Abstract: A magnetic recording media having a CrMo underlayer provides improved performance characteristics. In one embodiment, the recording media comprises a rigid substrate and an underlayer disposed over the substrate, in which the underlayer comprises CrMo. Preferably, the Mo crystals in the CrMo underlayer are at least about 140 Å in the film growth direction for the 002 crystal plane. Advantageously, recording media with such a 002 crystal size, when used in conjunction with a magnetic layer, such as CoCrTaPtNi, exhibits significantly higher parametric qualities than underlayers using other materials. Typically, Mo in the range between about 7% and 16% in the CrMo alloy, more preferably between about 9% and 11%, will provide the recited 002 crystal size.

Abstract: A method for controlling the application of lubricant to thin film, magnetic disk media entailing ultrasonic vibration of heated disk lubricant.

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: A metallic thin-film magnetic recording medium which is enhanced in coercive force, diminished in nonlinear waveform interference through controlled magnetic anisotropy and adapted to a higher recording density. A seed layer of a crystalline Cr--Ni alloy is formed between the substrate of the medium and a Cr ground layer, whereby the crystal orientation of a magnetic layer is substantially (100) orientation. The crystalline alloy includes an alloy consisting essentially of 36 to 46 atomic % of Ni and the balance substantially Cr, or an alloy consisting essentially of 36 to 46 atomic % of Ni, 0.5 to 3 atomic % of W or Mo or combination thereof and the balance substantially Cr.

Abstract: An enhanced magnetic head is characterized by sputter induced, micro-texturing yielding rounded globular configurations on slider rail portions. Optimally, this enhanced head is employed in combination with sputter induced micro-textured thin film disk media having a surface or coarseness greater than that of the magnetic head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a reflective surface, or material on such surface, such as lubricant and planarizing layers on a magnetic media storage disk. A beam of controlled polarization impinges obliquely at a spot in the plane of the disk. A collector such as an integrating sphere is spaced away from the disk and has an opening oriented to catch the oblique specular reflectance from the surface. Preferably the opening is substantially larger than the beam, so that disk run out does not send the beam astray or defeat its measurement, and the oblique beam is aimed at an angle lying between the Brewster angle of the lubricant and that of the adjacent layer. A temperature-controlled laser diode with constant-current driver provides a beam that is free of wavelength hops and amplitude changes, making beam aiming repeatable and allowing point-by-point comparisons of the detected reflectance.

Abstract: Sputter induced micro-texturing of thin film magnetic media discs entailing the formation of micro-texturing globules comprising a eutectic alloy of Indium and Bismuth.

Abstract: A composite lubricant for thin-film magnetic discs comprising perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricant and an anti-oxidant, cyclophosphazene lubricant dispersed in a fluoropentane solvent.

Abstract: Thin film disk media which is initially coated with lubricant from the ID or normal head landing area radially outwardly across the data zone. The initially applied lubricant area is thinned and buffed in the data area so as to provide a substantially reduced lubricant layer overlying the data zone characterized by markedly improved coefficient of friction characteristics in relation to what would have been produced without such lubricant removal and buffing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing thin film magnetic media disks entailing the improvement arising from causing spaced electrical probes to engage spaced portions of an exposed outer surface of a disk overcoat layer; creating a voltage across the spaced electrodes; measuring a function of electrical resistance between the ends of the probes in engagement with the exposed outer surface of the overcoat layer; and employing this measured resistance function generally as a measure of wear properties of the overcoat layer.

Abstract: Sputter induced micro-texturing of thin film magnetic media discs entailing the formation of micro-texturing globules comprising a eutectic alloy of Indium and Bismuth.

Abstract: Thin film media characterized by the utilization of a substantially peritectic seed alloy layer which is sputter deposited so as to provide dispersed, substantially peritectic and homogenous globules underlying subsequently deposited media layers. These media layers may include a metal layer such as chrome and a magnetic layer such as an alloy of cobalt, chromium, and platinum and possibly other ingredients.

Abstract: Method and magnetic transducer head characterized by enhanced coating of wear resistant carbon layer over an insulating short circuit, preventing layer on a magnetic, data transferring, head.

Abstract: A discontinuous flash chrome interlayer of about 5 to 25 .ANG. is incorporated between the upper and lower magnetic recording alloy layers. This flash non-magnetic separation layer is so thin that it is, in fact, a discontinuous layer, so that while the benefits of having some chrome flashed on the surface of the first portion of the magnetic recording alloy are achieved, yet the upper and lower magnetic recording alloy layers are not completely physically separated as they are in disks made according to known sputtering processes.