Abstract: An optical data storage disk including a substrate, a nanocrystalline noise reduction layer formed over the substrate, a reflector formed directly on the noise reduction layer and a cover layer formed over the reflector layer. An optical source detects data from the disk through the cover layer. In some embodiments, the reflector layer forms part of a multilayer recording stack and the cover layer is formed over the multilayer recording stack. In some embodiments, the noise reduction layer includes one or more components selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ti alloys, Ti oxides, Cr, Cr alloys and Cr oxides. Additionally, a method of forming an optical data storage disk that includes a nanocrystalline noise reduction layer.

Abstract: An optical data storage disk including a substrate, a nanocrystalline noise reduction layer formed over the substrate, a reflector formed directly on the noise reduction layer and a cover layer formed over the reflector layer. An optical source detects data from the disk through the cover layer. In some embodiments, the reflector layer forms part of a multilayer recording stack and the cover layer is formed over the multilayer recording stack. In some embodiments, the noise reduction layer includes one or more components selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ti alloys, Ti oxides, Cr, Cr alloys and Cr oxides. Additionally, a method of forming an optical data storage disk that includes a nanocrystalline noise reduction layer.

Abstract: Perpendicular magnetic media are described for use in magnetic recording and data storage. For example, a magnetic medium may include a substrate, a layer of titanium formed over the substrate, a layer of platinum formed over the layer of titanium, and a multi-layered magnetic stack formed over the layer of platinum. The layer of titanium provides a seed layer to improve the crystal texture of the layer of platinum. The layer of platinum, in turn, provides a seed layer to improve the crystal texture of the multi-layered magnetic stack. In this manner, high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can be achieved and storage densities can be increased.

Abstract: Perpendicular magnetic media are described for use in magnetic recording and data storage. Seed layer compositions are described which can facilitate perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in subsequently deposited magnetic layers. In particular, nickel-iron-chromium (NiFeCr) alloys or nickle-chromium (NiCr) alloys can be used as seed layers which cause a subsequently multi-layered magnetic stack to assume perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. In this manner, high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can be achieved and storage densities of media may be increased.

Abstract: Perpendicular magnetic media are described for use in magnetic recording and data storage. For example, a magnetic medium may include a substrate, an amorphous underlayer formed over the substrate, a seed layer formed over the amorphous underlayer, and a multi-layered magnetic stack formed over the seed layer. In this manner, high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can be achieved and storage densities can be increased.

Abstract: The invention is directed to magnetic media that make use of plastic substrates. Various buffer layer compositions are described, which can be formed over the plastic substrate. One or more ferromagnetic recording layers are then formed over the buffer layers. The described buffer layers can function as encapsulating layers in order to encapsulate the plastic substrate and provide a barrier between subsequently deposited magnetic layers and the gases within the substrate. Also, the buffer layers can reduce stress in the media either by functioning as a stress reduction layer that promotes growth of the magnetic recording layer in low stress orientations, or by functioning as a stress compensation layer that balances the stress of the subsequently deposited magnetic layers.

Abstract: Perpendicular magnetic media are described for use in magnetic recording and data storage. Seed layer compositions are described which can facilitate perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in subsequently deposited magnetic layers. In particular, nickel-iron-chromium (NiFeCr) alloys or nickle-chromium (NiCr) alloys can be used as seed layers which cause a subsequently multi-layered magnetic stack to assume perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. In this manner, high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can be achieved and storage densities of media may be increased.

Abstract: The invention is directed to magnetic media that make use of plastic substrates. Various buffer layer compositions are described, which can be formed over the plastic substrate. One or more ferromagnetic recording layers are then formed over the buffer layers. The described buffer layers can function as encapsulating layers in order to encapsulate the plastic substrate and provide a barrier between subsequently deposited magnetic layers and the gases within the substrate. Also, the buffer layers can reduce stress in the media either by functioning as a stress reduction layer that promotes growth of the magnetic recording layer in low stress orientations, or by functioning as a stress compensation layer that balances the stress of the subsequently deposited magnetic layers.

Abstract: Perpendicular magnetic media are described for use in magnetic recording and data storage. For example, a magnetic medium may include a substrate, an amorphous underlayer formed over the substrate, a seed layer formed over the amorphous underlayer, and a multi-layered magnetic stack formed over the seed layer. In this manner, high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can be achieved and storage densities can be increased.

Abstract: Perpendicular magnetic media are described for use in magnetic recording and data storage. For example, a magnetic medium may include a substrate, a layer of titanium formed over the substrate, a layer of platinum formed over the layer of titanium, and a multi-layered magnetic stack formed over the layer of platinum. The layer of titanium provides a seed layer to improve the crystal texture of the layer of platinum. The layer of platinum, in turn, provides a seed layer to improve the crystal texture of the multi-layered magnetic stack. In this manner, high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can be achieved and storage densities can be increased.

Abstract: A system for reading data from recording media having topographical features readable with a slider-mounted non-magnetic transducer sensitive primarily to changes in local aerodynamic boundary conditions.

Abstract: Playback transducers for patterned media systems comprise temperature sensitive resistors, including thermistors and resistance temperature detectors. The transducers are typically thin film depositions mounted on a slider for flying head application. Possible configurations are generally V-shaped, may involve parallel or perpendicular recording geometry, and are conceptually similar to (but simpler in construction than) magnetoresistive or giantmagnetoresistive thin film transducers. The transducers may incorporate supplementary heating elements and/or coatings to optimize performance.

Abstract: A system for reading data from recording media having topographical features readable with a slider-mounted non-magnetic transducer sensitive primarily to changes in local aerodynamic boundary conditions.

Abstract: An air-incident, optical data storage medium has a substrate, a reflector layer, a magneto-optic recording layer, and a protective layer. The reflector later has at least one of an electrical conductivity greater than about 5.0×104 (&OHgr;-cm)−1, an RMS surface roughness less than about 1.0 nm as measured by atomic force microscopy, and an index of refraction of less than about 0.5 at a read wavelength.

Abstract: Coated shields useful in a sputtering deposition chamber comprise a binder and particles of the same material as the target. Application of the coating material to interior surfaces and appliances of the sputtering chamber reduces contamination of the sputtered material.

Abstract: A method of sequential deposition of source materials onto a web substrate. A substrate transfer mechanism imparts continuous movement of a substrate past a plurality of deposition sources during vapor deposition of deposition source materials. Every portion of the substrate is exposed to deposition fluxes from the deposition sources in an alternating periodic manner. The number of source exposures is greater than the number of sources.

Abstract: A method for preparing a slurry target for use in a sputtering apparatus. The target material is ground into a powder form, and mixed with a solvent to form a slurry. The slurry is poured into a target mold and allowed to slow dry by evaporation at or near room temperature. The target is mechanically stable, can be positioned in any orientation without falling out of the mold, and resists failure from thermal stresses during sputtering.