Abstract: CoCrPtB is a conventional material used in some of the layers of a thin film magnetic media structure used for recording data in data storage devices such as hard drives. Typically the CoCrPtB layers used for magnetic media have high Cr and low B in bottom magnetic layers and low Cr and high B in top magnetic layers. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention and to improve media electrical performance, fifth elements, such as Ta, Nb and Hf, etc. were added to the CoCrPtB materials, resulting in CoCrPtB-X, to enhance the grain segregation. The five element CoCrPtB-X layers were deposited using a pulsed direct current sputter technique instead of conventional direct current sputtering techniques. The resulting magnetic media structure having CoCrPtB-X alloy layers exhibits an increase in coercivity Hc and improvement in recording performance.

Abstract: CoCrPtB is a conventional material used in some of the layers of a thin film magnetic media structure used for recording data in data storage devices such as hard drives. Typically the CoCrPtB layers used for magnetic media have high Cr and low B in bottom magnetic layers and low Cr and high B in top magnetic layers. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention and to improve media electrical performance, fifth elements, such as Ta, Nb and Hf, etc. were added to the CoCrPtB materials, resulting in CoCrPtB—X, to enhance the grain segregation. The five element CoCrPtB—X layers were deposited using a pulsed direct current sputter technique instead of conventional direct current sputtering techniques. The resulting magnetic media structure having CoCrPtB—X alloy layers exhibits an increase in coercivity Hc and improvement in recording performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing treatments to the surface of disk-shaped workpieces/substrates, as in the manufacture of multi-layer, thin-film recording media. The apparatus includes treatment stations for performing treatments to a surface of each of the disk-shaped workpieces/substrates; a pallet adapted for mounting the disk-shaped workpieces/substrates, a plurality of bias potential sources; and a transporting source to transport the pallet past the treatment stations. The pallet includes electrically conductive segments and each segment is electrically insulated from other segments; is adapted to mount and expose at lest one surface of a disk-shaped workpiece; and includes an electrical contact for providing electrical contact with the bias potential source of the apparatus.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic according medium with enhanced coercivity is provided. The magnetic recording medium comprises a non-magnetic substrate having a surface and a layer stack atop the substrate surface. The layer stack comprises a magnetic recording layer and a dual intermediate layer structure below the magnetic recording layer comprising a base layer and a non-magnetic layer between the base layer and the magnetic recording layer. The non-magnetic layer has a thickness less than that necessary for RKKY coupling between the base layer and the magnetic recording layer, and provides the medium with increased coercivity.

Abstract: CoCrPtB is a conventional material used in some of the layers of a thin film magnetic media structure used for recording data in data storage devices such as hard drives. Typically the CoCrPtB layers used for magnetic media have high Cr and low B in bottom magnetic layers and low Cr and high B in top magnetic layers. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention and to improve media electrical performance, fifth elements, such as Ta, Nb and Hf, etc. were added to the CoCrPtB materials, resulting in CoCrPtB—X, to enhance the grain segregation. The five element CoCrPtB—X layers were deposited using a pulsed direct current sputter technique instead of conventional direct current sputtering techniques. The resulting magnetic media structure having CoCrPtB—X alloy layers exhibits an increase in coercivity Hc and improvement in recording performance.

Abstract: A method of forming a layer of a hard, abrasion, and corrosion-resistant hydrogenated carbon (C:H) material on a substrate surface comprises steps of: (a) providing a vacuum chamber including a carbon sputtering target in the interior space thereof; (b) providing a substrate in the chamber interior space, a surface of the substrate the sputtering target; (c) supplying the vacuum chamber with at least one hydrocarbon gas and at least one inert gas at separately controllable flow rates and applying a sufficient negative potential to the carbon target to generate a plasma in said interior space to deposit a layer of the C:H material on the substrate surface by a process comprising simultaneous sputtering of the carbon sputtering target and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of carbon and hydrogen from the hydrocarbon gas, wherein: step (c) includes separately controlling the flow rates of each of the hydrocarbon and inert gases such that the amount of C atoms in the C:H which are contributed b

Abstract: A flash chromium capping layer is deposited on a magnetic layer for improved corrosion resistance, reduced poisoning due to the absence of a protective overcoat or presence of discontinuities in a protective overcoat, and for reduced media noise do to inter-granular exchange coupling. Embodiments include depositing a flash chromium layer having a thickness up to about 10 Å on an upper magnetic layer and depositing an overlying lubricant topcoat. An optional protective overcoat, such as a carbon-containing protective overcoat, can also be deposited on the chromium capping layer. The chromium capping layer forms a protective oxide coating where exposed, as due to the absence of or at discontinuities in the protective overcoat.