Abstract: A method for making a patterned magnetic recording disk uses patterned ion implantation of the disk substrate. Energetic ions, such as He, N or Ar ions, are directed to the disk substrate through a mask, preferably a non-contact mask. They are implanted into the substrate, and the process causes localized topographic distortions in the substrate surface. A magnetic layer is then deposited over the substrate in the conventional manner, such as by sputtering. The result is a disk with patterned magnetic regions that are raised above the substrate surface. Because these regions are elevated, they are closer to the recording head in the disk drive and can thus be individually recorded to form discrete magnetic bits. Depending on the type of substrate used, the ion implantation can cause either localized swelling to form pillars or localized compaction to form pits. The patches of magnetic material on the tops of the pillars, or on the substrate surface between the pits, form the discrete magnetic bits.

Abstract: A patterned magnetic recording disk, i.e., a disk with discrete magnetically recordable regions that can function as discrete magnetic bits, is formed by ion irradiating a continuous magnetic film of a chemically-ordered alloy having a tetragonal crystalline structure through a patterned non-contact mask. The ions cause disordering in the film and produce regions in the film that have no magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The regions of the film not impacted by the ions retain their chemical ordering and magnetocrystalline anisotropy and thus serve as the discrete magnetic regions that can be recorded as individual magnetic bits. The chemically-ordered alloy is preferably Co (or Fe) and Pt (or Pd) with the c-axis of the tetragonal crystalline film oriented at an angle less than 45 degrees relative to the plane of the film, so that after patterning the discrete magnetic regions can be recorded by horizontal magnetic recording.