Abstract: Damascene processes using physical vapor deposition (PVD) sputter carbon film as a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) stop layer for forming a magnetic recording head are provided. In one embodiment, one such process includes providing an insulator, removing a portion of the insulator to form a trench within the insulator, depositing a carbon material on first portions of the insulator using a physical vapor deposition process, disposing at least one ferromagnetic material on second portions of the insulator to form a pole including a portion of the ferromagnetic material within the trench, and performing a chemical mechanical planarization on the at least one ferromagnetic material using at least a portion of the carbon material as a stop for the chemical mechanical planarization.

Abstract: Damascene processes using physical vapor deposition (PVD) sputter carbon film as a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) stop layer for forming a magnetic recording head are provided. In one embodiment, one such process includes providing an insulator, removing a portion of the insulator to form a trench within the insulator, depositing a carbon material on first portions of the insulator using a physical vapor deposition process, disposing at least one ferromagnetic material on second portions of the insulator to form a pole including a portion of the ferromagnetic material within the trench, and performing a chemical mechanical planarization on the at least one ferromagnetic material using at least a portion of the carbon material as a stop for the chemical mechanical planarization.

Abstract: Protective overlayers for magnetic recording media are described. The overlayers, composed of a transition metal-silicon or transition metal-germanium interlayer and a carbon overcoat, provide good wear resistance and corrosion resistance at thicknesses of less than 100 Å.

Abstract: Polishing slurries for use in polishing substrates having a nickel or nickel-containing surface, such as those used for magnetic media, are described. The slurries include, in addition to a chemical etchant such as aluminum nitrate and suspended abrasive particles, an oxidizer which converts nickel metal at the surface to nickel oxide, but does not solubilize the nickel oxide in the aqueous medium to any significant degree. Preferred oxidizers include hydrogen peroxide, ferric nitrate and potassium iodate.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the height and diameter of laser-zone texture bumps on a rigid magnetic disk substrate is disclosed. The apparatus has a disk holder for supporting and rotating the substrate, and an optical beam-source assembly for directing a focused laser beam on the substrate, and for shifting the position of the beam's illumination spot on the substrate in a tracking (radial) direction. An optical detection assembly in the apparatus measures the deflection of the laser beam due to specular reflection of the beam by laser-zone texture bumps, as a function of time, in both scanning (circumferential) and tracking directions.

Abstract: A texturing device for texturing a disc substrate of the type used in forming a thin-film medium is described. The device includes a rotatable assembly having a first pad attached to one end of a spindle and an annular ring having a second pad attached on one surface. Each pad defines a texturing surface for texturing the inner and outer regions of the disc substrate.

Abstract: An improvement in a magnetic recording disc having a protective overcoat is described. The overcoat extends between an inner-diameter landing zone and a data zone and has a thickness in the landing zone of at least 135 .ANG. and a thickness in the data zone of less than 90 .ANG..