Abstract
The stiction force between a medium and an a-SiOx: H film (hydrogenated amorphous SiOx) overcoat slider (50% MIG head) was investigated by means of a newly constructed stiction force tester. The stiction force was estimated from the first pulse width of the current signal of the tester's, spindle motor, because the first pulse width is proportional to the load force. No significant increase in the stiction force was observed in the range from 50% to 85%RH in the case of the a-SiOx: H film overcoat slider. However, the stiction force of a non-overcoat slider (CaTiO3 slider) increased drastically at 85%RH to almost double the stiction force of the a-SiOx: H film overcoat slider. Furthermore, the low friction coefficient of the a-SiOx: H overcoat slider was still maintained even after 50,000 CSS cycles in high humidity conditions, such as 85%RH. Therefore, the a-SiOx: H overcoat slider has great potential for application in the HDD industry.
