Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning a media is described. More particularly, polarization detector and an atomic force microscope are coupled to a common platform indexed to a spindle. Optionally, an optical microscope may be coupled to the common platform. The polarization detector is used to detect a magnetic image, such as at least a portion of a servo pattern, of the media, and the atomic force microscope, which may be aligned using the magnetic image, is used with a magnetic microscopy module to scan the media. Accordingly, magnetic imagery may be achieved with indexing to a single spindle for positional consistency as between equipment. Moreover, the polarization detector may further be configured to detect scattered light for providing topographic imagery of the media.

Abstract: A system and method for forming servo patterns on magnetic medium is disclosed. A magnetic film coated with a layer of styrene-acrylonitrile is stamped with a nickel stamper reproducing the negative image of the stamper pattern on the styrene-acrylonitrile. Ions are then accelerated towards the surface of the styrene-acrylonitrile, which stops the ions in the areas where the styrene-acrylonitrile is thick and allows the ions to penetrate through to the magnetic layer in the areas where the styrene-acrylonitrile is thin. The ions, which penetrate through to the magnetic layer, interact with the magnetic layer altering the magnetic layer's structure reducing its coercivity (Hc) and remnant moment (Mrt). This reproduces the stamped styrene-acrylonitrile pattern on the magnetic layer. The styrene-acrylonitrile is then removed by oxygen plasma etching the surface leaving behind a patterned magnetic medium.

Abstract: A system and method for forming servo patterns on magnetic media is disclosed. A magnetic film coated with a layer of polystyrene is stamped with a nickel stamper reproducing the negative image of the stamped pattern on the polystyrene. Ions are then accelerated towards the surface of the polystyrene, which stopps the ions in the areas where the polystyrene is thick and allows the ions to penetrate through to the magnetic layer in the areas where the polystyrene is thin. The ions, which penetrate through to the magnetic layer, interact with the magnetic layer altering the magnetic layer's structure reducing its coercivity (Hc) and remnant moment (Mrt). This reproduces the stamped polystyrene pattern on the magnetic layer. The polystyrene is then removed by oxygen plasma etching the surface leaving behind a patterned magnetic media.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium comprises steps of: (a) preparing a sol solution containing gel particles; (b) treating the sol solution to remove gel particles having a size greater than a predetermined maximum size; (c) providing a non-magnetic substrate for a magnetic recording medium, the substrate including a surface; and (d) applying a layer of the treated sol solution to the surface of the substrate; (e) converting the layer of treated sol solution to a layer of sol-gel having a hardness less than that of the surface of the substrate, an exposed surface of the layer of sol-gel having very low surface micro-waviness and substantially no defects in the form of protrusions or bumps; (f) forming a pattern in the exposed surface of the layer of sol-gel; (g) converting the layer of sol-gel to a glass or glass-like layer having a density and hardness substantially comparable to that of the surface of the substrate, while preserving the pattern formed in an exposed surface of the g

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning a media is described. More particularly, polarization detector and an atomic force microscope are coupled to a common platform indexed to a spindle. Optionally, an optical microscope may be coupled to the common platform. The polarization detector is used to detect a magnetic image, such as at least a portion of a servo pattern, of the media, and the atomic force microscope, which may be aligned using the magnetic image, is used with a magnetic microscopy module to scan the media. Accordingly, magnetic imagery may be achieved with indexing to a single spindle for positional consistency as between equipment. Moreover, the polarization detector may further be configured to detect scattered light for providing topographic imagery of the media.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media-are provided having separately textured data and read/write head landing zones. Separating these zones on the recording surface allows independent optimization of the topology to maximize both recording characteristics and mechanical durability. The landing or contact start stop zone has an average surface roughness greater than that of the data zone. Preferably, a transition zone extends between the contact start stop zone and the data zone, the transition zone varying between the two in average surface roughness. Preferably, the contact start stop zone is textured first, followed by the data zone, thereby ensuring uniform stiction performance. Texture machines for producing such zone texturing and texturing methods are also provided.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media are provided having separately textured data and read/write head landing zones. Separating these zones on the recording surface allows independent optimization of the topology to maximize both recording characteristics and mechanical durability. The landing or contact start stop zone has an average surface roughness greater than that of the data zone. Preferably, a transition zone extends between the contact start stop zone and the data zone, the transition zone varying between the two in average surface roughness. Preferably, the contact start stop zone is textured first, followed by the data zone, thereby ensuring uniform stiction performance. Texture machines for producing such zone texturing and texturing methods are also provided.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media are provided having separately textured data and read/write head landing zones. Separating these zones on the recording surface allows independent optimization of the topology to maximize both recording characteristics and mechanical durability. The landing or contact start stop zone has an average surface roughness greater than that of the data zone. Preferably, a transition zone extends between the contact start stop zone and the data zone, the transition zone varying between the two in average surface roughness. Preferably, the contact start stop zone is textured first, followed by the data zone, thereby ensuring uniform stiction performance. Texture machines for producing such zone texturing and texturing methods are also provided.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media are provided having separately textured data and read/write head landing zones. Separating these zones on the recording surface allows independent optimization of the topology to maximize both recording characteristics and mechanical durability. The landing or contact start stop zone has an average surface roughness greater than that of the data zone. Preferably, a transition zone extends between the contact start stop zone and the data zone, the transition zone varying between the two in average surface roughness. Preferably, the contact start stop zone is textured first, followed by the data zone, thereby ensuring uniform stiction performance. Texture machines for producing such zone texturing and texturing methods are also provided.