Abstract: Iron-platinum (FePt) based magnetic recording media structures that provide small grain size and isolated-grain configurations suitable for high-density magnetic recording. In one of the structures, the recording media structure includes a thin film containing grains of L10 FePt and boron as a segregant contained in intergranular regions located among the FePt grains. In another structure, the recording media structure includes a thin film containing grains of L10 FePt, wherein the film is formed on an underlayer containing at least one material selected to control the size of the FePt grains in the film. Proper choices of materials, relative amounts of the materials, processing parameters, and other variables permit these structures to be formed with grain sizes, magnetization orientations, and perpendicular coercivities that allow designers to create magnetic storage devices having storage densities of 1 Tbit/in2 and greater.

Abstract: Iron-platinum (FePt) based magnetic recording media structures that provide small grain size and isolated-grain configurations suitable for high-density magnetic recording. In one of the structures, the recording media structure includes a thin film containing grains of L10 FePt and boron as a segregant contained in intergranular regions located among the FePt grains. In another structure, the recording media structure includes a thin film containing grains of L10 FePt, wherein the film is formed on an underlayer containing at least one material selected to control the size of the FePt grains in the film. Proper choices of materials, relative amounts of the materials, processing parameters, and other variables permit these structures to be formed with grain sizes, magnetization orientations, and perpendicular coercivities that allow designers to create magnetic storage devices having storage densities of 1 Tbit/in2 and greater.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprises a magnetically soft underlayer having a plurality of cavities in a surface thereof, and a magnetic recording material in the cavities, wherein a surface of the magnetic recording material in the cavities is substantially coplanar with the surface of the soft underlayer. A recording system that includes the recording medium is also included.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor which includes an element having a first layer that exhibits a magnetoresistive response, a second layer that magnetically biases the first layer and is in contact therewith, and possibly a substrate that contacts the first layer, with the first layer disposed between the second layer and the substrate. Of course, the first and second layers are interchangeable. Adjoining a side of the second layer is an anode contact and a cathode contact. The anode contact and the cathode contact are positioned on the side of the second layer such that they do not contact each other.