Abstract
Laser-assisted magnetic recording is one of the novel technologies for achieving a magnetic recording density of more than 1Tb/in^2. In this technology, it is suggested that there is serious issue for the ultra-thin liquid lubricant films on the disk surface. Because they are heated to high temperature with laser beams. In this study, we focused on the thermal stability of the lubricant film in laser-assisted magnetic recording. In other words, the behavior of lubricant film due the laser heating was investigated experimentally and discussed. As a result, it was found that the lubricant depletion was observed and could not be replenished. In addition, the effects of laser power as well as the laser irradiation time on the lubricant film depletion were studied and clarified.
