Abstract: Techniques for fabricating magnetic granular films for high-density magnetic data storage, where magnetic grains are dispersed in a non-magnetic amorphous matrix and each are surrounded by a grain-confining material which inhibits growth of grains during annealing.

Abstract: A super-resolution recordable optical disk includes a substrate and forms sequentially on the substrate an under dielectric layer, a mask layer, an interface layer, an organic dye layer, an isolation layer, and a protection layer. A laser beam is projected into the organic dye layer through the substrate to record signals. And a super-resolution recordable optical disk for high numerical apertures also is provided that includes a substrate and forms sequentially on the substrate an organic dye layer, an interface layer, a mask layer an under dielectric layer, and a thin polycarbonate layer. A laser beam is projected into the organic dye layer through the thin polycarbonate layer to record signals.

Abstract: A recording method including a read/write optical assembly combining near-field optical writing and magnetic flux reading is invented. The multi-layer structure and properties of media suitable for this recording method is disclosed. Near-field optical writing (such as solid immersion lens, SIL) with/without external magnetic field can shrink the size of the recorded spot substantially. The GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistive) or TMR (Tunneling Magneto-Resistive) device has the advantage of high-resolution for sensing magnetic flux. Taking advantage of both devices, a new high-density data recording system, which consists of near-field optical writing and magnetic flux detection, can be developed. Thus, areal recording density of the re-writable optical disk can be increased substantially.

Abstract: A method of producing high coercivity FePt—Si3N4 granular composite thin films for magnetic recording media is invented. The method includes magnetron co-sputtering of FePt and Si3N4 targets at controlled sputtering power and sputtering argon gas pressure to form a selective composition of granular FePt—Si3N4 thin film on a low temperature substrate, then post-annealed in vacuum at selective time period and temperature. Two kinds of FePt targets can be used. One is the FePt alloy target. The other one is a composite target consisting of an iron disk overlaid with small Pt pieces. This arrangement provides a wide range of effective target compositions and therefore film compositions. FePt—Si3N4 films were deposited on natural oxidized silicon wafer or quartz glass substrate at room temperature. The as-deposited film has soft magnetic properties and granular structure with soft magnetic &ggr;-FePt particles dispersed in amorphous Si3N4 matrix.

Abstract: A method of producing SiNx protected amorphous Co-Tb thin films with high coercivity for longitudinal and perpendicular magnetic recording media is described. The method includes magnetron sputtering at controlled sputtering power and sputtering argon gas pressure to form a selective composition of amorphous Co-Tb thin film on a low temperature substrate. After the Co-Tb film is deposited, a protective SiNx layer with thickness of 100 .ANG. was produced on the film. The as-deposited film has an amorphous structure with a high value of coercivity, and its magnetic easy-axis is perpendicular to the film plane. This film can be used as a perpendicular magnetic recording medium. After low temperature annealing at controlled conditions for a desirable temperature and time period in vacuum, the film also has an amorphous structure but its magnetic properties are isotropic. This film can be used as a longitudinal magnetic recording medium.