4A 2 is a diagram showing how the particle blocking structure 200 is configured to mitigate or prevent particles from reaching the recording head 540 when the slider 525 is at the maximum inner diameter tilt angle 215A (where, as described above, the tilt angle is the angle between the centerline 21 of the slider 525 and the direction of air flow). Figure 4A The direction of the arrow 220 is shown, which is the direction of air flow (see for example Figure 1A Directions 572 and / or Figure 1F ), the island blocker 210 is wide enough in the x-direction (cross-track direction) to block oncoming particles even at the maximum inner diameter tilt angle 215A.

[0081] Similarly, Figure 4B 2 is a diagram illustrating how the particle blocking structure 200 is configured to mitigate or prevent particles from reaching the recording head 540 when the slider 525 is at the maximum outer diameter tilt angle 215B. Assuming again that particles are flying in the direction of arrow 220 (which is the direction of air flow), the island blocker 210 is wide enough in the x-direction (cross-track direction) to block oncoming particles, even at the maximum outer diameter tilt angle 215B.

[0082] Figure 4A and 4B Another interpretation of the invention is that the island blocker 210 has a form factor such that it blocks oncoming particles having an arrival angle within a specified range of the slider's centerline. In the example shown, the specified range includes a first angular range extending from the centerline 21 to a maximum inner diameter tilt angle 215A on a first side of the centerline 21 and a second angular range extending from the centerline 21 to a maximum outer diameter tilt angle 215B on a second side of the centerline 21.

[0083] although Figures 2A to 4BThe island blocker 210 is shown as having a particular shape (e.g., in the ABS view), but in general, the island blocker 210 can have any suitable size and / or shape to allow it to block particles that might otherwise reach the recording head 540 while not adversely affecting the flying height of the slider 525. To mitigate the effect of the island blocker 210 on the flying height, it is desirable that the island blocker 210 be small. To provide good particle blocking and / or deflection, it is desirable that the island blocker 210 have a sufficiently wide range in the cross-track direction (x-direction, using the axis shown in the figure) so that it effectively blocks and / or redirects particles at the maximum inner diameter tilt angle 215A and the maximum outer diameter tilt angle 215B. As described above, the manufacturing process and expected defects in the island blocker 210 can also be considered to design a suitable island blocker 210 (e.g., an island blocker 210 including a lower portion 212 and an upper portion 214 and having a flange 213).

[0084] The particle barrier structure 200 disclosed herein offers a number of potential advantages. For example, no additional manufacturing steps are required to create the particle barrier structure 200. Instead, it can be created using and during the same manufacturing steps used to create the rest of the slider 525. For example, assuming that the slider 525 is manufactured using photolithography, the particle barrier structure 200 can be created simply by modifying the mask used. The aperture 205 can be created during the same steps as other regions / features having the same depth (which can be any suitable depth, e.g., between about 800 nm and about 5000 nm from the media-facing surface 211). Figures 3A to 4B The example island blocker 210 shown in FIG. 1 may be created during the same fabrication step as the outer region 142 . Figures 2A to 2E The lower portion 212 (e.g., flange 213) of the example island blocker 210 shown in FIG can be created during the same manufacturing step as the inner region 144, and the upper portion 214 (e.g., media-facing surface 211) can be created during the same manufacturing step as the outer region 142. Thus, the particle block structure 200 is a cost-effective method for mitigating and managing smudges.

[0085] Figure 5A is a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for manufacturing a slider 525 including a particle barrier structure 200 according to some embodiments. For example, the method 300 can be used to manufacture a slider 525 having a particle barrier structure 200, such as Figures 3A to 4BAs shown. Method 300 begins at block 302. At block 304, hole 205 of particle barrier structure 200 is created in the same fabrication step as at least one other surface at the second recessed level of ABS 150. This fabrication step may use any suitable process (e.g., milling, etc.). At block 306, island barrier 210 is created in the same fabrication step as at least one other surface at the dielectric-adjacent surface of ABS 150. This fabrication step may use any suitable process (e.g., etching, etc.). At block 308, method 300 ends.

[0086] Figure 5B is a flow chart of another method 350 for manufacturing a slider 525 including a particle barrier structure 200 according to some embodiments. For example, the method 350 can be used to manufacture a slider 525 having a particle barrier structure 200, such as Figures 2A to 2E As shown. Method 350 begins at block 352. At block 354, hole 205 of particle barrier structure 200 is created in the same manufacturing step as creating at least one other surface at the second recessed level of ABS 150. This manufacturing step may use any suitable process (e.g., milling, etc.). At block 356, flange 213 of island blocker 210 is created in the same manufacturing step as creating at least one other surface at the first recessed surface of ABS 150 (e.g., surface 145 of inner region 144 of trailing edge pad 140). This manufacturing step may use any suitable process (e.g., etching, etc.). At block 358, media-facing surface 211 of island blocker 210 is created in the same manufacturing step as creating at least one other media-adjacent surface of ABS 150. This manufacturing step may use any suitable process (e.g., etching, etc.). At block 360, method 300 ends.

[0087] Another potential advantage of the particle block structure 200 is that it provides robustness against stains without sacrificing other performance objectives of the slider 525. For example, the particle block structure 200 has little effect on the overall flight characteristics of the slider 525 because it is small (e.g., the media-facing surface 211 of the island blocker 210 is small compared to the remaining features of the media-adjacent surface of the slider 525). Therefore, the particle block structure 200 can be added to the ABS 150 and can mitigate the effects of particles and stains without significantly affecting the flight characteristics of the slider 525.

[0088] Another potential advantage of the particle blocking structure 200 is that it provides two types of protection against smudges. Apertures 205 are provided to capture particles, and island blockers 210 are provided to block particles that are not captured by the apertures 205. This dual approach provides good smudge reduction.

[0089] Another potential advantage of particle barrier structure 200 is that apertures 205 capture particles that might otherwise accumulate elsewhere on slider 525 (e.g., on surface 145 of interior region 144 of trailing edge pad 140), thereby causing a change in flying height (e.g., an increase due to accumulation of dirt and a decrease due to fallout). Thus, the use of particle barrier structure 200 can reduce flying height variability and other effects that dirt may have on the flight characteristics of slider 525.

[0090] A related potential advantage of the particle barrier structure 200 is that the discontinuity it creates in the ABS 150 provides increased vibration damping. For example, smudge shedding can cause the trailing edge of the slider 525 to vibrate. In addition to reducing smudge accumulation (and shedding) events (e.g., by trapping particles in the aperture 205), the particle barrier structure 200 provides better damping when such an event does occur. As a result, the effects of transient fly height variations are reduced. Viscous shear is lower because the trailing edge of the slider 525 with the particle barrier structure 200 vibrates less and for a shorter period of time than a slider 525 without the particle barrier structure 200.

[0091] In the foregoing description and drawings, specific terms are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. In some instances, the terms or drawings may suggest specific details that are not required to practice the invention.

[0092] To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, well-known components are shown in block diagram form and / or have not been discussed in detail or, in some cases, not discussed at all.

[0093] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms should be given their broadest possible interpretations, including the meanings implied by this specification and the drawings, as well as those understood by those skilled in the art and / or as defined in dictionaries, books, etc. As expressly set forth herein, some terms may not be accorded their ordinary or customary meanings.

[0094] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" do not exclude plural referents unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, the word "or" should be interpreted as inclusive. Thus, the phrase "A or B" should be interpreted as all of the following meanings: "both A and B," "A but not B," and "B but not A." Any use of "and / or" herein does not imply that the word "or" alone is exclusive.

[0095] As used in this specification and the appended claims, phrases of the form “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “one or more of A, B, and C” are interchangeable and each encompasses all of the following meanings: “only A,” “only B,” “only C,” “A and B but not C,” “A and C but not B,” “B and C but not A,” and “all of A, B, and C.”

[0096] To the extent that the terms "including," "having," and variations thereof are used in the detailed description or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," ie, to mean "including, but not limited to."

[0097] The terms "exemplary" and "embodiment" are used to indicate examples, not preferences or requirements.

[0098] The term "coupled" is used herein to refer to both a direct connection / attachment as well as a connection / attachment through one or more intervening elements or structures.

[0099] As used herein, the terms "above," "below," "between," and "on" refer to the relative position of one feature with respect to other features. For example, a feature positioned "above" or "below" another feature can be directly in contact with the other feature or can have intervening materials. Additionally, a feature positioned "between" two features can be directly in contact with both features or can have one or more intervening features or materials. Conversely, a first feature "on" a second feature is in contact with the second feature.

[0100] The term "substantially" is used to describe a structure, configuration, dimension, etc. that is mostly or almost as described, but due to manufacturing tolerances, etc., in practice, the structure, configuration, dimension, etc. may not always or necessarily be exactly as described. For example, describing two lengths as "substantially equal" means that for all practical purposes, the two lengths are the same, but they may not (and need not) be exactly equal at sufficiently small scales. As another example, a "substantially vertical" structure will be considered vertical for all practical purposes, even if it is not exactly 90 degrees relative to the horizontal.

[0101] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and dimensions, shapes, and sizes of features may vary significantly from how they are depicted in the drawings.

[0102] Although specific embodiments have been disclosed, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, at least where practicable, features or aspects of any embodiment in the embodiments may be applied in combination with, or in place of, corresponding features or aspects of any other embodiment in the embodiments. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A slider for a data storage device, the slider having an air bearing surface (ABS) comprising at least three levels, the at least three levels comprising a media adjacent level, a first recessed level, and a second recessed level, wherein: In an orientation in which the ABS is oriented upward, the media-adjacent level is above the first recessed level, and the first recessed level is above the second recessed level, the slider comprises: a back pad comprising a recording head, an outer surface, and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is at the media adjacent level and the inner surface is at the first recessed level; a hole in the inner surface of the back gasket, wherein a bottom surface of the hole is at the second recessed level; and an island blocker positioned within the aperture, wherein a surface of the island blocker facing the medium is at a level adjacent the medium, The recording head is located between the island stopper and the trailing edge of the slider.

2. The slider according to claim 1, wherein The maximum width of the hole in the cross-track direction is at least 75% of the maximum width of the inner surface of the back gasket in the cross-track direction.

3. The slider according to claim 1, wherein At least one of a size or a shape of the island stopper is configured to stop and / or redirect particles moving in the direction of air flow toward the recording head at all slider tilt angles between a maximum inner diameter tilt angle and a maximum outer diameter tilt angle. The slider according to claim 1 , wherein: The first recessed level is recessed between about 50 nm and about 300 nm from the adjacent level of the dielectric.

5. The slider according to claim 4, wherein The second recessed level is recessed between about 500 nm and about 2500 nm from the dielectric adjacent level. The slider according to claim 1 , wherein: The recording head includes a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) writer.

7. A method of manufacturing the slider according to claim 1, the method comprising: creating said hole in a first manufacturing step of creating at least one other surface at said second level of depression; as well as In a second manufacturing step of creating at least one other surface at an adjacent level of the medium, the island blocker is created.

8. The slider according to claim 1, wherein The island stopper includes a lower portion and an upper portion.

9. The slider according to claim 1, wherein The island blocker includes a ledge at the first recess level.

10. A method of manufacturing the slider according to claim 9, the method comprising: creating said hole in a first manufacturing step of creating at least one other surface at said second level of depression; creating said flange in a second manufacturing step of creating at least one other surface at the level of said first depression; as well as In a third manufacturing step of creating at least one other surface at the media adjacent level, the media facing surface of the island blocker is created.

11. A data storage device comprising: recording medium; as well as The slider according to claim 1.

12. A slider for a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) data storage device, the slider comprising: a HAMR head including a near-field transducer (NFT) located on an outer region of a back pad of the slider; as well as a particle barrier structure configured to mitigate smear formation on a media-facing surface of the NFT, the particle barrier structure comprising an island barrier within a hole in an inner surface of a back pad of the slider, the hole extending perpendicular to an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider, in: The island blocker has a form factor such that the island blocker blocks oncoming particles that arrive at angles within a specified range of the centerline of the slider.

13. The slider according to claim 12, wherein: The designated range includes a first angular range on a first side of the centerline and a second angular range on a second side of the centerline.

14. The slider according to claim 12, wherein: The depth of the pores is between about 800 nm and about 5000 nm relative to the medium-facing surface of the NFT.

15. A method of manufacturing the slider according to claim 12, the method comprising: In a first manufacturing step, the hole is created; as well as In a second manufacturing step, which is performed after the first manufacturing step, the island barrier is created.

16. The slider according to claim 12, wherein The island stopper includes a lower portion and an upper portion.

17. The slider according to claim 12, wherein: The island stopper includes a flange, wherein the flange is recessed from a medium-facing surface of the island stopper.

18. The slider according to claim 17, wherein A recessed distance between the medium-facing surface of the island blocker and the ridge is between about 50 nm and about 300 nm.

19. A method of manufacturing the slider according to claim 17, the method comprising: In a first manufacturing step, the hole is created; in a second manufacturing step, performed after the first manufacturing step, creating the flange; as well as In a third manufacturing step performed after the second manufacturing step, a medium-facing surface of the island barrier is created.

20. A data storage device comprising: recording medium; as well as The slider according to claim 12.

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