Acoustic emission study of lubricant effect on proximity contact recording

Pseudo-impact contact at the interface between proximity sliders and magnetic rigid disks were investigated by acoustic emission (AE) technique. Under a hot/wet condition of 60/spl deg/C/80%RH and an operation speed of 19.15 m/s., AE responses were collected in real-time to monitor interaction events at the head/disk interface (HDI). The profile of AE responses shows various events at the HDI which can be correlated to the micro-wear of the carbon overcoat and lubricant degradation. These events were also detected by optical surface analysis (OSA). These wear and degradation events indicate the need for choosing the proper lubricant and demonstrate that AE is a suitable tool to detect these events at the head/disk interface.