Laser Texture Analysis Application for the Hard Disk Industry

 

Laser Texture Application Highlights:

Laser texture bumps and pits on hard disks have been used for years to reduce the tendency of the read/write head to 'stick' to the disk. So, for the data storage industry, analysis of these microscopic bumps -- their distribution, size and uniformity -- is essential for process control as well as development. MicroXAM optical profiler for laser texture analysis features a programmable rotary stage, athermal lenses, automation integration and ID/OD identification -- as well as full production mode software. Stylus profiling, using either the advanced P-16+ 3D stylus profiler, or the Alpha Step IQ profiler, can also be used for characterizing and metrology of laser texture bumps.

Above, a three dimensional model of the surface of a hard disk, in the laser-textured landing area for the read head, obtained with the non-contact MicroXAM. Laser texture bumps such as these permit the hard drive to spin up the disks to speed without adhering to the head due to 'stiction.'

MicroXAM is the benchmark instrument for laser texture analysis, used by those who design laser texturing machines, and by their customers, the hard disk manufacturers. Capable of measuring any bump type, every measurement by MicroXAM collects more than 100 different vital statistics, including peak-to-mean, bump density, tracking, rim diameters and so on. Measuring laser texture bumps requires a 3-d profiler like the optical profiler, to properly analyze volume and spacing.

Measurements, whether using optical or stylus profiling, feature excellent accuracy and repeatability. MicroXAM's one button operation is ideal for production environments, enabling data collection for SPC and pass/fail specs for process monitoring (please contact Phase Shift for sample measurements).