Abstract: In a device for forming magnetic film which deposits magnetic material on a substrate 12, a device is provided which, before the magnetic film is formed in a magnetic film-forming chamber 11, cleans one or both of the film-forming face and reverse face of the substrate 12 in a cleaning processing chamber 13. The cleaning mechanism carries out cleaning by placing a substrate on a horseshoe-shaped insulator substrate-holding part 51 which moves up and down, and emission of gas from the reverse face of the substrate and the like is brought about by generating Ar plasma between the upper periphery of the substrate, the substrate and a lower insulator 61 of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for marking the defective side of a magnetic disk comprises the step of applying a set of laser pulses to the defective side to form a mark that is visible to the naked eye. Thus, disk drive manufacturers can readily see whether one side of the disk is defective, and if so, which side of the disk is defective. Thus, the disk drive manufacturer can assemble a disk drive so as to use the functional side of the disk. The laser marks are formed on the disk without generating particulate contamination.

Abstract: A method of forming a dual-level memory material using field structured materials. The field structured materials are formed from a dispersion of ferromagnetic particles in a polymerizable liquid medium, such as a urethane acrylate-based photopolymer, which are applied as a film to a support and then exposed in selected portions of the film to an applied magnetic or electric field. The field can be applied either uniaxially or biaxially at field strengths up to 150 G or higher to form the field structured materials. After polymerizing the field-structure materials, a magnetic field can be applied to selected portions of the polymerized field-structured material to yield a dual-level memory material on the support, wherein the dual-level memory material supports read-and-write binary data memory and write once, read many memory.

Abstract: It is intended to reduce the media noise, and to improve the recording density dependence of read output voltage. The present invention provides a perpendicular magnetic recording media and its manufacturing process, wherein a perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprises a soft magnetic underlayer film and a perpendicular magnetizing film, these films being formed on a substrate in this order, a smoothness control film such as Cr film, being inserted between the substrate and the soft magnetic underlayer film. Therefore, perpendicular orientation and surface smoothness are improved for the perpendicular magnetizing film laminated on the smooth surface of the soft magnetic underlayer film. As the perpendicular orientation is improved for the perpendicular magnetizing film, the initial layer is reduced, thereby media noise being lowered and recording density dependence of read output voltage being improved.

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 magnetic ferrite paste is applied onto an Si substrate, and then sintered to form thereon a magnetic ferrite film having a mean composition that comprises from 40 to 50 mol % of Fe2O3, from 15 to 35 mol % of ZnO, from 0 to 20 mol % of CuO, and from 0 to 10 mol % of Bi2O3 with NiO and inevitable impurities as the balance. The magnetic ferrite film thus formed on an Si substrate is for magnetic devices, and it forms a region not containing CuO or having a CuO content of at most 5 mol % around its interface directly adjacent to the surface of the Si substrate. The adhesiveness of the magnetic ferrite film to the underlying Si substrate is high, and the reliability of the magnetic device having the magnetic film is therefore high.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing an Ni—Cu—Zn ferrite powder having excellent sinterability at a lower temperature, and a method for producing a laminated chip inductor from the above ferrite powder. The method for preparing the ferrite powder is a method for the preparation of a soft magnetic ferrite powder composed of Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn as main components, and comprises the step of allowing an organic additive to be present in a slurry containing a calcined product of a starting powder and water, wherein the organic additive is an organic compound having a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group or a neutralization salt or lactone thereof, or the organic additive is an organic compound having a hydroxymethylcarbonyl group, an organic compound having an enol type hydroxyl group dissociable as an acid or a salt thereof.

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: The present invention provides a magnetic recording medium having a thinned magnetic layer, excellent electromagnetic conversion characteristics and an excellent durability, and a process for producing the same. A magnetic recording medium comprising a lower non-magnetic layer containing at least a carbon black and a radiation curing type binder resin on a non-magnetic support and an upper magnetic layer having a thickness of 0.30 &mgr;m or less on the lower non-magnetic layer, wherein the upper magnetic layer contains at least a ferromagnetic powder, a binder resin and an abrasive having a Mohs hardness of 6 or higher and a smaller average particle size than the thickness of the upper magnetic layer. The thickness of the upper magnetic layer is, for example, 0.05 to 0.30 &mgr;m. The average particle size of the abrasive is, for example, 0.01 to 0.2 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for improving the tribology between an air bearing surface of a magnetic recording head and a magnetic recording medium. In addition, techniques are described for reducing resistance to wear and corrosion of the air bearing surface of the recording head as well as resistance to corrosion of the recording medium. Various ion beam techniques can be used to enhance the properties of the recording head and recording medium, and include ion implant techniques, ion mixing techniques and ion burnishing techniques.

Abstract: A device comprising a magnetoresistive material including a mixture of powdered CrO2 having granules at least partially coated with Cr2O3, and powdered Ni, the mixture being compressed to form a compacted material which exhibits a magnetoresistance ratio of at least 12% at 300° K and 4000 Oe.

Abstract: PtMn films are used as antiferromagnetic layers of a dual spin-valve type magnetoresistive sensor. An exchange anisotropic magnetic field is achieved regardless of whether the PtMn film is formed over or under the pinned magnetic layer. Also, an effective exchange anisotropic magnetic field is produced even with heat treatment at a relatively low temperature. Alternatively, a PtMn film is used as an antiferromagnetic layer of a spin-valve film laminate. The use of a PtMn film enables a sufficient exchange anisotropic magnetic field to be produced even with a relatively low heat treatment temperature and a relatively small film thickness. Therefore, the number of total layers of the spin-valve film laminate can be increased to increase a magnetoresistance ratio, and a total thickness of the spin-valve film laminate can be made relatively small.

Abstract: A suspension application apparatus for applying a suspension containing powder particles of an oxide dispersed in a liquid to a plate for magnet sintering, the oxide having a specific gravity greater than the liquid. The apparatus includes: a container for storing the suspension; a stirrer for stirring the suspension stored in the container; a transport path through which the suspension is transported from the container to the plate; and a homogenizer for homogenizing the suspension by applying a mechanical force to at least part of the suspension flowing through the transport path.

Abstract: A spin-valve type thin film element includes an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic layer, a free magnetic layer, a non-magnetic electrically conductive layer, a bias layer, and an electrically conductive layer. The magnetization direction of the pinned magnetic layer in the end regions in relation to the track width is fixed in the direction of the leakage magnetic field from a recording medium, and the magnetization direction of the pinned magnetic layer in the central region is fixed in the direction inclined in relation to the direction of the leakage magnetic field from the recording medium. A method for manufacturing a spin-valve type thin film element includes the steps of forming a multi-layered film, magnetic annealing at a temperature T1, patterning the multi-layered film into a predetermined shape, forming a bias layer on both sides of the multi-layered film, magnetizing the bias layer, annealing without applying a magnetic field at a temperature T2, and magnetizing the bias layer.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium including a lubricant topcoat having increased bonding to the medium surface comprises an amphiphilic lubricant molecule having a hydrophilic central portion including a plurality of polar functional groups bound to the medium surface and a pair hydrophobic fluoroalkyl ether or perfluoroalkylether end portions at respective ends of the hydrophilic central portion and extending away from the medium surface.

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: When etching an MR thin film, a resist layer is formed into a shape having an under cut or an inverse taper shape. Moreover, when forming an electrode layer, an incident angle of sputter particles is adjusted. This enables to successively form a pair of bias layers and a pair of electrode layers with a single lift-off.

Abstract: Very low glide height magneto-optical (LGMO) information storage and retrieval media of near field recording (NFR) and mahnetic super-resolution (MSR) types having improved tribological properties when used in ultra-high density storage/retrieval devices employing very small head flying heights on the order of less than about 2 microinches are formed in a front surface magneto-optical (FSMO) configuration utilizing a substrate having at least one deposition surface subjected to a two-step, synergistic treatment comprising tape burnishing/wiping and photolytic treatment in an ozone-containing atmosphere, followed by deposition thereon of the MO layer stack. Enhanced wear and abrasion resistance at very low flying head heights is provided by an ultra-thin, protective flash layer overcoat (FLO)/lubricant topcoat layer system on the media surface. Embodiments of the present invention include single- and dual-sided MO media.

Abstract: A ferrite magnetic film structure exhibiting a magnetic anisotropy, the ferrite magnetic film structure comprising, a substrate provided on one main surface thereof with a groove-like recessed portion and with a ridge-like projected portion located neighboring to the groove-like recessed portion, and a ferrite magnetic film constituted by a continuous film having a substantially flat upper surface and formed on one main surface of the substrate, wherein the ferrite magnetic film structure meets the following conditions: (a/(a+b))(h/(t−h))≧0.047 1≧(a+b) where “a” is a width of the ridge-like projected portion, b is a width of the groove-like recessed portion, h is a height of step between the groove-like recessed portion and the ridge-like projected portion, t is a thickness of the ferrite magnetic film at the recessed portion, and l is a length of the recessed portion and of the projected portion.

Abstract: A method of forming the device, includes selective area deposition of a ferromagnetic material on a substrate. The substrate surface is partially covered with material having a crystal structure having at least one symmetry relation with the crystal structure of the ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a disc drive load/unload ramp incorporates a disc drive compatible lubricant as the mold releasing agent. A mold having a load/unload ramp cavity is sprayed with a predetermined amount of disc drive compatible lubricant so that the finished load/unload ramp exhibits a predetermined thickness of lubricant. Alternatively, a known amount of disc drive compatible lubricant is combined with the load/unload ramp polymer during the melting stage of the molding process to yield a load/unload ramp exhibiting a predetermined thickness of lubricant. In either case, the lubrication of the load/unload ramp is integrated into the fabrication process in order to obtain a one step finished pre-lubricated product.

Abstract: A laminate structure includes an antiferromagnetic layer, a pinned magnetic layer, and a seed layer contacting the antiferromagnetic layer on a side opposite to pinned magnetic layer. The seed layer is constituted mainly by face-centered cubic crystals with (111) planes preferentially oriented. The seed layer is preferably non-magnetic. Layers including the antiferromagnetic layer, a free magnetic layer, and layers therebetween, have (111) planes preferentially oriented.

Abstract: To produce a substrate for information recording media, a substrate consisting essentially of glass for information recording media is subjected to treatment for retarding the extract of the glass component from the substrate by contacting it with a molten salt that contains at least one of hydrogensulfates and pyrosulfates, while being subjected to additional treatment for retarding the crystallization of the molten salt. In the method, preferably, the glass component to be prevented from being extracted from the substrate is a group of alkali ions, and the treatment for retarding the crystallization of the molten salt is water addition treatment of any one of treatment of supplying water to the molten salt or treatment of compensating for water being away from the molten salt.

Abstract: A method for producing a substantially smooth surface on a computer disk media comprises providing a substantially smooth master surface. A curable polymer dielectric composition is applied to the master surface as well as the surface of the disk to be smoothed. The master surface is then pressed onto the disk surface and the polymer is cured. The master surface is then removed and the cured polymer forms a smooth surface on the disk.

Abstract: Provided are a method of forming a magnetic layer pattern and a method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head, which can reduce the number of manufacturing steps and thus reduce the manufacturing time. A precursory nonmagnetic layer and a precursory bottom pole layer are formed in this sequence so as to cover a frame pattern formed on an underlayer (a top shield layer) and having an opening. Then, the precursory nonmagnetic layer and the precursory bottom pole layer are patterned by polishing the overall surface by CMP until at least the frame pattern is exposed, and thus a nonmagnetic layer and a bottom pole are selectively formed. The number of manufacturing steps can be reduced and thus the manufacturing time can be reduced, as compared to the case of forming the nonmagnetic layer and the bottom pole without forming the frame pattern.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a non-ferromagnetic substrate and a magnetic recording layer formed on the substrate with an underlayer of Cr or a Cr alloy interposed therebetween, which has a seed layer between the substrate and the underlayer, wherein said seed layer is made of a material which contains at least 30 ppm of oxygen and which has a B2 crystal structure.

Abstract: When manufacturing a thin film magnetic head in which an upper magnetic pole is formed on a lower magnetic pole through a magnetic gap, firstly, at least on the lower magnetic pole, a convex portion possessing the width equivalent to a track width is formed. The convex portion forms a lower magnetic pole tip. Conforming to a contour of the convex shape of the lower magnetic pole, a non-magnetic material layer is formed. A flattening layer is formed on the non-magnetic material layer. The non-magnetic layer is etched with the flattening layer, for example, as a mask. In the non-magnetic material layer, a concave portion self-aligned to the lower portion magnetic pole top (convex portion) is formed. Inside the concave portion, a magnetic layer (upper magnetic pole tip) destined to be a part of the upper magnetic pole is formed.

Abstract: A method and structure for forming magnetic alloy nanoparticles includes forming a metal salt solution with a reducing agent and stabilizing ligands, introducing an organometallic compound into the metal salt solution to form a mixture, heating the mixture to a temperature between 260° and 300° C., and adding a flocculent to cause the magnetic alloy nanoparticles to precipitate out of the mixture without permanent agglomeration. The deposition of the alkane dispersion of FePt alloy particles, followed by the annealing results in the formation of a shiny FePt nanocrystalline thin film with coercivity ranging from 500 Oe to 6500 Oe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head, which enables a magnetic pole portion to be formed with high precision in a short time. After forming a mask precursor pattern by patterning an alumina layer, the mask precursor pattern is subjected to an etching process of ion milling, thereby forming a first mask. The width of a portion in the first mask is narrower than the width of the minimum pattern which can be formed by a photolithography process. Consequently, by performing the etching process, the width of the portion of the first mask can be narrowed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a recording medium includes the steps of: a) providing an underlayer on a substrate; b) providing a magnetic layer on the under layer; c) providing a protection layer of amorphous carbon on the magnetic layer; and d) providing a lubrication layer of fluorine on the protection layer, the lubrication layer including a bonding layer part which is strongly bonded to the protection layer and a mobile layer part which is not strongly bonded to the protection layer. The method further includes the steps of: e) implementing a UV curing process on the surface of the protection layer between the step c) and d), so that a ratio of the bonding layer part in the lubrication layer is increased.

Abstract: A method in accordance with our invention for providing texture bumps on a substrate comprises the step of forming elliptical ridge-shaped bumps on the substrate. In one embodiment, substrate is used in the manufacture of a magnetic disk used in a disk drive. The elliptical bumps cause less vibration of the read-write head than circular bumps. The elliptical bumps also provide reduced friction between the disk and a read-write head during use.

Abstract: To prevent the quality of a magnetic recording medium from deteriorating due to a pressed mark caused by scattered paint tailings or residue of paint tailings when applying magnetic paint to a substrate in manufacturing a magnetic medium. In the step of applying magnetic paint onto a nonmagnetic support (5) in accordance with a gravure coating method, an organic solvent is supplied to the contact portion between a doctor blade (4) set to both ends of a gravure roller (7) and the gravure roller (7).

Abstract: This invention presents a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic recording disk, where steps from magnetic-film deposition to lubricant-layer preparation are carried out without vacuum breaking. The invention also presents a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic recording disk, where a substrate is cleaned prior to the lubricant-layer preparation. The invention also presents a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic recording disk, where burnishing is carried out in vacuum after the magnetic-film deposition. The invention also presents a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic recording disk, where post-preparation treatment to coordinate adhesive strength and surface lubricity of the lubricant layer is carried out in vacuum.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic domain wall displacement type magneto-optical medium comprises the step (A) of forming a magnetic layer all over a substrate; and the step (B) of forming sectioning regions in which perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic layer is reduced, and a plurality of belt-shaped recording tracks which are sandwiched from both sides of the belt-shaped recording track by the sectioning regions and are magnetically separated from each other by irradiating the magnetic layer on the substrate with a light beam or a charged particle beam of a wavelength of not more than 550 nm and scanning the light beam on the substrate in parallel and at a same interval.

Abstract: A magnetic recording disk having on its surface a texture structure of fine surface irregularities with reduced variations, which is suitable for high-density magnetic recording, and a method of manufacturing such a magnetic recording disk are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head which enables dimensional control of a pole width and enables reducing the time required to form the pole width. After a top pole chip precursory layer made of iron nitride is formed by sputtering, a surface of the top pole chip precursory layer is polished and flattened. A first mask precursory layer and a photoresist film are formed in sequence on the flattened top pole chip precursory layer. A photoresist pattern having an opening is formed by selectively exposing and patterning the photoresist film by photolithography. The surface of the top pole chip precursory layer is polished and flattened, and thus a surface of the first mask precursory layer formed over the top pole chip precursory layer is also flat. Thus, pattern deformation resulting from light reflected from an underlayer during exposure is prevented, and therefore the opening of the photoresist pattern can be formed with high accuracy.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head allowing dimension control of the width of the magnetic pole and reduction of the time required for formation is provided. A layer of iron nitride formed by sputtering is selectively etched with the RIE to form a top pole tip. In this etching process with RIE, chlorine-type gas is selected as a gas seed for etching, and the process temperature is in a range of 50° C. to 300° C. Subsequently, using part of a first mask and a tip portion of the top pole tip as a mask, part of both the write gap layer and the second bottom pole are etched with the RIE similarly to the above process, to thereby form a magnetic pole. The etching conditions are optimized by performing the process with the RIE under the above conditions, so that both of the top pole tip and the magnetic pole can be formed with high precision, and that the time required for forming both of these elements can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A low resistance magnetic tunnel junction with low resistance barrier layer and method of fabrication is disclosed. A first magnetic layer of material with a surface is provided and a continuous layer of material, e.g. aluminum, is formed on the surface of the first magnetic layer. The continuous layer of material is treated to produce a low resistance barrier layer of oxynitride material and a second magnetic layer is formed on the barrier layer of oxynitride material to complete the low resistance magnetic tunnel junction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes steps of forming a magnetic layer containing magnetic powder particles on a web-like non-magnetic support being continuously transported in one direction and applying a magnetic field to the magnetic layer by a plurality of magnets in such a manner that an angle of the magnetic field applied to the magnetic layer to the transporting direction of the non-magnetic support in a plane perpendicular to a surface of the magnetic layer and parallel to the transporting direction of the non-magnetic support gradually increases in the transporting direction of the non-magnetic support, thereby orienting the magnetic powder particles in an oblique direction with respect to the surface of the magnetic layer.

Abstract: In a method of producing a coating composition for magnetic recording, first, a magnetic layer forming material, or the like, containing ferromagnetic powder is put, together with a binder and an organic solvent, into a kneader. The kneader is operated to produce a kneaded mixture. Then, a valve is opened and kneading is continued while a diluent is sprayed by an atomizer for addition to the kneaded mixture. Both diluent spraying and kneading are continued until the kneaded mixture has a viscosity adapted for the next dispersion step. The kneaded mixture kneaded/diluted by a kneading/dilution equipment is then poured into a dispersion equipment through a tank and a connection pipe, which pipe is opened/closed by means of a valve. Then, the kneaded mixture K is dispersed.

Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic recording medium includes the steps of causing a polymer film having a vapor-deposition surface to run; vaporizing a ferromagnetic metal material; depositing a thin film including the ferromagnetic metal material to the vapor-deposition surface of the polymer film in a vapor-deposition area where the polymer film runs with a tilt angle, with respect to a horizontal direction, in the range of about 20 degrees or more and about 80 degrees or less by oblique vapor deposition.

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: The present invention provides for magnetic and magneto-optic recording media, transducers and data storage devices constructed therefrom that have highly oriented films having long range order in the crystal structure of the film. The recording medium includes a magnetic recording layer comprised of Co-based material, such as Co or one or more Co alloys having a (10{overscore (1)}0) crystal texture, a substrate, a first underlayer having a fcc structure and a (110) crystal texture disposed between the substrate and the magnetic recording layer. A second underlayer having a bcc structure and a (112) crystal texture is also disposed between the magnetic recording layer and the first underlayer. In particular, if a (110) Si single crystal substrate is non-oxidized certain metals having fcc structures, such as Ag, Cu, Al, and Au and fcc derivative structures, such L10 and L12 structures, can be epitaxially grown on the Si surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas introduction pipe in which the least component is replaced when deformation or damage is caused and a magnetic recording medium production method using this gas introduction pipe. The gas introduction pipe according to the present invention includes: a gas supply pipe 20 for supplying a gas; a main body 22, 23 connected to the gas supply pipe and having a gas flow passage 21 for flowing of a gas supplied from the gas supply pipe; and a blowoff block 25 arranged at the opposite side of the main body 22, 23 not having the gas supply pipe and having a blowoff opening 27 exposed outward for blowing off the gas outside. The blowoff block 25 is held so as to be sandwiched by the main body 22, 23 and can be detached and attached from/to the main body 22, 23.

Abstract: Thin-film magnetic head having a head face (103) and comprising a magnetoresistive element (109) oriented transversely to the head face and a flux-guiding element (107) of a magnetically permeable material terminating in the head face. A peripheral area (109a) of the magnetoresistive element extending parallel to the head face is present opposite the flux-guiding element for forming a magnetic connection between the magnetoresistive element and the flux-guiding element. The flux-guiding element and the peripheral area of the magnetoresistive element constitute a common magnetic contact face (111), while the magnetically permeable material of the flux-guiding element is electrically insulating.

Abstract: An inductive write head includes a first pole and a second pole that form a yoke having a write gap between the first pole and second pole. The second pole is formed of a particular Co100-a-bZRaCRb compound. More specifically, the second pole is formed where “a” is in the range of about 2 atomic percent to about 18 atomic percent, and “b” is in the range of about 0.5 atomic percent to about 6 atomic percent. The magnetic write element also includes a conductive coil which lies between the first pole and the second pole. The inductive write head also includes a first yoke pedestal attached to the first pole, and a second yoke pedestal attached to the second pole, with the write gap formed therebetween. Further, the first yoke pedestal has a pedestal width that defines the write element trackwidth and that is smaller than the pedestal width of the second yoke pedestal.

Abstract: A magneto-optical medium comprises a light-transmissive substrate, a third magnetic layer formed on the light-transmissive substrate, a first magnetic layer formed on the light-transmissive substrate, the first magnetic layer having lower domain wall coercivity and allowing higher domain wall mobility than the third magnetic layer at or around an ambient temperature and a second magnetic layer held between the first magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer, the second magnetic layer having a Curie temperature lower than that of the first magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer, wherein the surface roughness, Ra(d), of the first magnetic layer is smaller than the surface roughness, Ra(m), of the third magnetic layer.

Abstract: Stiction failure of a magnetic recording medium is reduced by forming a lubricant topcoat having a first thickness over the landing zone greater than a second thickness over the data zone, with a sharp transition step having an angle of at least about 70° with respect to a line perpendicular to the surface. Embodiments include depositing a lubricant topcoat at a substantially uniform thickness and reducing the thickness of the lubricant topcoat over the data zone by about 20% to about 80% employing a laser light beam to volatilize the lubricant.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising: a plastic substrate; a nickel oxide underlayer formed on said substrate; and a cobalt-containing maghemite thin film formed on said nickel oxide underlayer, containing cobalt at a molar ratio of cobalt to iron of 0.01:1 to 0.1:1, and having either a spacing of a plane (311) of not more than 2.510 Å, a spacing of a plane (222) of not more than 2.415 Å or a spacing of a plane (220) of not more than 2.950 Å, a ratio value of an X-ray diffraction pattern peak intensity of either of the planes (311), (222) and (220) of said cobalt-containing maghemite thin film to an X-ray diffraction pattern peak intensity of the plane (400) thereof being more than 0.5. Such magnetic recording medium suitably applicable to existent magnetic recording systems using a ring-type magnetic head and capable of using a plastic substrate for providing a magnetic recording medium for high-density recording.

Abstract: The present invention provides magnetic recording media comprising a rigid substrate and an underlayer disposed over the substrate, in which the underlayer comprises CrTiCu or CrTiV. A magnetic layer is disposed over this underlayer, and is also disposed over a texturized surface. Generally, the substrate comprises aluminum, and an NiP layer is disposed over the substrate and below the underlayer. The texture will typically be imposed on this NiP layer. Advantageously, the CrTiCu or CrTiV underlayer has been found to compensate for texture-induced anisotropy, limiting a ratio of circumferential coercivity to radial coercivity within the range between about 0.8 and 1.25.