Development and evaluation of super smooth probes applicable to pin-on-disk tests for measuring surface forces

We fabricated super smooth probes for pin-on-disk sliding tests by applying a gas cluster ion beam (GClB) to glass convex lenses. Using these probes, we measured the friction forces exerted on magnetic disks coated with molecularly thin lubricant film. Periluoropolyethers (PFPE) lubricant films with a different number of hydroxyl end groups were compared and indicate that the newly developed probe is useful for evaluating monolayer lubricant films in a practical millimeter scale.