Abstract: A magnetic recording medium for digital recording has a magnetic layer on a non-magnetic substrate. The magnetic layer includes a lower layer of ferromagnetic metal thin film nearer to the substrate surface and an upper layer of ferromagnetic metal thin film, each ferromagnetic metal thin film being composed of columnar grains deposited by oblique evaporation process. The average growth directions of columnar grains in the lower and upper layers intersect each other from opposite sides of a normal to the substrate surface. Digital recording is carried out by means of a magnetic head in relative motion toward or opposite to the growth direction of columnar grains in the upper layer.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium of the longitudinal recording type is comprised of a magnetic layer on one major surface of a non-magnetic substrate wherein the magnetic layer consists of at least two layers of cobalt-based ferromagnetic metal thin film which are formed by oblique evaporation at an incident angle varying between a maximum .theta.max and a minimum .theta.min. Assuming that the layers disposed close to and remote from the substrate are designated lowermost and uppermost layers, respectively, the lowermost layer of ferromagnetic metal thin film is deposited at a smaller .theta.max value than is the uppermost layer of ferromagnetic metal thin film. The uppermost layer is deposited at a greater .theta.min value than is the lowermost layer. The medium is improved in corrosion resistance and electromagnetic properties properties.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a ferromagnetic metal thin film comprised predominantly of cobalt on a substrate is improved in durability and performance by forming the ferromagnetic metal thin film as a multi-layered structure including at least two layers, one or both of which contain an organic polymer. A plasma-polymerized film may be provided as an interlayer between the layers of the metal thin film or as a topcoat.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording medium comprising a magnetic layer in the form of predominantly cobalt ferromagnetic metal thin film on a plastic substrate, physical properties like strength and crack resistance as well as electromagnetic properties of the magnetic layer are improved by forming it as a multi-layered structure consisting of at least two layers, wherein the magnetic layer has a specific profile of oxygen concentration. The medium may be provided with a topcoat and/or backcoat layer.