High resolution low noise floor nanopositioning system for testing of next generation hard disc drive read write heads

The positioning systems for Hard Disk Drive test equipment is under considerable pressure from increases in data density (expected increase from 550Gb/in2 to 2Tb/in2 2010 - 2015) and production volumes (60% increase 2009 - 2013). There is a need for a step change in the HDD testing capability.

This project aims to develop a piezo nano-positioning system with a step change in accuracy (nanoscale to picoscale), response speed, bandwidth and noise floor as a technology enabler for hardware used to test the read/write (R/W) heads required for the next generation of hard disc drives (HDD).

The technology which will enable such a vast improvement in performance from currently systems on the market involves the integration of a recent innovation in sensory input and control theory that can significantly improve nano positioning stage performance. With this vast improvement in system performance the capability to calibrate down to this accuracy and resolution opens up the other side of the project. Alongside Queengate, the National Physics Laboratory is aiming to develop the capability to accurately measure the stage position with a noise floor 10pm.

The overall project is being managed by Mark Berry (CEng) of Elektron Technology and is scheduled for completion early 2014.