Media requirements for proximity recording

The tribological characteristics of the magnetic media that are compatible with the proximity recording head-media systems have been evaluated. The media were evaluated in terms of surface roughness, overcoat type and thickness, and lubricant type and thickness. The proximity recording media evaluated included currently available disks with different types of protective overcoat films, namely, nitrogenated carbon, hydrogenated carbon and argon sputtered carbon. The lubricant system had perfluoropolyethers with additives to improve the lubricant stability. The media with low glide and above described material characteristics passed the long term reliability tests.