Abstract
To achieve ultra-low flying height, magnetic spacing variations due to manufacturing tolerances, environmental variations, and write-induced thermal protrusion need to be reduced. To solve this problem, we have developed a thermal flying-height control (TFC) slider that carries a micro-thermal actuator. Using the actuator, the magnetic spacing of these sliders can be controlled in-situ while the drive is operating. In this report, temperature rise on the air-bearing surface (ABS) of the slider induced by heat from the heater was measured by infrared rays. The temperature rise measured by infrared microscope agreed well with the temperature rise calculated by the measured resistance change of read element. It was also roughly corresponding to the simulated result. These facts showed the accuracy of the easier measurement method, that is, observing read element resistance change, and the validity of the simulation. The temperature rise in non-flying condition and that in flying condition are significantly different. Therefore, it is necessary to measure it in flying condition for exact evaluation.
