Abstract: A recording film is formed on a surface of a substrate, including the slopes, which are positioned on both sides of each information track and have surfaces not parallel to the surfaces of the information tracks. The surface of the substrate is sputter-etched by accelerated ions impinging against the substrate surface in a substantially vertical direction. The recording film on each slope is etched away based on the dependence of a sputtering rate upon an incident angle of the ions, while the recording film remains on the surface of each information track.

Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic assembly having at least one magnetic layer having dimensions of thickness, width and length, and at least one printable substrate layer having dimensions of thickness, width and length, including the steps of providing a molten magnetic composition including about 70 wt-% to about 95 wt-% of at least one magnetic material and about 5 wt-% to about 30 wt-% of at least one thermoplastic binder, forming the magnetic composition into a magnetic layer at an elevated temperature and directly applying the magnetic layer at an elevated temperature to a first surface of a printable substrate layer wherein. An adhesion promoting composition may be further provided between the magnetic layer and the printable substrate layer for improving adhesion between the magnetic layer and the printable substrate layer.

Abstract: Substantially spherical magneto-plumbite ferrite (barium or strontium ferrite) particles are formed from well-dispersed ultra-fine substantially spherical iron-based oxide and/or hydroxide particles as precursor particles. The precursor particles are mixed with a colloidal barium or strontium carbonate (BaCO3 or SrCO3), and with small amounts of a byproduct, such as sodium or potassium chloride (NaCl or KCl) or hydroxide (NaOH or KOH) or nitrate (NaNO3 or KNO3), functioning as a flux to lower the calcination temperature. The particles are filtered out of the mixture, dried, and calcined for a time sufficiently long and/or at a temperature sufficiently high to form magneto-plumbite ferrite from the precursor particles, and for a time sufficiently short and/or a temperature sufficiently low to maintain the general spherical shape of the precursor particles.

Abstract: Network Distributed Caches (“NDCs”) (50) permit accessing a named dataset stored at an NDC server terminator site (22) in response to a request submitted to an NDC client terminator site (24) by a client workstation (42). In accessing the dataset, the NDCs (50) form an NDC data conduit (62) that provides an active virtual circuit (“AVC”) from the NDC client site (24) through intermediate NDC sites (26B, 26A) to the NDC server site (22). Through the AVC provided by the conduit (62), the NDC sites (22, 26A and 26B) project an image of the requested portion of the named dataset into the NDC client site (24). The NDCs (50) maintain absolute consistency between the source dataset and its projections at all NDC client terminator sites (24, 204B and 206) at which client workstations access the dataset. Channels (116) in each NDC (50) accumulate profiling data from the requests to access the dataset for which they have been claimed.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head comprises a bottom pole layer, a top pole layer, a recording gap layer, and first and second thin-film coils. The bottom pole layer includes a first layer disposed to face toward the first and second thin-film coils, and second and third layers disposed closer to an air bearing surface than the first and second thin-film coils are. In a method of manufacturing the thin-film magnetic head, the first thin-film coil and the second layer are formed in this order on a magnetic layer that has a wholly flat top surface and is to be the first layer. Then, the magnetic layer is patterned to complete the first layer.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a substrate and an annealed magnetic layer comprising boron on the substrate, the magnetic layer being a single film and having an L10 structure, and a process for manufacturing the perpendicular magnetic recording medium are disclosed.

Abstract: A first thin film including at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe and Ni, and a second thin film including at least one platinum group element selected from the group consisting of Pt and Pd are prepared. Then, a multilayered structure where said first thin film and said second thin film are stacked is formed. Then, the multilayered structure is heated at the same time or after the formation of said multilayered structure, thereby to counter-diffuse constituent elements of said first thin film and said second thin film and alloy said at least one transition metal and said platinum. group element.

Abstract: Nickel composite particles having a layer of a nickel-containing spinel on at least a part of the surface of nickel particles, or nickel composite particles having an oxide layer of metals other than nickel on at least a part of the surface of nickel particles and a layer of a nickel-containing spinel at an interface between the nickel particles and the metal oxide layer. The nickel composite particles are produced by forming fine liquid droplets from a solution containing (a) at least one thermally decomposable nickel compound and (b) at least one thermally decomposable metal compound capable of forming a spinel together with nickel; and heating the liquid droplets at a temperature higher than the decomposition temperatures of the compound (a) and (b) to nickel particles and simultaneously deposit a nickel-containing spinel layer, or further a metal oxide layer on the spinel layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns magnetic and heat-sensitive particles having a predetermined size between 0.05 and 10 &mgr;m, each particle comprising: an inner composite core consisting of a solid organic or inorganic particle, containing within it a magnetic filler; an outer coati based on a polymer capable of interacting with at least a biological molecule, the outer polymer is heat-sensitive and has a predetermined low critical solubility temperature (LCST) ranging between 10 and 100° C. and preferably between 20 and 60° C. The invention also concerns methods for obtaining said particles and their uses. The particles are characterized in that there is an intermediate layer between the inner core and the outer layer isolating said inner core magnetic filler with respect to said functionalized outer layer. Said invention is particularly useful for separating proteins and/or nucleic acids.

Abstract: A lubricating layer is applied to the surface of a thin protective layer on a magnetic recording medium. The surface of the protective layer is burnished to reduce protuberances. The lubricating layer is removed by solvent washing. Then, a replacement lubricating layer is deposited on the surface of the protective layer. The resulting surface of the magnetic recording medium exhibits reduced scratching and particle contamination.

Abstract: The present invention includes magnetizable coating composition for application to a substrate. The coating composition includes a plurality of strontium and or barium hexaferrite particles having a random magnetic pole alignment. The coating composition also includes a binder adhesive capable of suspending the strontium hexaferrite particles. The binder adhesive is a latex capable of adhering in a substantially thin film to the substrate. The strontium hexaferrite particles are normally present between 50% to 98% of the coating composition's total weight when dried on the substrate. The thickness of the film of the coating composition is at least about 0.5 mils thick, and has 6 to 24 magnetic pole changes per linear inch. The binder adhesive allows for manipulation of the strontium hexaferrite particles to a non-random magnetic pole alignment after the ferromagnetic particles have dried in the binder adhesive on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nanosized particles termed as “nanoclinics” for therapeutic and/or diagnostic use. The particles have a core made of a therapeutic or diagnostic material surrounded by a shell. Further, the particles contain a targeting agent on the surface of the shell for specific recognition of targeted cells. A method is also provided for lysis of cells using DC magnetic field. Further, the present invention also provides a method for fabrication of nanoclinics that can target and lyse specific cells such as cancer cells.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and effect transport and separation of different species of materials. A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, a cell, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities. Some composites can be used to make a dual sensor for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a redox species and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution.

Abstract: Ultraviolet rays are radiated over a lubricant film formed on the surface of a recording medium such as a hard disk. The recording medium is then subjected to exposure to a bases. The radiation of the ultraviolet rays allows the lubricant film to uniformly spread over the surface of the recording medium. The repellency can be enhanced over the surface of the recording medium. The friction can be reduced on the recording medium. Moreover, when the recording medium is exposed to the base, organic acid existing on the surface of the recording medium and/or in the lubricant film can be transformed into salt. The organic acid can be washed off or removed from the surface of the recording medium and/or out of the lubricant film in this manner. Less organic acid greatly contributes to prevention of generation of corrosion mounds on the recording medium over a longer period.

Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic recording medium having a magnetic material coated on a surface of a polymeric film comprising, in the running direction of the polymeric film, the steps of pressing a cleaning tape made of one of a non-woven fabric and a fabric impregnated with a cleaning agent against the surface of said polymeric film onto which said coating material is coated in order to wipe off foreign matter adhering to said surface of the polymeric film; drying the surface of the wiped polymeric film; and just after the drying step, coating a magnetic coating material onto a surface of a polymeric film while said polymeric film is running. An apparatus for the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned magnetic nanostructure is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having a non-magnetic single layer or multi layer film that can be converted into a magnetic state by annealing and/or mixing. The method further includes positioning a mask having a desired pattern and resolution associated with the patterned magnetic nanostructure on or over the film. The method additionally includes subjecting the mask-covered substrate to a beam of radiation (focussed or unfocussed) having sufficient energy to locally anneal and/or mix the non-magnetic or weak-magnetic single-layer or multi layer film. Because of the mask effect, only the desired portions of the non-magnetic film are exposed to the beam of radiation. As such, the desired portions of the non-magnetic film are changed from a non-magnetic to a magnetic state to produce an array of magnetic elements in a non-magnetic matrix. The size of each magnetic element is dependent on the resolution of mask.

Abstract: In this invention, an ultra thin layer of CoCr alloy nucleation layer is sputtered at an extremely low deposition rate above a predominantly (200) oriented Cr film followed by a CoCrPt based alloy sputtered film at higher rates and moderate temperatures. This structure creates a media which has very high Hc, and excellent PW50, low noise and excellent low TNLD values. By using this technique, the CoCrPt magnetic film achieves excellent in-plane crystallographic orientation, and high Hc is achieved with minimal amount of Pt addition to the magnetic film. The method allows very fine grain structure of cobalt to be formed which contributes to good signal to noise ratio. A fine grain structure combined with chromium segregation between the grains improve the signal to noise ratio even more. A high degree of in-plane c-axis orientation is achieved in the cobalt layer which provides very high hysteresis loop squareness which helps to improve the OW and TNLD.

Abstract: A recording head pole production process, and a pole made by the process, in which a combination of wet and dry etching steps are utilized to advantageously provide an undercut in the relatively high magnetic moment material beneath a photoresist area used to define the pole such that any re-deposited layer of material which occurs on the sides of the pole and photoresist area during the dry etching operation is advantageously rendered substantially discontinuous, or weakly linked, and the re-deposited material remaining on the pole itself following a photoresist strip can then be removed by being subjected to a stream of gaseous particles and ultimately carried away by the accompanying gas stream itself. In a particular embodiment disclosed herein the relatively high magnetic moment material may comprise a sputter deposited layer of cobalt-zirconium-tantalum (CoZrTa), iron-aluminum-nitride (FeAlN), iron-tantalum-nitride (FeTaN), iron-nitride (FeN) or similar materials.

Abstract: A method of producing a magnetic recording medium, and an apparatus thereof in which coercive force can be detected in an in-line mode, a metal thin film magnetic layer can be produced stably, and a vapor deposition film having a stable quality can be obtained. A method of producing a magnetic recording medium, comprising the steps of forming a metal thin film magnetic layer on a substrate, irradiating a light to a surface of the metal thin film magnetic layer, and measuring lightness of a reflected light from the surface to monitor coercive force of the metal thin film magnetic layer.

Abstract: A substrate for ultra high-density GMR recording is produced by patterning a solgel layer on the substrate. The resulting recording medium is capable of providing a controlled movement of the head on the substrate of a magnetic disk and exhibits improved flying stability, glide performance, reliability, tribology and long term durability for providing zero glide hits.

Abstract: A method for forming a bi-layer lift-off mask for use in fabricating an abutted junction type GMR read-head sensor with a narrow trackwidth of less than 0.5 microns. The mask has a novel suspension bridge structure that avoids problems associated with bilayer lift-off masks of the prior art, namely insufficient or excessive undercutting of the lower layer that produces fence formations in the conducting lead layer or collapse of the mask structure rendering removal difficult.

Abstract: A method is provided for coating one or more fluid layers on a substrate to form magnetic recording media such as magnetic tape and diskettes. The method takes advantage of fluid coating formulations having a particular rheology that enables the coating of one or more magnetic layers with reduced thicknesses while achieving increased coating speeds. With proper rheology, one or more layers can be coated on a substrate traveling at increased speeds while maintaining desired coating thicknesses.

Abstract: In a method for producing a magnetic recording medium, at least one magnetic layer is formed on a nonmagnetic support by coating. After all coating processes are completed, heat treatment is performed by heat-treating the support, which is undergone all the coating processes, at 95 to 140° C. for 1.0 to 10.0 seconds with continuously applying tension of from 1.0 to 4.0 kg/m to the support. Then, calendering process is performed at a temperature lower than the temperature of the heat treatment.

Abstract: A lubricating layer is applied to the surface of a thin protective layer on a magnetic recording medium. The surface of the protective layer is burnished to reduce protuberances. The lubricating layer is removed by solvent washing. Then, a replacement lubricating layer is deposited on the surface of the protective layer. The resulting surface of the magnetic recording medium exhibits reduced scratching and particle contamination.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium having an excellent surface smoothness comprising a substrate and a maghemite thin film formed on the substrate. The maghemite thin film has a thickness of 10 to 50 nm and a surface roughness represented by an average surface roughness (Ra) of 0.1 to 0.7 nm and a max height (Rmax) of 1 to 10 nm. The magnetic recording medium exhibits an excellent surface smoothness without deterioration in high coercive force.

Abstract: The process is provided involving formation of multilayer components in which a photoresist-type material is used not only as a conventional patterning material, but also as an insulating and/or planarizing material between magnetic or electrically conductive layers. A variety of integrated CMOS/micromagnetic components are thereby capable of being formed, including components containing planar inductors and transformers. Additionally, a particular technique is used to etch gold-containing seed layers from a substrate surface without damaging an electroplated copper coil. Also provided is a magnetic material particularly useful in devices such as inductors and transformers. The material is an amorphous iron-cobalt-phosphorus alloy having a composition of CoxPyFez, where x+y+z=100, x is 5 to 15, y is 13 to 20, and z is the remainder. The alloy typically exhibits a coercivity of 0.1 to 0.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of making a magnetic disk having a uniform textured structure with micro-waviness of fabrication depth of less than 20 nm, preferably less than 10 nm, and a local depth deviation of less than 5%, in which texture patterns are characterized by the fact that lateral surfaces of the structure are sloped or curved. The object has been achieved in a method for making a magnetic disk, having micro-waviness on a fabrication surface of a substrate for reducing dynamic friction and controlling head float, by rotating and irradiating the fabrication surface with a high energy beam from a beam surface at an inclined angle to the substrate surface. The surface is irradiated through a shielding mask having a specific pattern, so as to produce a transcription pattern on the substrate surface to produce a textured structure with micro-waviness having sloped or curved side surfaces.

Abstract: A process for producing a magnetic disk having a randomly oriented magnetic powder, comprises: applying a magnetic coating solution containing at least a magnetic powder to a web that is being continuously conveyed, so as to prepare a magnetic layer; applying a first external magnetic field to the magnetic layer while the magnetic layer is wet; and applying a second external magnetic field to the magnetic layer while the magnetic layer is wet, wherein: the first external magnetic field is applied with a set of a first pair of same-pole-opposed magnets with the web interposed therebetween and a second pair of same-pole-opposed magnets with the web interposed therebetween; the first and second pairs are provided on the same plane of the web and on two equal sides of an isosceles triangle so that a perpendicular line dropped from a base of the isosceles triangle forms a line perpendicular to a conveying direction of the web; and the second external magnetic field is an alternating magnetic field, and is applied

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a protective film on a data recording disk, including the steps of depositing a magnetic film layer as a data recording layer on a surface of a substrate while the substrate is at a magnetic film deposition temperature; heating the substrate with the magnetic film layer thereon to a protective film deposition temperature; and depositing a protective film on the magnetic film layer while the substrate is at the protective film deposition layer; wherein the protective film deposition temperature is higher than the magnetic film deposition temperature.

Abstract: In a method of producing an information recording medium, any recording film is not substantially formed on the slope portions of a substrate in which slope portions having surfaces non-parallel to the surface of the information track of an information recording medium are provided on the opposite sides of the information track. A recording film of a predetermined film thickness is formed on the information track.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a MR sensor includes forming a MR multi-layered structure of a first anti-ferromagnetic material layer, a first ferromagnetic material layer (pinned layer) which receives bias magnetic field caused by exchange coupling with the first anti-ferromagnetic material layer, a nonmagnetic material layer and a second ferromagnetic material layer (free layer) which changes its magnetization direction in response to magnetic signal applied thereto, depositing a protection layer on the MR multi-layered structure, removing full depth of at least end regions of the protection layer and a partial depth of end regions of the second ferromagnetic material layer, and forming a second anti-ferromagnetic material layer for exchange coupling to control magnetic domain in the second ferromagnetic material layer, on at least the end regions of the second ferromagnetic material layer.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to improve the thermal properties while maintaining the optical performance index. In the constitution having the light-permeable first dielectric layer, magneto-optical recording layer, light-permeable metal layer 1 nm to 10 nm in thickness and having layer heat diffusion as compared with the magneto-optical recording layer, light-permeable second dielectric layer, and metal reflecting film laminated sequentially from the light incidence side, an appropriate Kerr enhancement effect is obtained, the optical performance index is maintained, and temperature rise can be suppressed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a spin valve for use in a magnetoresistive head is disclosed. The method and system include providing a synthetic pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The free layer has a first magnetization canted from a first direction by a first angle. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is disposed between the free layer and the synthetic pinned layer. The synthetic pinned layer has a second magnetization in a second direction. The second direction is canted from a third direction that is transverse to the first direction by a second angle. The second magnetization is substantially orthogonal to the first magnetization.

Abstract: A method for providing the surface of base bodies of displacement or angle measuring systems with magnetizable material. Hard ferrite powder or materials comprising rare earths are preferred components of the magnetizable coating material. The composition of the material is changed during application of the coating such that the percentage of the ferrite or rare earth compound is increased.

Abstract: A powder for use in the lower layer of a coating magnetic recording medium, comprising acicular particles with a mean major axis length in a range of from 0.01 to 0.5 &mgr;m and a mean minor axis length in a range of from 0.01 to 0.05 &mgr;m, provided that the acicular particles are flat acicular particles which, when cut in a direction perpendicular to the major axis, uniformly exhibit a cross section having a larger width to smaller width ratio of greater than 1, and that the quantity of discharged H2O at 100° C. is in a range of from 0.1 to 2.0% by weight.

Abstract: A method for making a patterned magnetic recording disk uses patterned ion implantation of the disk substrate. Energetic ions, such as He, N or Ar ions, are directed to the disk substrate through a mask, preferably a non-contact mask. They are implanted into the substrate, and the process causes localized topographic distortions in the substrate surface. A magnetic layer is then deposited over the substrate in the conventional manner, such as by sputtering. The result is a disk with patterned magnetic regions that are raised above the substrate surface. Because these regions are elevated, they are closer to the recording head in the disk drive and can thus be individually recorded to form discrete magnetic bits. Depending on the type of substrate used, the ion implantation can cause either localized swelling to form pillars or localized compaction to form pits. The patches of magnetic material on the tops of the pillars, or on the substrate surface between the pits, form the discrete magnetic bits.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a pair of magnetic core halves; and a nonmagnetic layer provided between the pair of magnetic core halves for combining the pair of magnetic core halves. The pair of magnetic core halves each includes an oxide magnetic base, at least one underlying layer provided on the oxide magnetic base, and a metal magnetic thin film provided between the underlying film and the nonmagnetic layer. The metal magnetic thin film includes a magnetic film containing, as a major material, magnetic crystalline particles having an average volume Va and an average surface area Sa fulfilling the relationship of Sa>about 4.84 Va⅔. At least one of the pair of magnetic core halves has a winding window therein. The metal magnetic thin film is provided in such a manner as to prevent the oxide magnetic base from cracking due to an internal stress generated in the metal magnetic thin film.

Abstract: Method of forming a magnetic memory device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first plurality of conductive lines are formed over a semiconductor workpiece. A plurality of magnetic material lines are formed over corresponding ones of the first plurality of conductive lines and a second plurality of conductive lines are formed over the semiconductor workpiece. The second plurality of conductive lines cross over the first conductive lines and the magnetic material lines. These second lines can be used as a mask to while the magnetic material lines are patterned.

Abstract: A method for forming a magnetoresistive (MR) layer first employs a substrate over which is formed a magnetoresistive (MR) layer formed of a magnetoresistive (MR) material. There is then ion implanted selectively, while employing an ion implant method, the magnetoresistive (MR) layer to form: (1) an ion implanted portion of the magnetoresistive (MR) layer formed of an ion implanted magnetoresistive (MR) material; and (2) an adjoining non ion implanted portion of the magnetoresistive (MR) layer formed of the magnetoresistive (MR) material, where the ion implanted magnetoresistive (MR) material is a non magnetoresistive (MR) material. The method may be employed for forming within magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements magnetoresistive (MR) layers with enhanced dimensional uniformity, and in particular enhanced overlay dimensional uniformity.

Abstract: A process of making a magnetic assembly having at least one magnetic layer and at least one printable substrate layer including the steps of providing a magnetic composition comprising about 70 wt-% to about 95 wt-% of at least one magnetic material and about 5 wt-% to about 30 wt-% of at least one thermoplastic binder, forming the magnetic composition into a magnetic layer, and directly applying the magnetic composition at an elevated temperature in molten form to a printable substrate layer, and to the magnetic composition and any articles made therefrom.

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: A memory disc for use in a memory disc, comprising a lubricant layer which consists essentially of a non-fluid bonding lubricant, or comprises a lubricant layer which contains at least 90% of non-fluid bonding lubricant. Such memory disc is fabricated through steps of: forming a protective carbon layer; coating a lubricant on a disc substrate; subjecting the resultant substrate to an adhesion treatment to form a bonding layer of lubricant adhering to the disc substrate; and removing a free fluid layer of the lubricant remaining on the bonding layer. Thus, the memory disc has essentially no fluid component that can flow during read/write operations.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate which is a core for a pharmaceutical dosage form, which comprises electrostatically applying to a surface of the core a powder material comprising active material, the coating material applied constituting a dosage of active material, wherein the powder material includes composite particles, each composite particle comprising two or more components having different physical and/or chemical properties.

Abstract: A magnetic data storage medium includes a dedicated transducing head contact zone for engaging an air bearing slider, primarily when the disk is stationary and also during disk accelerations and decelerations. The contact zone has a dual baseline texture, formed by first creating a recessed region within the transducing head contact zone, and then by forming multiple nodules or other texturing features within the recessed region. The texturing features project upwardly from a recessed surface of the recessed region, and also project above an upper surface of the disk by an amount less than the texturing feature height. Consequently, the texturing features are large enough to counteract stiction due to liquid lubricant meniscus formation, yet also have heights sufficiently low relative to the upper surface to allow reduced transducer flying heights.

Abstract: A magnetooptical recording medium includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer whose Curie temperature is lower than that of the first magnetic laye, and a third magnetic layer, comprising a vertically-magnetizing film, whose Curie temperature is higher than that of the second magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer, the second magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer are in a state of exchange coupling with each other at a portion of a vertically-magnetizing film. A domain walls formed in the first magnetic layer moves when the temperature of the medium has been raised to at least the Curie temperature of the second magnetic layer.

Abstract: A lubricant composition comprising a perfluoropolyether lubricant and fluorinated ketone solvent is described. The lubricant composition can be applied as a coating to a substrate such as magnetic media. After the coating dries, a thin uniform lubricant film covers the substrate surface. The fluorinated ketone solvent can solubilize a wide range of perfluoropolyether compounds but not potential contaminants such as water and hydrocarbons. Additionally, the solvent has low potential to adversely affect global warming.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a method of producing a security document, including the steps of: (a) forming a sheet-like substrate of plastics material having first and second opposing surfaces, (b) coating a first layer of polymer material containing magnetic particles on the first opposing surface, (c) melting at least a portion of the first layer such that the magnetic particles can orient under the influence of a magnetic field, (d) applying the magnetic field so as to form a magnetic watermark, and (e) allowing the first layer portion to cool so as to fix the orientation of the magnetic particles

Abstract: A method prepares the top exposed surface of a pinning layer after its sputter deposition for an improved exchange coupling with a sputter deposited pinned layer even though the top surface of the pinning layer has been degraded by exposure to the atmosphere. In a preferred method the relatively thick pinning layer is sputter deposited in a first chamber which has a high sputtering rate and is transferred to a second sputtering chamber where the pinned layer, as well as other layers of a spin valve sensor, are sputter deposited. After transfer to the second sputtering chamber the top surface of the nickel oxide (NiO) pinning layer is sputter etched and a thin layer of nickel oxide (NiO) is sputter deposited thereon followed by sputter deposition of the pinned layer. In a preferred embodiment the thickness of the nickel oxide (NiO) pinning layer portion sputter deposited in the second chamber is approximately 40 Å.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for making a lithographic printing plate comprising the steps of applying a first magnetic field to a dry, light absorbing powder, which comprises a magnetic material and a hydrophobic thermoplastic binder, thereby coating said powder on a surface of a metal support; image-wise exposing to light the powder in contact with the surface of the metal support, thereby increasing the adhesion of the powder to the surface of the metal support, without substantially ablating the powder; and removing the non-exposed magnetic powder from the surface of the metal support under action of a second magnetic field with a polarity substantially opposite to the first magnetic field.

Abstract: A Co-Pt based magnetic alloy which has been doped with a relatively high amount of nitrogen, e.g., or above 1 at. % is obtained having high coercivity, for example in the range of 1400 Oe or above, and an increased signal-to-noise ratio as compared to the same Co-Pt based alloy which has not been doped with nitrogen. The alloy is vacuum deposited, for example, by sputtering, and the nitrogen may be introduced from the sputtering gas or from the sputtering target.