Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a smooth recording layer constituted of magnetic particles having a small size, which has a high coercive force. The magnetic recording medium comprises a substrate body, a Cr undercoat with an oxygen content of 100 wt ppm or less, and ferromagnetic metal made of CoCrTa having an oxygen content of 100 wt ppm or less, and which utilizes magnetic inversion. The ferromagnetic metal layer comprises 14 to 23 atm % chromium(Cr), 2 to 8 atom % tantalum(Ta) and the balance of cobalt(Co).

Abstract: A glass or glass-ceramic substrate comprising about 0.5 to about 32 wt. % Li.sub.2 O is employed as a non-magnetic substrate of a magnetic recording medium. Migration of Li from the substrate to the medium's surface is prevented by forming an amorphous NiP sealing layer on the substrate, with an optional adhesion enhancement layer therebetween. Embodiments include surface oxidizing the amorphous NiP sealing layer for enhanced recording performance.

Abstract: A thin Co--Fe--Ni magnetic film comprising from 40% to 70% by weight of cobalt, from 20% to 40% by weight of iron, and from 10% to 20% of nickel, and having a crystal structure of a mixed crystal with an .alpha. phase of a body-centered cubic structure and a .gamma. phase of a face-centered cubic structure.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is disclosed, comprising a nonmagnetic support having a magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic metal thin film formed on at least one side surface of the nonmagnetic support, and an undercoating layer, wherein the undercoating layer is formed between the nonmagnetic support and the magnetic layer; and the undercoating layer comprises a silica film or metal oxide film comprising heat-resistant fine particles. A process for producing the magnetic recording medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic disk comprises the steps of: a) providing a substrate with a layer of an amorphous multi-component material at its surface; b) irradiating the amorphous layer (e.g. by applying heat from a heating element, laser beam, or the like) to thereby create micro-structurally changed regions in the amorphous layer; and c) chemo-mechanically polishing the amorphous layer to produce micro-texture features at or near the micro-structurally changed regions. The disk is then completed by depositing additional layers such as an underlayer, a magnetic layer, a protective overcoat, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a magnetic recording medium comprising coating both sides of a non-magnetic support with paints for formation of coating films, followed by simultaneous drying of the respective coating films, in which the following four requirements are fulfilled, taking the amount of the paint coated on one side (a magnetic layer side) of the non-magnetic support as "W MAG" and the amount of the paint coated on the other side (a backcoat layer side) thereof as "W BC":2.0 g/m.sup.2 .ltoreq.W MAG.ltoreq.40.0 g/m.sup.2 (1)2.5 g/m.sup.2 .ltoreq.W BC.ltoreq.25.0 g/m.sup.2 (2)3 W MAG.gtoreq.-16 W BC+70 (3)9 W MAG.ltoreq.-10 W BC+385 (4)thereby being able to produce the magnetic recording medium excellent in electromagnetic characteristics, magnetic characteristics and running durability without deteriorating the appearance of a coated sheet roll.

Abstract: High areal density magnetic recording media exhibiting low noise are formed with a surface oxidized NiAl seed layer. Embodiments include forming the surface oxidized NiAl seed layer on a glass or glass-ceramic substrate, and sequentially depositing a Cr or Cr-alloy, such as CrV, an intermediate CoCrTa layer and a CoCrPtTa magnetic layer.

Abstract: An SV sensor having a reference (pinned) layer formed of a first high uniaxial anisotropy ferromagnetic material, such as Co--Fe, and a keeper layer formed of a second high uniaxial anisotropy ferromagnetic material, such as Ni--Fe--Nb. Lapping induced stress in the high positive magnetostriction Co--Fe layer generates a uniaxial anisotropy field in the pinned layer resulting in enhanced pinned layer magnetization. This uniaxial anisotropy field adds to the exchange field from an antiferromagnetic layer resulting in a substantially increased pinning field over the pinning field from the exhange interaction alone. The added uniaxial anisotropy field also improves the stability of the SV sensor at elevated temperatures since the uniaxial field is determined by a Curie temperature significantly higher than the blocking temperatures of antiferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: A magneto-optical disc in which, for preventing damage to a recording layer in case the foreign matter is sandwiched between a magnetic field modulation head and the magneto-optical disc, or the magnetic field modulation head is contacted for some reason with the magneto-optical disc, the direction of magnetization of the recording layer formed on a polycarbonate substrate, designed for transmitting the laser light, is switched by the magnetic field modulation head. The magnetic field modulation head is mounted floating in a direction opposite to the direction of incidence of the laser light from an optical head converged on an objective lens. A diamond-like carbon (DLC) protective film, composed of a thin DLC film, is provided on the surface of recording layer towards the magnetic field modulation head.

Abstract: A high areal density magnetic recording medium exhibiting high H.sub.c, high SNR, high S* and substantially two dimensionally isotropic magnetic properties is achieved by depositing a NiAl underlayer on a NiP-plated non-magnetic metallic substrate, such as an Al alloy substrate. Embodiments include depositing a Cr layer on the NiAl underlayer. The NiAl underlayer and/or Cr layer can optionally contain an alloying element for inducing a preferred HCP crystallographic structure in the magnetic layer by lattice matching.

Abstract: A method of making rotating element sheet material utilizing magnetic latching is provided. The first step is providing a sheet of sheet material comprising a substrate with a surface and rotatable elements disposed therein. The elements each have an optical and electrical anisotropy, and comprise at least two portions. One of the portions is magnetizable. After the magnetizable portions have been oriented in a common direction, they are magnetized substantially uniformly. The elements can be oriented such that the magnetized portions are disposed towards the surface of the substrate. A layer of hardenable mixture containing a plurality of magnetic particles is then applied to the surface of the substrate. The hardenable liquid is kept liquid for a period of time to allow the migration magnetic particles to the area of the layer in the vicinity of the magnetized portions of the rotatable elements.

Abstract: In the method of the present invention, lubricant layers of magnetic discs, which have fixed thickness, can be formed by volatilizing solvent. The method of forming the lubricant layer on the magnetic disc, comprises the steps of: dipping the magnetic disc into a solution in which the lubricant is diluted with the volatile solvent; taking out the magnetic disc from the solution; and volatilizing the volatile solvent from a surface of the magnetic disc, wherein a layer of specific liquid, whose specific gravity is less than that of the solution and which is less volatile and insoluble in the solution, is formed on a surface of the solution.

Abstract: Ultra smooth as-deposited electroless nickel coatings are achieved employing a plating bath containing aluminum and/or copper ions. Embodiments include electroless deposition of an amorphous nickel-phosphorous coating on a glass, glass-ceramic, ceramic, or aluminum-containing substrate, with an as deposited average surface roughness (Ra) of less than about 16 .ANG., depositing an underlayer, and depositing a magnetic layer to form a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inductor element for noise suppression, including the steps of coating one surface of a supporting body with a paste comprising ferromagnetic particles and resin so as to form a sheet, forming a conductive line by printing a conductive paste on the sheet, and coating the conductive line with a paste including ferromagnetic particles and resin so as to cover the conductive line and form a core. Also included is a step of applying heat treatment under pressure. The ferromagnetic metal particles include iron particles having diameters that fall within a range of 0.01 .mu.m to 10 .mu.m, and a content of the ferromagnetic metal particles is within a range of 30 vol % to 70 vol %.

Abstract: Smooth, patterned substrates useful in producing decorative cookware are formed by coating a base with a mixture of fluoropolymer and magnetic flakes and magnetically inducing an image in the polymer coating composition. The baked fluoropolymer release coating contains magnetizable flakes, a portion of the flakes being oriented in the plane of the substrate and a portion of said flakes being magnetically reoriented to form a pattern in the coating which is observed in reflected light, the flakes having a longest dimension which is greater than the thickness of said coating. The patterned substrate is formed by applying magnetic force through the edges of a magnetizable die positioned under a coated base to induce an imaging effect or pattern. The coating composition is then cured resulting in a smooth surface, patterned nonstick finish on the substrate.

Abstract: A magnetic tape having formed on its backcoating layer 5 a recess 10 of prescribed shape capable of yielding an optical contrast to provide optical information with which servo tracking of data tracks on the magnetic layer is effected, the recess having a depth of 0.05 to 1 .mu.m and a width of 0.25 to 30 .mu.m, and the backcoating layer 5 having an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of 4 to 20 nm.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head has a sharply defined zero throat location in the pole tip members utilizing a superior magnetic pole tip material having high resistivity and high magnetic induction. The zero throat location is defined by first depositing a first pole tip member on a first magnetic pole member which may be formed by plating and need not be composed of the same superior magnetic material as the first pole tip member. By etching the zero throat edge of the first pole tip member, a clearly defined edge location is produced. The second pole tip member of superior magnetic material is then deposited on an insulating gap layer which is formed on the lower pole tip member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the durability of lubricating layers on the surfaces of disks. The lubricating layers on the disks are exposed to ultraviolet and infrared radiation of sufficient duration and energy to reduce the total thickness of the layer but retain at least about 40% of the thickness of the remaining layer in bonded form. The useable lifetime of the lubricating surface is prolonged by treatment of the lubricating layer in this manner.

Abstract: A MR transducer with a spin-valve structure formed on a substrate. The spin-valve structure has at least an antiferromagnetic material layer made of a NiMn alloy, a first ferromagnetic material layer, a nonmagnetic material layer and a second ferromagnetic material layer sequentially deposited on the substrate in this order.

Abstract: A thin film disk and a method for producing the disk having an overcoat with two thickness regions. The thicker overcoat region can be used as a start/stop or loading zone and the thinner overcoat region can be used over the data recording area. This provides increased wear resistance while allowing improved magnetic performance through a reduction in the thickness of the overcoat over the data recording area. The dual thickness regions can be formed using different embodiments of the method. One method sputter deposits a relatively thick layer of overcoat material over the entire disk surface, masks off the portion of the disk for the thick layer, etches the unmasked area to reduce or eliminate the overcoat from the unmasked area, then deposits a second relatively thin layer of overcoat material over the entire surface.

Abstract: An ion beam sputtering system having a chamber, an ion beam source, a multiple targets, a shutter, and a substrate stage for securely holding a wafer substrate during the ion beam sputtered deposition process in the chamber. The substrate stage is made to tilt about its vertical axis such that the flux from the targets hit the wafer substrate at a non-normal angle resulting in improved physical, electrical and magnetic properties as well as the thickness uniformity of the thin films deposited on the substrate in the ion beam sputtering system.

Abstract: Servo-pattern information is magnetically recorded on a product disc by magnetic print-through from a master medium. The master servo-writing medium is brought into close proximity with the product "slave" disc, and the two are subjected to an external magnetic field which assists in transferring magnetic servo-patterns to the slave disc in a print-through process. The preferred external magnetic field alternates and rotates with respect to the master/slave combination. In an alternative product disc structure, the magnetic layer is magnetically altered in a servo-pattern configuration. Non-magnetic portions of the servo pattern are created which define both gray code and servo burst information for the product disc.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive effect film is formed by laminating a plurality of magnetic thin films onto a substrate with an intervening non-magnetic thin film, an antiferromagnetic thin film being provided so as to neighbor to one of the ferromagnetic thin film via this intervening non-magnetic thin film. With the bias magnetic field applied to the antiferromagnetic thin film being Hr and the coercivity of the other ferromagnetic thin film being Hc.sub.2, the condition Hc.sub.2 <Hr is satisfied. The antiferromagnetic thin film is made of either a cobalt oxide, a nickel oxide, or an a-phase ion oxide, or of an alloy of two or more of these materials, this being formed as a two-layer film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a magnetoresistive element in which a laminate including a free ferromagnetic layer in which at least magnetization is freely rotated according to an external magnetic field, a non-magnetic layer, and a pinned ferromagnetic layer in which reversal of magnetization is pinned is formed, and is heat-treated for setting different directions of the easy axis of magnetization of the free ferromagnetic layer and the pinned ferromagnetic layer under different conditions. In the heat treatment, first annealing is performed at the predetermined temperature in a magnetic field applied in a first direction, and second annealing is performed in a magnetic field applied in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction so that the easy axis of magnetization of the free ferromagnetic layer is substantially perpendicular to that of the pinned ferromagnetic layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are spin valve magnetoresistive heads, air bearing sliders and magnetic storage systems employing spin valve magnetoresistive heads, and methods for fabricating spin valve magnetoresistive heads and air bearing sliders employing spin valve magnetoresistive heads. The spin valve magnetoresistive head in accordance with the present invention employs two antiferromagnetic films, one exchange-coupling to the reference layer in a first direction in the read region and the other exchange-coupling to the ferromagnetic film in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction in the end regions. The exchange-coupled reference layer and the first antiferromagnetic film exhibit a blocking temperature equal to or greater than 300.degree. C. The exchange-coupled ferromagnetic/second antiferromagnetic films exhibit a blocking temperature equal to or greater than 200.degree. C. The two high blocking temperatures ensure thermal stabilty during sensor operation.

Abstract: A tape-type magnetic recording medium including a non-magnetic support member; and a magnetic layer formed on the non-magnetic support member, wherein relationship Br.delta..ltoreq.Bst/2 is satisfied when an assumption is made that the residual magnetic flux density of the tape-type magnetic recording medium is Br, the thickness of the magnetic layer is .delta., the saturated magnetic flux density of a magnetoresistance effect device for use in a shield-type magnetoresistance effect magnetic head serving as a reproducing head is Bs and the thickness of the same is t, and coercive force Hc of the tape-type magnetic recording medium satisfies Hc.gtoreq.1500 (Oe).

Abstract: A combined thin film magnetic head includes a magnetoresistive reproducing head part and an inductive recording head part. The magnetoresistive reproducing head part is defined between a lower shielding layer and a merged core layer. The inductive recording head part is defined between the merged core layer and an upper core layer and is configured to specify a track width for the recording head part by providing the upper core layer in a localized region W.sub.2. A method of fabricating the magnetic head includes steps of forming an etching-protective layer on a gap layer so as to provide an exposed region W.sub.1 left uncovered which is larger than the localized region W.sub.2 in which the upper core layer is to be finally confined, depositing the upper core layer over the entire surfaces thereof, and etching the upper core layer so as to finally confine the etched upper core layer in the localized region W.sub.2.

Abstract: A material according to the invention is made of a glass whose transition temperature is 750 degrees Celsius or greater and used for a substrate for information recording media, and for example, the glass has an essential component made of any group chosen from SiO.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --MgO--CaO, SiO.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --MgO--Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --CaO--Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --MgO--CaO--Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, and SiO.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --M.sub.2 O.sub.3 (wherein M denotes a trivalent metal.). This material can form a substrate for information recording media, or more specifically, a substrate on which at least a magnetic layer is formed to constitute a magnetic disc.

Abstract: A soft magnetic thin film for magnetic head has high saturation magnetization and at the same time high resistivity. There are provided a method of manufacturing the soft magnetic thin film and a magnetic head and a magnetic storage unit which use the soft magnetic thin film. At least one of lower and upper soft magnetic layers of magnetic head which define a magnetic circuit is formed of a soft magnetic thin film having as a main constituent a Co--Ni--Fe alloy consisting of 30 to 90 at % Co, less than 40 at % Ni and less than 40 at % Fe and containing at least S by 0.5 to 4 at %. The soft magnetic thin film is formed from a Co--Ni--Fe alloy plating solution containing metal salts of Co, Ni and Fe and additionally containing a sulfur system organic compound through electrodeposition process.

Abstract: Aqueous ceramic slurry compositions comprising a critical mixture of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, zirconia powder, glass frit and a magnetic filler, within predetermined amounts, and process of coating substrates therewith by spray or brush methods, and rapidly curing at low temperatures, up to about 500.degree. F. and as low as below about 375.degree. F. This provides a solid, protective, electromagnetic ceramic layer which is resistant to high humidity degradation or blistering after exposure to temperatures of about 1000.degree. F., such as 0.4 mach hot gas.

Abstract: A more resistive, low loss magnetic alloy containing at least 80% cobalt, at least 10 wt % iron, about 2.5 wt % nickel, and about 0.3-2 wt % impurities including boron and manganese. The alloy is well suited for deposition upon dielectric substrates such as polyimide or polyester tape by electroless deposition processes and allows for greater film thickness in a single layer and that has lower loss than other alloys presently available for such uses.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance effect type head comprises a magnetoresistance effect film having a pair of leads connected thereto and possessing a magnetic field responding part and a pair of upper and lower shield layers having a magnetoresistance effect film nipped therebetween through the medium of a magnetic gap-forming insulating film. This magnetoresistance effect type head satisfies the relations, W.sub.s <W.sub.r and T.sub.r <W.sub.r, wherein W.sub.s stands for the width of the surface of the upper shield layer facing the magnetoresistance effect film, W.sub.r for the distance between the pair of leads, and T.sub.r for the width of the magnetic field responding part of the magnetoresistance effect film. The magnetic field responding part of the magnetoresistance effect film is formed as of the remainder of the MR film region whose magnetic moment is fixed outside the end part of the upper shield layer facing the MA film.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a cobalt-samarium magnetic alloy layer is formed having a high aerial recording density and exhibiting high coercivity, utilizing an underlayer with a thin nucleation layer thereon. Embodiments include sputter depositing a Cr or Cr alloy underlayer on a non-magnetic substrate, including alternative substrates, and sputter depositing a thin nucleation layer comprising Cr or a Cr alloy on the underlayer. A CoSm alloy layer is sputter deposited on the nucleation layer under substantially the same inert gas pressure as the nucleation layer, whereby Cr diffuses from the nucleation layer into and alloys with the CoSm magnetic alloy layer, thereby increasing media coercivity and corrosion resistance, and reducing media noise. A Cr overcoat on a CoSm alloy layer greatly reduces the oxidation of CoSm, thereby improving its corrosion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination read/write thin film magnetic head wherein the width of a gap layer is the same as the track width Tw, and a shielding magnetic layer of a soft magnetic material is formed on both sides of the gap layer so that blots of a record magnetic field out of the track width Tw can be absorbed by the shielding magnetic layer, and write fringing can be prevented. Particularly, when the saturation magnetic flux density and thickness of the shielding magnetic layer are appropriately adjusted, it is possible to suppress write fringing, and at the same time maintain reproduced output at a high level.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium having a large coercive force independent of the material of the substrate body by employing an .alpha.-rich layer and a .beta.-rich layer. The magnetic recording medium, using magnetic inversion, comprises a substrate body and a ferromagnetic Co-alloy layer on the surface of the substrate body. Between the substrate body and the magnetic layer may be interposed a Cr-containing metallic base layer. The base layer and/or the ferromagnetic alloy layer has an oxygen concentration of not more than 100 wt ppm. An .alpha.-rich layer of nickel, phosphorus, and the oxides thereof, and a .beta.-rich layer containing an ester group are provided between the substrate body and the base layer or the ferromagnetic alloy layer. In the manufacturing process according to the present invention, the .alpha.-rich layer, a .beta.-rich layer, metal base layer, and ferromagnetic metallic layer are formed at pressure below the order of 10.sup.-9 Torr.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic device having a magnetic film provided with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, the magnetic film, which is formed on a Si wafer, is patterned, before it is heat-treated in a magnetic field, in such a manner that the length of the magnetic film in a direction parallel to that of the magnetic field is greater than the length of the magnetic film in a direction perpendicular thereto. The magnetic film is divided into band-like magnetic films, and the band-like magnetic films are heat-treated in the magnetic field and each provided with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. The band-like magnetic films are patterned and each divided again into magnetic films of a chip size. Thus, a crack or a blister can be prevented from occurring on the magnetic film, and the magnetic characteristics of the magnetic film can be prevented from deteriorating.

Abstract: A magnetic thin film includes a ferrite-containing underlayer and a ferrite-containing top layer. The composition of the underlayer differs from that of the top layer. During ex-situ annealing of the thin film structure, the underlayer inhibits diffusion of substrate atoms into the top layer. The composition of the underlayer relative to the top layer suppresses grain nucleation within the underlayer relative to the top layer at high temperatures and inhibits the nucleation of grains within the underlayer having undesirable composition, crystal structure, and orientation.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium for use in making high-density computer hard disks. It contains: (a) an aluminum or Ni/P substrate; (b) a chromium underlayer on the substrate; (c) a four-component magnetic recording layer on the underlayer; and (d) a carbon protective layer on the magnetic recording layer. The magnetic recording layer comprises 66-78 atom percent of cobalt, 12-16 atom percent of chromium, 6-10 atom percent of nickel, and 4-8 atom percent of tantalum. The CoCrTiTa four-component exhibits a high coercivity (greater than 2,800 Oe), which results in many improved qualities, including increased recording density, reduced noise, improved off-track capability (OTC), and reduced on-track error rate (OTER). It also also allows the sputtering process to be conducted at a substantially lowered temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is a photographic element which includes a support, and at least one light-sensitive silver halide layer on a front side of the support. The photographic element has on the backside of the support an antistatic layer; a transparent magnetic recording layer; and a lubricating overcoat layer. The lubricating overcoat layer is farthest from the support and includes a lubricant of the general formula:R--CONH.sub.2where R is a long chain hydrocarbon between 12 and 30 carbons, preferably between 16 and 22.The present invention also provides a method of producing an imaging support which includes, providing a support, and simultaneously coating on the support; a transparent magnetic recording layer including magnetic particles, a polymeric binder and an organic solvent, and a lubricating overcoat layer, the lubricating overcoat layer comprising a lubricant of the general formula:R--CONH.sub.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium characterized by comprising: a nonmagnetic substrate; and, provided on the nonmagnetic substrate in the following order, a first underlayer of a nonmagnetic material composed mainly of chromium, a second underlayer of an antiferromagnetic material, with a body-centered cubic structure, having a Neel temperature of at least 60.degree. C., the second underlayer being such that, when the crystal lattice of the antiferromagnetic material is compared with the crystal lattice in the body-centered cubic structure of the first underlayer, the length of a side of the lattice in the (100) face of the former is approximately equal to the length of a diagonal of the lattice in the (100) face of the latter, permitting the second underlayer to be epitaxially grown onto the first underlayer, and a recording layer of a magnetic material composed mainly of cobalt.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is disclosed, comprising a non-magnetic support having provided thereon at least a lower non-magnetic layer comprising a binder having dispersed therein a non-magnetic powder and an upper magnetic layer comprising which has been coated on said lower non-magnetic layer while the lower non-magnetic layer is wet or in a dry state, wherein the coating solution for the lower non-magnetic layer having a thixotropic property and the lower non-magnetic layer containing either (a) an acicular inorganic powder having a Mohs hardness of 3 or more and a major axis length of 0.3 .mu.m or less or (b) a spherical inorganic powder other than carbon black having an average primary particle size of 0.08 .mu.m or less. The magnetic recording medium exhibits excellent electromagnetic characteristics, running properties, and durability.

Abstract: Composite material for magnetooptic recording, comprising a thin layer deposited on a non-magnetic solid substrate. The said thin layer is a polycrystalline layer consisting of microcrystals having a structure of a vacant-site spinel ferrite, based on iron, cobalt and transition metals. By virtue of a particular process for producing the thin layers, enabling especially the size of the crystallites to be increased, it is possible to optimize the magnetic and magnetooptic properties and to obtain thin layers having, for example, a remanent Faraday rotation and a coercive field which are greater, respectively, than 1 degree per micron for the Faraday rotation and 1000 Oe for the coercive field.

Abstract: This invention relates to magneto-optical recording media with thin films of Ni/Pt multilayers. Ni/Pt multilayer films, prepared by sequential dc magnetron sputter deposition by a suitable choice of the sublayer thicknesses and the number of repeats of the multilayer, exhibit most of the desired properties such as perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, high coercivity, low Curie point, and substantial Kerr rotation which are essential for magneto-optical recording media.

Abstract: A Co--Pt based magnetic alloy which has been doped with a relatively high amount of nitrogen, e.g., at 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. Other low-solubility elements providing the grain uniformity and isolation include: B, P, S, C, Si, As, Se and Te.

Abstract: A process for creating a "distant bump array" surface texture in a magnetic recording disk for reducing stiction and the disk so textured. The texturing process uses a tightly focused diode-pumped Nd:YLF or Nd:YVO.sub.4 or other solid-state laser that is pulsed with a 0.3-90 nanosecond pulse train to produce a plurality of distantly-spaced bumps in the disk surface. The bump creation process is highly controllable, permitting repeated creation of a preselected bump profile such as a smooth dimple or one with a central protrusion useful for low stiction without close spacing or elevated "roughness". Some bump profiles permit texturing of the data-storage region of the disk surface for low stiction without materially affecting magnetic data storage density.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multilayered magnetic structure comprising an alternate stack of:layers (6, 16) of a first type based on magnetic materials,layers (12) of a second type, made of Ag or an Ag rich alloy,a thin interface layer (8, 14) of Co or a Co rich alloy being located at the interface between layers of the first type and layers of the second type.The invention also relates to a process for making this type of structure.Applications to sensors based on magnetoresistive effects, such as current sensors or magnetic heads.

Abstract: The leading edge of a lower pole is constituted by a protruded central parallel portion, opposite end parallel portions, and slanted portions coupling the central parallel portion and the opposite end parallel portions. The width T.sub.wc of the central parallel portion is set to 10 to 25% of the total width T.sub.wa of the lower pole. The thickness P1' of the opposite end portion is set in the range from 1/3 or thicker to 2/3 or thinner than the thickness P19 of the central parallel portion.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium having a carbon protective layer for protecting a magnetic layer formed on a non-magnetic base includes a liquid lubrication layer formed by coating on the carbon protective layer. The liquid lubrication layer includes a hydrocarbon containing lubricant and a perfluoropolyether containing lubricant.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance effect film is disclosed. This magnetoresistance effect film comprises a substrate, at least two ferromagnetic thin films stacked one over the other on the substrate with a non-magnetic thin film interposed therebetween, and an antiferromagnetic thin film arranged adjacent to one of the ferromagnetic thin films. The antiferromagnetic thin film is a superlattice formed of at least two oxide antiferromagnetic materials selected from NiO, Ni.sub.x Co.sub.1-x O (0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.9) and C.sub.o O. A biasing magnetic field Hr applied to the one ferromagnetic thin film located adjacent the antiferromagnetic thin film is greater than coercive magnetic force Hc.sub.2 of the other ferromagnetic thin film.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in an anisotropic, soft magnetic thin film article comprising a cobalt-iron-chromium-nitrogen (Co--Fe--Cr--N) alloy. The thin film is formed such that the alloy has a relatively high saturation magnetization (4.pi.M.sub.s), e.g., greater than approximately 8 kilogauss (kG), a relatively low coercivity (H.sub.c), e.g., less than approximately 2.0 oersteds (Oe), a relatively high squareness ratio (M.sub.r /M.sub.s), e.g., greater than approximately 0.90, and a relatively high anisotropy field (H.sub.k), e.g., greater than approximately 20 Oe, in an as-deposited condition or, alternatively, with a relatively low temperature treatment, e.g., below approximately 300.degree. Celsius. The inventive films are suitable for use in electromagnetic devices, e.g., in microtransformer cores, inductor cores and in magnetic read-write heads.