A magnetic data storage drive that includes a self-assembled monolayer having a magnetic function. The drive comprises a magnetic data storage medium having a magnetic surface, a slider having a working surface, the slider positioned and configured to detect magnetic fields from the magnetic surface of the medium, and a self-assembled monolayer between the magnetic surface and the working surface, the self-assembled monolayer having a magnetic function to reduce dispersion of magnetic fields from the magnetic surface of the medium to the working surface of the slider.