Abstract
The surface of laser treated hard disc drive head sliders has been imaged using the Atomic Force Microscope and Ultrasonic Force Microscope. The contrast of the surface topography image from the Atomic Force Microscope is compared with the elasticity image generated by the Ultrasonic Force Microscope on the same sample region. Images of microcracking in the laser treated regions are presented. The possible reasons for the development of microcracking and the enhanced contrast of the Ultrasonic Force Microscope imaging of these microcracks are discussed.