Abstract: Patterned thin films comprise regions of relatively low thermal conductivity material separated by regions of relatively high thermal conductivity material. The low thermal conductivity regions may be provided in the form of cylinders or cuboids which are arranged in a continuous matrix of the high thermal conductivity material. The thin film may be used as thermal control layers in data recording media such as heat assisted magnetic recording media.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a ferroelectric storage medium, and a transducer for reading data from the ferroelectric storage medium and for writing data to the ferroelectric storage medium, wherein the transducer includes a substrate and a probe coupled to the substrate, wherein the probe includes a conductive element and a bilayer structure causing the probe to bend toward the ferroelectric storage medium.

Abstract: A ferroelectric transducer for use with a ferroelectric storage medium includes a read electrode. The read electrode emits a current when a polarity orientation of the read electrode is opposite a polarity orientation of a ferroelectric domain on the storage medium.

Abstract: A hard protective material and method for forming the medium having the formula C.sub.x N.sub.y. The medium may be formed as a protective film on a magnetic recording disk in a sputtering apparatus such as a magnetron apparatus. The amount of nitrogen in the film may be affected by controlling the collisions of the sputtered material between the target and deposition substrate by controlling the bombardment of the substrate by electrons. The films exhibit properties indicative of a textured morphology on a nanoscale which enhances the retention of lubricant overcoats.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely attaching one object to another object comprising: (a) a target consisting of layers of contrasting hardness attached to one object, wherein the outer layer is a relatively soft composition and the underlying base is a relatively hard composition, and (b) a projectile of intermediate hardness attached to the other object. By propelling the projectile against the target, the projectile penetrates the softer outer layer and expands upon impact with the inner layer, thus securely anchoring the two objects together. Such a method and apparatus are useful in outer space and underwater applications.