Method for indexing magnetic disks by using a scanning probe

摘要

A method for indexing magnetic disks by using a scanning probe is disclosed. A magnetic disk includes several essentially concentric magnetic tracks. The magnetic disk is attached to a rotating spindle. A number of data tracks is then written in a specific circular arc at an inner radial position of the magnetic disk. The beginning or the end of the written data tracks is defined to be in a co-incident or in a defined relation to an index or trigger signal defined by the rotating spindle. The rotating spindle is stopped from rotation, and a scanning probe microscope is moved radially at a fixed rotating angle to a second radial position. A tip of the scanning probe microscope is moved towards a surface of the magnetic disk. At least one scan line is recorded and analyzed in order to determine if a magnetic track is imaged by the tip of the scanning probe microscope.