Abstract
Laser-assisted magnetic recording is one of the novel technology for achieving a magnetic recording density of more than 1 Tb/in^2. In this technology, it is suggested that there is serious issues for the ultra-thin liquid lubricant films on the disk surfaces. This is because these films are heated to high temperature using laser beams. In this study, we focused on the thermal stability of the ultra-thin lubricant film in laser-assisted magnetic recording. In other words, the behavior of lubricant film due the laser beam with the parameter of Lubricant thickness and Bonded Ratio was investigated and discussed experimentally. As a result, it was found that the lubricant depletion was induced by both evaporation and thermocapillary stress. In addition, the depletion phenomenon was greatly affected by the lubricant thickness.
