Abstract: A magnetic recording medium using a nonmagnetic interlayer in between a Cr-base underlayer and a Co magnetic layer is disclosed. The nonmagnetic interlayer comprises Co1−&agr;−&bgr;−&ggr;−&zgr;Cr&agr;X&bgr;Y&ggr;Z&zgr;. X is a material selected from Ni or Fe so as to substitute a portion of Cr composition. Y is a material selected from materials which can form a solid solution with at least one of list materials consisting of Ni, Fe, Co, and Cr. The Y materials added in the interlayer is to adjust the lattice mismatch of interface between the interlayer and the underlayer to a magnitude so that the interlayer formed on the underlayer at least is a texture layer, an epitaxial layer is best preferred. However, Z is a material which is insoluble with any of above list materials, Cr, Co, X, and Y in a solid state so as to form precipitates, thereby inhibiting the grain growth. In a preferred embodiment, the &agr;, &bgr;, &ggr;, and &zgr; are about 25-41%, 0.1-5%, 0.1-5%, and 0.

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: A magnetic recording disk has an improved surface film formed on the disk blank. A sputter-deposited surface coating containing nickel, chromium and oxygen (Ni--Cr--O) is formed on a AlMg disk blank, after which a cobalt alloy magnetic layer is formed over the Ni--Cr--O coating and a protective overcoat is formed over magnetic layer. The use of the Ni--Cr--O coating on the disk blank eliminates the need for a wet electroless deposition process for creation of a surface coating and results in an inherent texturing of the subsequently deposited magnetic film and protective overcoat which conform to the surface texture of the sputter-deposited Ni--Cr--O. The disks made with the Ni--Cr--O surface film exhibit a very low static friction force between the air-bearing slider and the disk surface when the disks are used in contact start/stop (CSS) disk files.

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: A magnetoresistive (MR) sensor having electrically conductive lead structures which are in electrical contact with the MR element at spaced positions. The lead structures comprise a thin film layer of body-centered-cubic tantalum which is separated from the MR element by a thin film seed layer formed of a material taken from the group consisting of TiW, TaW, Cr and W.

Abstract: A method for forming contact studs to connect the substrate component devices to the overlying wiring patterns is disclosed herein. The contact studs are formed by a combination of blanket depositing an adhesive and reactive layer into the contact opening. Onto said adhesive and reactive layer is deposited a seed layer and said contact stud is completed by filling the contact opening with a third metal layer. Preferably, the adhesive and reactive layer is a transistion metal and the seed and filler layers are refractory metals.

Abstract: A method for forming contact studs to connect the substrate component devices to the overlying wiring patterns is disclosed herein. The contact studs are formed by a combination of blanket depositing an adhesive and reactive layer into the contact opening. Onto said adhesive and reactive layer is deposited a seed layer and said contact stud is completed by filling the contact opening with a third metal layer. Preferably, the adhesive and reactive layer is a transition metal and the seen and fillter layers are refractory metals.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor having spaced electrically conductive lead structures comprising a thin film of tungsten having a thin film overlayer, or, alternatively a thin film underlayer and a thin film overlayer, with both the thin film underlayer and the thin film overlayer formed of a material taken from the groups consisting of Ti, Ta, Cr, Zr, Hf, and TiW.

Abstract: Thin film electrodes particularly suited for Josephson devices of improved thermal cyclability are prepared by depositing thin films of superconductive metal and an intermetallic compound former on a substrate held at a temperature below about 100.degree. K. and at a pressure below about 1.times.10.sup.-7 Torr so that intermetallic compound formation occurs at the grain boundaries of the metal to inhibit grain growth. The thin film electrodes are characterized by median grain size <100 nm.