Characterization of the head-disk interface for proximity recording

Lubricant additives and nitrogenated carbon overcoat are frequently used for the head-disk interface (HDI) of the proximity recording technology. The results show that lubricant degradation can be reduced by lubricant additives such as cyclic phosphazenes but excessive amount of the additive will accumulate on head and form marks on disk surface which is detrimental for the drive performance. Use of nitrogenated carbon for overcoat makes it possible for tailoring the HDI by increasing the overcoat conductivity and modifying the bonded lubricant thickness.