Self adjusting GMR proximity recording ABS feature

The present invention provides a read/write head for use in a hard disk drive system. The head includes a self-adjusting sacrificial pad constructed of a material relatively softer than the recording medium of the recording system. The pad, present on an air-bearing surface of the head, generates an area of negative pressure, which acts to pull the head toward a magnetic disk of the disk drive system. Upon contact with certain asperities in the generally smooth surface of disk, the sacrificial pad wears down. As the pad wears, the negative pressure created by the pad decreases, allowing the head to fly further from the disk until there is no more contact with the disk. In this way the head of the present invention flies as close as possible to the disk. The sacrificial pad also acts to protect the read and write elements of the head.