Stiction of textured and CNx coated slider in glide test

Ambient pressure reduction was used to decrease the flying height and to increase the contact probability between slider head and disk in a glide test. Standard positive pressure, two-rail nano slider and lightly laser textured disk were used in this experiment. An acoustic emission sensor was used to monitor the low-to-high friction transition and the degradation of lubricant. Wear of the slider head and disk were examined in AFM. It was found that in the low pressure glide test, the slider head showed high stiction, and suitable texturing on the slider head can lower the stiction and so prolong the life of the slider head. The dependence of stiction of the slider head on altitude pressure, relative humidity of both head and disk was investigated and discussed.