Abstract: A magnetic recording medium that includes: a disc-shaped substrate; and plural magnetization retainers arranged on the disc-shaped substrate in plural circulations around a center of the substrate, each of the magnetization retainers having a length in a circumferential direction in such a manner that the length becomes longer as closer to outer circumference at least in a predetermined area, each retaining magnetization individually, each being formed of a magnetic material having axis of easy magnetization of magnetocrystalline anisotropy in a direction perpendicular to front and back surfaces of the substrate, each being filled with an ion that weakens the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the magnetic material such that an amount of ion implantation becomes less as closer to the outer circumference in the predetermined area.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor for in vivo applications includes the steps of providing two wafers of an electrically insulating material. A recess is formed in the first wafer, and a capacitor plate is formed in the recess of the first wafer. A second capacitor plate is formed in a corresponding region of the second wafer, and the two wafers are affixed to one another such that the first and second capacitor plates are arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relation.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a three terminal magnetic (TTM) sensor of a magnetic head according to one embodiment includes fabricating a P-type semiconductor material; fabricating an N-type semiconductor material at an upper surface of a portion of said P-type semiconductor material; fabricating a spin valve structure upon said N-type semiconductor material; engaging a collector lead to said P-type semiconductor material; engaging a base lead to said N-type semiconductor material; and engaging an emitter lead to said spin valve structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide a refill configuration adjacent a back-edge that defines a height of a magnetoresistive read sensor. Milling through layers of the sensor forms the back-edge and may be initially conducted at a first angle of incidence greater than a second angle of incidence. In combination, an insulating material and a polish resistant material, such as a non-magnetic metal, disposed on the insulating material fills a void created by the milling. The sensor further includes first and second magnetic shields with the layers of the sensor along with the polish resistant material and insulating material disposed between the first and second magnetic shields.

Abstract: A digital variable capacitor package is provided as having a ground plane disposed on predetermined portion of the top surface of a substrate. An elongated signal electrode may also be disposed on the substrate and including a first end defining an input and a second end extending to a substantially central region of the top surface of the substrate. This elongated signal electrode is disposed to be electrically isolated from the ground plane. A number of elongated cantilevers are disposed on the substrate and each include first ends coupled to the second end of the signal electrode and each further include second ends suspended over different predetermined portions of the ground plane. In operation, one or more of the cantilevers may be actuated to move portion thereof into close proximity to the ground plane for providing one or more discrete capacitance values.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the formation of a sensor site of a magnetoresistive device in which the first ferromagnetic layer and a nonmagnetic intermediate layer are formed in order, then surface treatment is applied to the surface of the nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and thereafter the second ferromagnetic layer is formed on the thus treated surface of the nonmagnetic intermediate layer. The surface treatment is implemented by a method of letting a modification element hit right on the surface of the nonmagnetic intermediate layer using a vacuum. The nonmagnetic intermediate layer is composed mainly of an oxide or nitride, and the modification element is a low-melting element having a melting point of 500° C. or lower. It is thus possible to reduce spin scattering while reducing oxidization or nitriding of the surfaces of the ferromagnetic layers used for the sensor site, thereby achieving high MR change rates.

Abstract: A vertical recording magnetic head and a method of manufacturing the same is provided. The magnetic head includes a main magnetic pole layer on a surface opposite to a recording medium and a pair of neck height markers which is exposed on the surface around the main magnetic pole layer and which indicates a neck height position of the main magnetic pole layer by way of inter-exposure area ratios. The neck height markers have one cross sections that increases and the other that decreases even though the cross sections in a plane parallel to the surface are oriented toward forward or backward directions in a neck height direction. The neck height markers have the same cross sections at a specific cross sectional position parallel to the surface.

Abstract: Concerns about inadequate electromigration robustness in CCP CPP GMR devices have been overcome by adding magnesium to the current confining structures that are presently in use. In one embodiment the alumina layer, in which the current carrying copper regions are embedded, is fully replaced by a magnesia layer. In other embodiments, alumina is still used but a layer of magnesium is included within the structure before it is subjected to ion assisted oxidation.

Abstract: A high recording density magnetic recording medium and a manufacturing method therefor are provided. The dilution stability during preparation of magnetic paint is improved and, thereby, even when the magnetic paint concentration is lowered, no problem occurs with the surface roughness and the output of the thin magnetic layer. The magnetic recording medium includes at least a magnetic layer on one surface of a non-magnetic support, wherein the magnetic layer contains a magnetic powder, a vinyl chloride resin having a degree of polymerization of at least 270 and an aliphatic polyester polyurethane resin to serve as binder resins, an aromatic compound having a substituent R (where R is —COOH, —(COOH)2, —OPO(OH)2, —PO(OH)2, or —SO3H), and a phosphoric acid ester. The ratio of binder resins in the magnetic paint is set at 2.0 percent by weight or less relative to a total sum of the binder resins and a solvent.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head includes forming a first recessed portion for insulation and a second recessed portion for contact that reach the substrate through the first insulating layer from a side of the first insulating layer of the substrate having the first insulating layer thereon; forming a second insulating layer on the substrate in the first recessed portion; and forming the lower shield layer in the first recessed portion and a contact portion in the second recessed portion.

Abstract: A patterned disk for a hard disk drive. The patterned disk includes an anti-ferromagnetic layer of FexNi1-xO over a substrate. The disk also includes a magnetic layer that is adjacent to the anti-ferromagnetic layer of FexNi1-xO, and is formed into a plurality of dots separated by a non-magnetic material. The anti-ferromagnetic layer of FexNi1-xO with the magnetic layer create an exchange-spring system that has a relatively low switching field. The anti-ferromagnetic layer of FexNi1-xO has a Neel temperature that maintains thermal stability. The low switching field improves reliability when the disk is a bit pattern media used in perpendicular recording.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording having a write pole with a very narrow track width and well controlled critical dimensions. The write pole is formed by depositing an electrically conductive seed layer over a substrate, and then depositing a photo resist layer over the seed layer. The photo resist layer is photolithographically exposed and developed to form an opening or trench in the photoreist layer, the opening defining the pattern of the write pole. A magnetic material is then plated into the opening in the photoresist layer. The photo resist layer can then be removed by a chemical lift off, and portions of the seed layer that are not covered by the write pole can be removed by ion milling.

Abstract: The invention involves methods, assays, and components for the detection and analysis of binding between biological or chemical species, and can specifically be used for drug discovery. In an example where drug discovery is carried out, different candidate drugs can be attached to different articles such as magnetic beads. The beads can be exposed to colloid particles carrying signaling entities, or other signaling entities, immobilized with respect to protein targets of the drug candidates. After incubation, all beads are drawn to separate surface locations magnetically. Beads are released from surface locations where it is determined that signaling entities do not exist, and are removed from the assay. Beads held at other surface locations then are released, re-distributed, and re-attracted to surface locations. This is repeated with appropriate wash steps, until individual drug candidates can be isolated and identified.

Abstract: A suspension load beam used for attachment to a slider assembly and an actuation arm in a disc drive for data storage has a rigid middle beam section comprising a rigid bottom layer, a rigid top layer and a composite core layer sandwiched between the bottom layer and the top layer. A method for fabricating a vibration resistant mechanical member used a disc drive subject to high frequency motion operations is also disclosed. The method involves making an integral laminate structure and fabricating the mechanical member from the integral laminate structure. The integral laminate structure has a rigid bottom layer, a composite core layer on top of the rigid bottom layer, and a rigid top layer on top of the core layer so that the composite core layer is sandwiched between the rigid bottom layer and the rigid top layer.

Abstract: Patterned magnetic recording media and associated methods of fabrication are described. The patterned magnetic recording media includes a perpendicular magnetic recording layer that is patterned into a plurality of discrete magnetic islands. The patterned magnetic recording media also includes an exchange bridge structure formed from magnetic material that connects the islands of the perpendicular magnetic recording layer. Connecting the islands with magnetic material increases exchange coupling between the islands, which makes the islands more magnetically stable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical electrode wherein transition metal (nickel) nanoparticles are used to form an active layer having a large surface area without using a conductive support while maintaining dispersibility and stability, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A structure and method for performing magnetic inductance testing of write heads formed on a wafer. The structure and method allows for the effective inductive testing of magnetic write heads at wafer level even if the write heads have an inductance that is too low to be effectively measured directly. A test head is constructed having a structure similar to that of the write heads, but having a significantly higher magnetic inductance. The higher magnetic inductance of the write head can be provided by extending the shaping layer to or beyond the air bearing surface plane ABS. The inductance of the test head can be further increased by increasing the width of the portion of the shaping layer that extends to the ABS (ie. shaping layer throat) and by increasing the width of the write pole throat.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a perpendicular magnetic recording head which can suppress reduction in recording field and efficiently reduce a fringe field. According to one embodiment, a side shield disposed at a side of each side face in a cross track direction of a main pole is arranged at a far leading side compared with the main pole.

Abstract: A fabrication method for thin film magnetic heads, comprises, forming a Current Perpendicular to a Plane (CPP) sensor film over a lower shield and a first chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) stop film over the CPP sensor film, etching the CPP sensor film and forming a track width on the CPP sensor film, and covering at least the etching section of the CPP sensor film with an insulating film. The method further comprises forming a CMP dummy film over the insulating film and a second CMP stop film over the CMP dummy film, exposing the first CMP stop film, and removing the first CMP stop film and the second CMP stop film by oxygen reactive ion etching (RIE) and the CMP dummy film by fluorine RIE, and forming an upper shield film over the insulating film and over the CPP sensor film.

Abstract: A free layer functions such that a magnetization direction changes depending on an external magnetic field, and is made up of a multilayer structure including a first Heusler alloy layer, and a fixed magnetization layer takes a form wherein an inner pin layer and an outer pin layer are stacked one upon another with a nonmagnetic intermediated layer sandwiched between them. The inner pin layer is made up of a multilayer structure including a second Heusler alloy layer. The first and second Heusler alloy layers are each formed by a co-sputtering technique using a split target split into at least two sub-targets in such a way as to constitute a Heusler alloy layer composition. When the Heusler alloy layer is formed, therefore, it is possible to bring up a film-deposition rate, improve productivity, and improve the performance of the device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive sensor having improved free layer biasing and track width control. The method includes forming a ferromagnetic pinned layer, and depositing a ferromagnetic film thereover. A layer of Ta is deposited over the ferromagnetic film and a mask is formed over an active sensor area. A reactive ion etch process is performed to remove selected portions of said Ta layer. An etch is then performed to remove selected portions of the ferromagnetic film in unmasked areas and a ferromagnetic refill material is deposited.

Abstract: A method is presented for fabricating a write pole for a magnetic recording head, wherein a photoresist layer is formed on a wafer stack. A target P2 pole configuration is provided, and a photomask having a pattern is produced, and the pattern is transferred to the photoresist to create a patterned photoresist having at least one photoresist channel. A layer of photoresist channel shrinking film used to produce a reduced width photoresist channel in an expanded photoresist. A P2 pole tip is formed within the reduced width photoresist channel. The P2 pole tip is then compared to the target P2 pole configuration to identify distortions, which are then used to produce a distortion-corrected photomask. The distortion-corrected photomask is then used to produce a distortion-corrected expanded photoresist, which is then used to produce a distortion-corrected P2 pole tip.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The method includes forming a write pole, and then depositing a refill layer. A mask structure can be formed over the writ pole and refill layer, the mask structure being configured to define a stitched pole. An ion milling or reactive ion milling can then be performed to remove portions of the refill layer that are not protected by the mask structure. Then a magnetic material can be deposited to form a stitched write pole that defines a secondary flare point. The stitched pole can also be self aligned with an electrical lapping guide in order to accurately locate the front edge of the secondary flare point relative to the air bearing surface of the write head.

Abstract: There are disclosed a polishing method and a polishing device in which cleaning of a glass substrate surface can be achieved to a high level. A glass substrate (MD substrate 1) in the shape of a circular disc having a circular hole in a center portion is polished with an abrasive liquid 50 containing free abrasive grains being supplied, and an inner peripheral end surface of the glass substrate is polished using the abrasive liquid containing the free abrasive grains by rotating a rotary brush 4 or a polishing pad in contact with the inner peripheral end surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a via in an alumina protective layer on a structure such as a magnetic write head for use in perpendicular magnetic recording. A structure such as a magnetic pole, and or magnetic trailing shield, is formed over a substrate and is covered with a thick layer of alumina. The alumina layer can then be planarized by a chemical mechanical polishing process (CMP) and then a mask structure, such as a photoresist mask, is formed over the alumina layer. The mask structure is formed with an opening disposed over the contact pad. A reactive ion mill is then performed to remove portions of the alumina layer that are exposed at the opening in the mask, thereby forming a via in the alumina layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium comprising coating a magnetic layer coating liquid comprising a ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder and a binder to form a coating film, subjecting the coating film to orientation processing while the coating film is still wet, and drying the coating film to form a magnetic layer. The magnetic layer coating liquid is prepared by subjecting a ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder with an average plate diameter of 10 to 50 nm to a dry comminution step, subjecting the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder to a first dispersion step together with a binder to prepare a dispersion liquid, and sequentially subjecting the dispersion liquid obtained to a second dispersion step and a filtering step. The dispersion liquid obtained by the first dispersion step comprises a dry solid component in an amount, as measured after filtration, of 15 percent or less.

Abstract: A method of plating on a glass substrate allowing an electroless plating film with good adhesiveness to be formed by chemically bonding a silane coupling agent in a state of simple adhesion or hydrogen bond to the surface of the glass substrate through dehydration condensation reaction, and a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium using the plating method. In the plating method, electroless plating is performed on a glass substrate after sequentially conducting at least the adhesion layer formation that forms an adhesion layer using a silane coupling agent solution, catalyst layer formation, a catalyst activation, and a drying that chemically bonds the silane coupling agent in the adhesion layer to the surface of the glass substrate.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor having a well defined track width and method of manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A thin soft magnetic film combines a high magnetization with an insulating character. The film is formed by nitriding Fe-rich ferromagnetic nanograins immersed in an amorphous substrate. A selective oxidation of the amorphous substrate is then performed. The result is a thin, insulating, soft magnetic film of high magnetization. Many types of integrated circuits can be made which include a component using a membrane incorporating the above-mentioned thin film.

Abstract: Provided are a perpendicular magnetic recording medium and a method of manufacturing the same. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes: a substrate; a soft magnetic layer formed on the substrate; an underlayer formed on the soft magnetic layer; and a recording layer comprising a plurality of ferromagnetic layers and formed on the underlayer, wherein each of the plurality of ferromagnetic layers has a magnetic anisotropic energy which decreases as distance increases from the underlayer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a process for fabricating a write gap structure for a magnetic recording head. In one embodiment, at least one layer of inert material is deposited which is disposed proximate to the P2 pole of a magnetic recording head. A layer of magnetic material is deposited which is disposed between the layer of inert material and the P1 pedestal (P1P) of the magnetic recording head. In embodiments of the present invention, a second layer of inert material is deposited which is disposed between the layer of magnetic material and the P1P of the magnetic recording head. In embodiments of the present invention, the throat height of the write gap structure is defined wherein the layer of magnetic material and the inert layer only overlie a portion of the P1 pedestal of the magnetic recording head.

Abstract: A read head for a disk drive and a method of fabricating the read head with overlaid lead pads that contact the top surface of the sensor between the hardbias structures to define the electrically active region of the sensor are described. The invention deposits the GMR and lead layers before milling away the unwanted material. A photoresist mask with a hole defining the active area of the sensor is preferably patterned over a layer of DLC that is formed into a mask. A selected portion of the exposed lead material is then removed using the DLC as a mask defining the active region of the sensor. A photoresist mask pad is patterned to define the full sensor width. The excess sensor and lead material exposed around the mask is milled away. The layers for the hardbias structure are deposited.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head with a perpendicular magnetic recording structure includes a main pole layer, a nonmagnetic gap layer, and an auxiliary pole layer facing the main pole layer via the nonmagnetic gap layer. A surface of a top end section of the main pole layer has an inclined step that slopes from a lamination plane of the layers. The surface faces a top end section of the auxiliary pole layer. The top end section of the auxiliary pole layer has side shield sections at a position that is not exposed to an ABS. The side shield sections faces at least part of side surfaces in a track-width direction, of the main pole layer so as to cover at least part of the inclined step.

Abstract: A method for mounting a head slider of the type having terminal pads to a wireless disk drive head suspension flexure including a slider mounting region, lead contact pads, and a deflectable and resilient slider engagement member for releasably mounting a head slider to the slider mounting region. The method includes engaging and deflecting the slider engagement member and positioning the head slider onto the slider mounting region and between the lead contact pads and the slider engagement member while the slider engagement member is deflected. The method further includes disengaging the slider engagement member and causing the slider engagement member to force the head slider into frictional engagement with the lead contact pads and the slider engagement member with the lead contact pads in mechanical and electrical contact with the head slider terminal pads.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnet patch tape to facilitate blood circulation in a restricted area of a human body is provided. The patch tape shows a number of stripes of anisotropic magnet field with 2 to 5 mm width and spaced 1 to 3 mm apart from each other when viewed through a magnetic field viewer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium that exhibits high performance and high reliability includes forming a liquid lubricant layer capable of high coverage while retaining a film thickness of 1 nm to 2 nm. The magnetic recording medium includes an underlayer, a magnetic layer, a protective layer, and a liquid lubricant layer sequentially laminated or formed on a substrate. The liquid lubricant layer is formed by coating a liquid lubricant diluted with a solvent on the protective layer to a thickness of at least the surface roughness to form a thick film liquid lubricant layer, pressing a slide member against the surface of the liquid lubricant layer while rotating the medium to adhere the liquid lubricant onto the protective layer, and reducing the thickness of the liquid lubricant layer with a solvent that can dissolve the liquid lubricant to the medium surface.

Abstract: A main magnetic pore layer is formed on an insulating layer flattened into a high-flatness surface, and a yoke layer having a large film thickness is formed under the main magnetic pole layer independently of the main magnetic pole. The main magnetic pole layer has a front end surface formed in a shape with a width size gradually increasing in a direction of track width as the front end surface departs farther away from an auxiliary magnetic pole layer. A perpendicular magnetic recording head can be provided which can suppress the occurrence of fringing in a recording pattern, and can form the main magnetic pole layer with high pattern accuracy, and can satisfactorily introduce a recording magnetic field to a fore end of the main magnetic pole layer.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head wafer includes a first principal surface and a second principal surface which are substantially parallel to each other. An electrical/magnetic transducer is provided on the first principal surface. Identification information is recorded on the first principal surface of the wafer.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic metal powder for a magnetic recording medium that combines good magnetic properties and oxidation stability, and a magnetic recording medium using the powder. A method of producing the magnetic powder comprises using oxygen to form an oxide film, then changing the state of the oxide film by using moderate gas phase activation treatment in an active gas, using, for example, CO or H2 or other such gas having reducing properties. ESCA-based measurements show that the binding energy peak of the powder is more to the low energy side compared to when the above treatment is not used, showing that the oxide film has oxidation resistance. The storage stability of a magnetic recording medium is improved by using the powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic disk in a discrete track medium and a patterned medium, which prevents the loss of the magnetically recorded data when a head of a magnetic disk device contacts the magnetic disk, and a manufacturing method thereof. A magnetic disk has a protrusion as a non-magnetic member formed on a disk surface to prevent a head from being in contact with a recording section. When the protrusion formed in a disk substrate collides against the head, the protrusion 7 does not collapse, and accordingly, the recording layer is not damaged. Alternatively, concave and convex portions are formed on the substrate surface to use the convex portion as the protrusion.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a single substrate, a conventional GMR element formed of a spin-valve film including a single-layer-pinned fixed magnetization layer, and a SAF element formed of a synthetic spin-valve film including a plural-layer-pinned fixed magnetization layer. When the spin-valve film intended to act as the conventional GMR element and the synthetic spin-valve film intended to act as the SAF element are subjected to the application of a magnetic field oriented in a single direction at a high temperature, they become giant magnetoresistive elements whose magnetic-field-detecting directions are antiparallel to each other. Since films intended to act as the conventional GMR element and the SAF element can be disposed close to each other, the magnetic sensor which has giant magnetoresistive elements whose magnetic-field-detecting directions are antiparallel to each other can be small.

Abstract: A monolithic or essentially monolithic single layer capacitor with high structural strength and capacitance, a printed circuit board having the capacitor mounted thereon, and a method of making. Sheets of green-state ceramic dielectric material and glass/metal composite material are laminated together, diced into individual chips, and fired to sinter the glass and the ceramic together. The composite material contains an amount of metal sufficient to render the composite conductive whereby the composite may be used for one or both electrodes and for mounting the capacitor to the printed circuit board. Vertically-oriented surface mountable capacitors and hybrid capacitors are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic recording medium wherein both of a reduction in the particle diameter of a ferromagnetic powder and an increase in the filling ratio of the powder in a magnetic layer are attained and the magnetic layer is excellent in surface smoothness and electromagnetic conversion property.

Abstract: A high-frequency magnetic material is provided and includes: an oxide phase including: a first oxide of a first element being at least one selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Zr, Ti, Hf, Zn, Mn, a rare-earth element, Ba, and Sr, and a second oxide of a second element being at least one selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn, the first oxide and at least a part of the second oxide being formed into a solid solution; and magnetic metal particles including at least one of Fe and Co and having a particle size of 1 to 100 nm, the magnetic metal particles being deposited on a surface and inside of the oxide phase, the magnetic metal particles occupying 50% of a volume of the high-frequency magnetic material exclusive of a void.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic field sensor device in one embodiment includes applying a mask on a substrate, performing a wet etching procedure on the substrate for generating at least a first groove having tilted side walls, and depositing at least one layer of magnetoresistive material onto a section of the surface of at least a first tilted side wall of the groove. A method of manufacturing a magnetic field sensor device on a substrate having a plurality of tilted planar sections, each of the tilted planar sections having a surface normal angled with respect to a surface normal of the substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording head includes a main magnetic pole layer; and a return yoke layer laminated on the main magnetic pole layer with a magnetic gap layer formed of a nonmagnetic material disposed on an opposing surface opposite a recording medium. The return yoke layer includes a first throat part opposing the main magnetic pole layer at a side close to the recording medium-opposing surface with a first gap spacing corresponding to a film thickness of the magnetic gap layer; and a second throat part extending to a deeper side than the first throat part in a height direction and opposing the main magnetic pole layer with a second gap spacing greater than the first gap spacing. A throat height determining layer is provided on the main magnetic pole layer or the magnetic gap layer, the throat height determining layer defining a dimension of the first throat part of the return yoke layer in the height direction and formed of an inorganic nonmagnetic material.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprising a substrate, an underlayer, a Ta-containing seedlayer, a magnetic layer, wherein the underlayer comprises a soft magnetic material and the Ta-containing seedlayer is between the underlayer and the magnetic layer, and a process for improving corrosion resistance of the recording medium and for manufacturing the recording medium are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a spin valve film, produces a large read out signal. After a completion of a film making process for forming a previous film of two films to be formed successively, but before an initiation of a film making process for forming a succeeding film of the two films, a step of decreasing an anisotropic magnetic field of the spin valve film is introduced by interrupting a film making process. This step may be performed by keeping a substrate within a sputtering vacuum chamber. The interruption can be shortened by exposing the substrate to a plasma, transferring the substrate in a separate vacuum chamber is lower or whose H2O or O2 concentration is higher than that in the sputtering vacuum chamber, conducting a surface treatment with a gas containing H2O or O2, or flowing a process gas.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of laying a floor covering (14) on a floor (12). The method comprises the step of painting the floor to be covered (10) with a floor paint comprising ferromagnetic particles, and placing a magnetic floor covering (14) thereon.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a substrate forming a base, a magnetic layer deposited on a surface of the substrate in a direction along a thickness of the substrate, and an overcoat deposited on the magnetic layer in the direction along the thickness of the substrate to protect the magnetic layer, and having a texture formed partially indented from a surface and textured to have a predetermined surface roughness. The hard disk drive apparatus includes a magnetic head and the perpendicular magnetic recording medium where data is recorded and stored using the magnetic head.