A comparison of Laser-Doppler vibrometry (LDV) and acoustic emission (AE) d
ata is presented for two different slider designs during load/unload (L/UL)
. The behavior of the slider is measured for three different vertical load/
unload velocities using a transparent glass disk with the slider flying at
the bottom surface of the disk. The LDV laser spot can be positioned on the
slider airbearing surface during the complete load/unload process with the
help of a so-called "periscope." A characteristic velocity peak during unl
oading is observed that is caused by the slider pull-off force.