Microstructures in Lubricant Thin Layers at the Magnetic Disk Surface, Observed Using Cryogenic Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract

Cryogenic Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to observe perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricant molecules at atomically flat solid surfaces and at a magnetic disk surface to understand the lubricity of ultra-thin (1 nm) lubricant layers at the hard disk surface. Molecular imaging of PFPE lubricant molecules reveals the formation of reversed micelle structures at comparatively non-polar solid surfaces such as gold or the carbon overcoat of magnetic disks.