Contact recording systems have been studied for future magnetic record
ing disks with a high recording density. Tribological key technologies
for ultra-low spacing and high wear performance are required for the
contact systems. Particularly, a liquid lubrication system plays an im
portant roll for reducing a mechanical spacing and improving wear perf
ormances. However, a lubrication design concept for contact recording
systems is not established. In this study, molecular design of lubrica
nts for contact systems will be discussed from a viewpoint of bouncing
and wear behaviors. As a result, a minimum bouncing height of 3 nm an
d a high wear performance were obtained for ion-etched contact sliders
by the optimization of design parameters, i.e, pad design and lubrica
nt material.