Abstract: Ultra smooth as-deposited composite nickel coatings for use in an information storage system are provided. The composite nickel coatings include an electrolessly deposited nickel layer formed on a sputter deposited nickel layer. The composite nickel coatings have an as-deposited surface roughness of less than about 10 ?. Embodiments include formation of the composite nickel coating on a disk, followed by deposition of an underlayer and magnetic layer thereon to form a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: Ultra smooth as-deposited composite nickel coatings for use in an information storage system are provided. The composite nickel coatings include an electrolessly deposited nickel layer formed on a sputter deposited nickel layer. The composite nickel coatings have an as-deposited surface roughness of less than about 10 Å. Embodiments include formation of the composite nickel coating on a disk, followed by deposition of an underlayer and magnetic layer thereon to form a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: Ultra smooth as-deposited composite nickel coatings for use in an information storage system are provided. The composite nickel coatings include an electrolessly deposited nickel layer formed on a sputter deposited nickel layer. The composite nickel coatings have an as-deposited surface roughness of less than about 10 Å. Embodiments include formation of the composite nickel coating on a disk, followed by deposition of an underlayer and magnetic layer thereon to form a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: Surface processing of metal, such as CMP, is enhanced and defects reduced by pretreatment to remove a surface layer exhibiting properties different from the bulk metal, such as a baked on oxide layer. Embodiments of the present invention include acid soaking a non-magnetic substrate having an Al, Ni or Ni—P surface with a baked oxide film thereon, thereby removing the oxide film and rendering the reduced surface amenable to CMP with reduced defects, reduced surface roughness and increased production throughput.

Abstract: Electrolessly plated Ni—P amorphous coatings having an increased magnetic transformation temperature and ultra smooth surface are achieved employing a plating bath containing Al and/or Cu ions. Embodiments include electrolessly depositing an amorphous Ni—P coating exhibiting a magnetic transformation temperature of at least 330° C. proximate a laser textured protrusion.

Abstract: Ultra smooth as-deposited composite nickel coatings for use in an information storage system are provided. The composite nickel coatings include an electrolessly deposited nickel layer formed on a sputter deposited nickel layer. The composite nickel coatings have an as-deposited surface roughness of less than about 10 Å. Embodiments include formation of the composite nickel coating on a disk, followed by deposition of an underlayer and magnetic layer thereon to form a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media including an alternative substrate material having a Young's Modulus greater than that of Al-based substrate materials and a preselected average surface roughness (Ra) are formed by depositing a continuous, adherent, non-magnetic, catalytically active layer on a surface of the substrate and electrolessly plating an amorphous seed layer on the catalytically active layer, the Ra of the resultant surface of the amorphous seed layer being reduced from that of the substrate, thereby providing a substantially defect-free surface for deposition thereon of magnetic recording media layers thereon. Embodiments include sputter depositing an catalytically active layer of Ni—Al or Ni—P and electrolessly plating an amorphous seed layer of Ni—P thereon.

Abstract: Ultra smooth as-deposited electroless nickel coatings are achieved employing a plating bath containing aluminum and/or copper ions. Embodiments include electroless deposition of an amorphous nickel-phosphorous coating on a glass, glass-ceramic, ceramic, or aluminum-containing substrate, with an as deposited average surface roughness (Ra) of less than about 16 .ANG., depositing an underlayer, and depositing a magnetic layer to form a magnetic recording medium.