Multi-impact asperity sensor and burnish head

Abstract

A sensor head for mapping asperities on a disc surface including a plurality of spaced members having unique excitation characteristics for distinguishing the members excited. The sensor head is designed to fly at pitch angle .theta..sub.P above a disc surface via cooperation of an air bearing surface of the sensor head and rotation of the disc to map the asperities on the disc surface. The members are located relative to the air bearing surface for alignment relative to the disc surface. The members fly above the disc surface with the head at various heights. Depending upon the height of an asperity, various members contact the asperity and are excited thereby. Excitation of the various members is detected based upon the unique excitation characteristics for determining the height of an asperity on the disc surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.