Seagate Technology Incorporated

Christopher Rowe Hakes

Steve G Gonzalez

Mysore Venkatachalan Ananda

Stephen G Gonzalez

A system and method for characterizing and measuring hydrodynamic grooves made by ECM processes is disclosed. The method includes a procedure for alignment of the work piece to the measurement apparatus as well as a technique for accurately reliably measuring the erosion pattern quickly. Additionally, the invention provides a system for characterizing and measuring the erosion of these grooves.

System and method for ECM land erosion metrology

Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method for characterizing the surface topology of a hydrodynamic bearing used with a disc drive. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method to detect at least one hydrodynamic groove disposed on the hydrodynamic bearing. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method to measure the depth of at least one hydrodynamic groove. In still another aspect, the invention provides a method to establish a ratio between the hydrodynamic groove widths and the spacing between adjacent grooves.

Growing community of inventors

Felton, CA, United States of America

Christopher Rowe Hakes