Nano-hardness testing with ultrasonic excitation

Accelerated wear of the head/disk interface is investigated using nano-indentation measurements of carbon coated magnetic recording sliders in the presence of ultrasonic excitation. The effect of ultrasonic vibrations on the indentation characteristics and fatigue of carbon coated magnetic recording sliders is studied and the effect of vibration amplitude and frequency is investigated. Significant changes are observed in the type of surface damage that occurs if indentation measurements are performed in the presence of ultrasonic excitation. The dependence of film breakthrough on film thickness during ultrasonic excitation is investigated.