Patent ID: 6799365
Filing Date: 2004-10-05
Classification: G11B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
On a slider substrate, a process for providing a dull end on a bar that has a bar edge surrounding a bar centerline, the process comprising:adhering a resist layer over the slider substrate; providing a radiation source capable of altering the resist layer during an exposure time; providing a mask between the radiation source and the resist layer, the mask having an opacity pattern that gradually varies from a higher opacity level to a lower opacity level between the bar centerline and the bar edge; selecting the exposure time to cure the resist layer, the curing varying gradually from a more complete alteration to a less complete alteration of the resist layer between the bar centerline and the bar edge; rinsing away a first portion of the resist layer, leaving a second developed portion of the resist layer that is adhered to the slider substrate over the bar; etching the slider substrate, the etching undercutting the second developed portion of the resist layer to form the dull end; and removing the second developed portion of the resist layer.