Head-medium contact detection using a thermal sensor and surface charge control of a slider

    公开(公告)号:US09607642B1

    公开(公告)日:2017-03-28

    申请号:US15007728

    申请日:2016-01-27

    CPC classification number: G11B5/6076 G11B5/6035 G11B5/607

    Abstract: An AC signal having a specified frequency and a DC offset voltage is applied to a slider substrate or a magnetic recording medium. A low- or non-modulation interface is defined between the slider and medium. In response to applying the AC signal, an oscillation in an electrostatic force occurs between the slider and the medium at the specified frequency, which causes an oscillation in thermal sensor signal at the slider, which oscillates at the specified frequency. A heater of the slider is adjusted to decrease spacing between the slider and medium during oscillation of the electrostatic force. For each heater adjustment, thermal sensor resistance is measured over a specified number of medium revolutions. Head-medium contact is detected using one of an amplitude of a harmonic of the thermal sensor signal and a summation of amplitudes of all frequency components at the specified frequency.

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