A method to detect helium leakage from a disk drive enclosure is disclosed
and claimed. A measurement electrical current is passed through a
temperature sensor disposed within the disk drive enclosure. A reference
electrical resistance corresponds to a reference temperature of the
temperature sensor. A heating electrical current is passed through the
temperature sensor. A heated electrical resistance of the temperature
sensor, corresponding to a heated temperature of the temperature sensor
that exceeds the reference temperature by at least 5.degree. C., is
determined. A value that corresponds to a quantity of helium within the
disk drive enclosure is determined based on the reference electrical
resistance and heated electrical resistance.