Abstract: A magnetic disk 10 for use in perpendicular magnetic recording has at least a magnetic recording layer on a substrate 1. The magnetic recording layer is composed of a ferromagnetic layer 5 of a granular structure containing silicon (Si) or an oxide of silicon (Si) between crystal grains containing cobalt (Co), a stacked layer 7 having a first layer containing cobalt (Co) or a Co alloy and a second layer containing palladium (Pd) or platinum (Pt), and a spacer layer 6 interposed between the ferromagnetic layer 5 and the stacked layer 7. After forming the ferromagnetic layer 5 on the substrate 1 by sputtering in an argon gas atmosphere, the stacked layer 7 is formed by sputtering in the argon gas atmosphere at a gas pressure lower than that used when forming the ferromagnetic layer 5.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide for a heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) media comprising: a magnetic recording layer; a barrier layer disposed under the magnetic recording layer; a first underlayer disposed under the barrier layer; and an amorphous seedlayer disposed under the first underlayer. For some embodiments, the recording medium may comprise: a magnetic recording layer including FePt alloy, a CoPt alloy, or a FePd alloy; a barrier layer including MgO, TiC, TiN, CrN, TiCN, ?-WC, TaC, HfC, ZrC, VC, NbC, or NiO; a first underlayer including RuAl-oxide, NiAl, FeAl, AlMn, CuBe, or AlRe; or an amorphous seedlayer including a Cr—X alloy, where X comprises Al, B, C, Cu, Hf, Ho, Mn, Mo, Ni, Ta, Ti, V, W, or Ru.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording head manufacturing method characterized by includes processes of forming a main pole, forming, on the main pole, an insulating layer having a gap for forming a spin torque oscillator, forming a spin torque oscillator in the gap, and forming an auxiliary magnetic pole on the spin torque oscillator is provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium with high recording density and enabling stable flight of a magnetic head, with high manufacturing yields, is provided. The method includes layering a magnetic layer, a protective layer, and a lubricating layer in order on a substrate, and forming a medium for transfer. The method further includes transferring a magnetic pattern to the medium for transfer, and flattening a surface of the lubricating layer of the medium for transfer for which the magnetic pattern transferring is completed. The surface of the lubricating layer is flattened either by wiping the surface of the lubricating layer using a member without a cutting effect, or by heating the surface of the lubricating layer.

Abstract: Various magnetic slack embodiments may be constructed with a soft magnetic underlayer (SUL) having a first thickness disposed between a substrate and a magnetic recording layer. A heatsink may have a second thickness and be disposed between the SUL and the magnetic recording layer. The first and second thicknesses may each be tuned to provide predetermined thermal conductivity and magnetic permeability throughout the data media.

Abstract: Provided are magnetic core-ceramic shell (e.g., magnetite (Fe3O4) core-calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) shell) nanocrystals with high crystallization degree, uniform size, and high chemical stability and a method for synthesizing the same. A core-shell structure is synthesized in a process of forming magnetite seeds corresponding to cores by the reduction of magnetite precursors and then, sequentially, coating the magnetite with Ca3(PO4)2 by the reduction of Ca3(PO4)2 precursors.

Abstract: Provided is a method of inhibiting magnetically induced aggregation of ferrimagnetic and/or ferromagnetic nanoparticles by encapsulating the nanoparticles in a silica shell. The method entails coating magnetic nanoparticle surfaces with a polyacid polymer to form polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles and treating the polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles with a silica precursor to form uniform silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles. By controlling the thickness of the silica encapsulating the nanoparticles, the inherent magnetically induced aggregation of the nanoparticles can be completely inhibited.

Abstract: A data device may have at least a magnetic lamination with a thermal retention structure deposited on a substrate and configured to maintain a predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time. Such predetermined temperature and amount of time may allow for the growth of a magnetic layer with a predetermined magnetic anisotropy.

Abstract: This invention provides a magnetic disk which can satisfactorily suppress the elution of internal components from an end face of a magnetic disk, and corrosion damage. The magnetic disk comprises a disk substrate, and a thin film including a magnetic layer, a carbon-based protective layer, and a lubricating layer provided in that order on the disk substrate. The main surface and the end face of the magnetic disk are covered with the carbonaceous protective layer. The carbon-based protective layer contains nitrogen at a part adjacent to the lubricating layer. The content of nitrogen atoms relative to the content of carbon atoms in the protective layer formed on the end face is equal to or more than the content of nitrogen atoms relative to the content of carbon atoms in the protective layer formed on the main surface.

Abstract: A method in one embodiment includes forming a layer of a nonmagnetic material above an upper surface of a substrate; forming a resist structure above the layer of nonmagnetic material, wherein the resist structure has an undercut; removing a portion of the layer of nonmagnetic material not covered by the resist structure; depositing a layer of magnetic material above the substrate adjacent a remaining portion of the layer of nonmagnetic material such that at least portions of the layer of magnetic material and the remaining portion of the layer of nonmagnetic material lie in a common plane; removing the resist structure; and forming a write pole above the layer of magnetic material and the remaining portion of the layer of nonmagnetic material. Additional methods are also presented.

Abstract: A method for patterning a magnetic thin film on a substrate includes: providing a pattern about the magnetic thin film, with selective regions of the pattern permitting penetration of energized ions of one or more elements. Energized ions are generated with sufficient energy to penetrate selective regions and a portion of the magnetic thin film adjacent the selective regions. The substrate is placed to receive the energized ions. The portion of the magnetic thin film is subjected to thermal excitation. The portions of the magnetic thin film are rendered to exhibit a magnetic property different than selective other portions. A method for patterning a magnetic media with a magnetic thin film on both sides of the media is also disclosed.

Abstract: Patterned media and associated methods of fabrication are provided in which vertical magnetic grains are grown on a patterned seed layer. The patterned seed layer includes a matrix of islands of a first seed material. Each island of first seed material is separated from other islands by a region of second seed material. The first seed material is selected to initiate growth of magnetic material, and the second seed material is selected to initiate growth of non-magnetic material. Subsequently, magnetic material is grown on the first seed material and non-magnetic material is grown on the second seed material. Deposition may be simultaneously. The magnetic and non-magnetic materials form well-defined vertical columns over the first and second seed materials respectively. Thus, each island behaves as an isolated magnetic unit, which switches independently from its neighbor units, which are magnetically separated by the non-magnetic material.

Abstract: A method for patterning a magnetic thin film on a substrate includes: providing a pattern about the magnetic thin film, with selective regions of the pattern permitting penetration of energized ions of one or more elements. Energized ions are generated with sufficient energy to penetrate selective regions and a portion of the magnetic thin film adjacent the selective regions. The substrate is placed to receive the energized ions. The portions of the magnetic thin film are rendered to exhibit a magnetic property different than selective other portions. A method for patterning a magnetic media with a magnetic thin film on both sides of the media is also disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus that includes: a perpendicular magnetic recording medium including a substrate, a soft under layer above the substrate, a seed layer structure above the soft under layer, wherein the seed layer structure contains Ruthenium; and a magnetic recording layer above the seed layer structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording medium including a nonmagnetic substrate, and at least a soft magnetic under layer, an orientation control layer, a magnetic recording layer constituted of two or more layers and a protective layer formed on the nonmagnetic substrate, the method including a step of forming a first magnetic recording layer having a granular structure constituted of ferromagnetic crystal grains and crystal grain boundaries made of a nonmagnetic oxide or nitride on the nonmagnetic substrate side, a step of forming a second magnetic recording layer constituted only of ferromagnetic crystal grains, a step of forming a surface unevenness control layer for decreasing surface unevenness of the first magnetic recording layer located between the first magnetic recording layer and the second magnetic recording layer, and a step of heating the nonmagnetic substrate so as to decrease a surface roughness Ra of the second magnetic recording layer

Abstract: A CoFeB or CoFeNiB magnetic layer wherein the boron content is 25 to 40 atomic % and with a thickness <20 Angstroms is used to achieve high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and enhanced thermal stability in magnetic devices. A dusting layer made of Co, Ni, Fe or alloy thereof is added to top and bottom surfaces of the CoFeB layer to increase magnetoresistance as well as improve Hc and Hk. Another embodiment includes a non-magnetic metal insertion in the CoFeB free layer. The CoFeB layer with elevated B content may be incorporated as a free layer, dipole layer, or reference layer in STT-MRAM memory elements or in spintronic devices including a spin transfer oscillator. Thermal stability is increased such that substantial Hk is retained after annealing to at least 400° C. for 1 hour. Ku enhancement is achieved and the retention time of a memory cell for STT-MRAM designs is increased.

Abstract: A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes a magnetic pole and a heating element. The magnetic pole has a front end face located in a medium facing surface. The magnetic pole forms on a track a distribution of write magnetic field strength that peaks at a first position on the track. The heating element forms on the track a distribution of temperature that peaks at a second position on the track. The first position is located on the trailing side relative to the second position. The front end face of the magnetic pole has a main portion and first and second extended portions. The first and second extended portions are extended in the track width direction from the main portion at positions on the leading side relative to the center of the main portion in the direction of travel of a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprises a magnetic recording layer that records a signal, an underlayer formed of Ru or Ru compound below the magnetic recording layer, a non-magnetic layer formed of a non-magnetic material below the underlayer to control crystal orientation of the underlayer, a soft magnetic layer provided below the non-magnetic layer, and a substrate on which the magnetic recording layer, the underlayer, the non-magnetic layer, and the soft magnetic layer are formed. The non-magnetic layer comprises a first non-magnetic layer formed above the soft magnetic layer and a second non-magnetic layer formed above the first non-magnetic layer. The first non-magnetic layer is formed of amorphous Ni compound while the second non-magnetic layer is formed of crystalline Ni or crystalline Ni compound.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium exhibits reduced noise and improved performance in such measures as SN ratio, and can realize high magnetic recording densities. In the perpendicular magnetic recording medium, at least a first nonmagnetic intermediate layer, second nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and magnetic recording layer are stacked in order on a nonmagnetic substrate. The first nonmagnetic intermediate layer is formed from a CoCrRuW alloy, and the second nonmagnetic intermediate layer is formed from an Ru-base alloy.

Abstract: An article exhibiting magnetic properties, a method for providing corrosion resistance to an article, and an electric machine element are disclosed. The article comprises a substrate comprising a first portion of a magnetic material, the magnetic material exhibiting magnetic properties. The article further comprises a transition layer comprising a second portion of the magnetic material and a first portion of a coating material. The transition layer is disposed on at least a portion of the substrate. The article further comprises an outer layer comprising a second portion of the coating material. The outer layer is disposed on at least a portion of the transition layer.

Abstract: In a magnetic disk that has at least a magnetic layer, a carbon-based protective layer, and a lubricating layer formed in this order over a substrate, the lubricating layer contains a lubricant compound including a compound which has a perfluoropolyether main chain in a structure thereof, an aromatic group located at a position except each end of a molecule thereof, and a polar group at each end of the molecule.

Abstract: Magnetic structures, methods of forming the same, and memory devices including a magnetic structure, include a magnetic layer, and a stress-inducing layer on a first surface of the magnetic layer, a non-magnetic layer on a second surface of the magnetic layer. The stress-inducing layer is configured to induce a compressive stress in the magnetic layer. The magnetic layer has a lattice structure compressively strained due to the stress-inducing layer.

Abstract: A method for providing a structure in a magnetic recording transducer is described. The method includes plating a first layer in a plating bath using a first plurality of plating conditions. The first layer has a first galvanic potential. The method also includes modifying the plating bath and/or the first plurality of plating conditions to provide a modified plating bath and/or a second plurality of plating conditions. The method further includes plating a second layer using the modified plating bath and/or the second plurality of plating conditions. The second layer has a second galvanic potential. The first galvanic potential is between the second galvanic potential and a third galvanic potential of a third layer if the third layer adjoins the first layer. The second galvanic potential is between the first galvanic potential and the third galvanic potential of the third layer if the third layer adjoins the second layer.

Abstract: A medium may be provided. The medium includes a servo layer, a data recording layer, and a heat sink layer disposed between the servo layer and the recording layer.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic disk (10) for a magnetic recording, which comprises a magnetic layer (4) for a magnetic recording, a protecting layer (5) formed over the magnetic layer (4) for protecting the magnetic layer (4), and a lubricating layer (6) formed over the protecting layer (5). The protecting layer (5) is a layer composed substantially of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. The atomic ratio (N/C) of nitrogen and carbon, which was calculated from the spectral intensities of N1s and C1s detected for a detection angle of 7 degrees of photoelectrons by an angularly resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, is 0.15 to 0.25. This constitution of the protecting layer (5) is excellent in wear resistance and sliding characteristics even for a film thickness of 3 nm or less and provides a magnetic disk which can avoid a high fly write trouble or the like.

Abstract: A spin transfer (torque) oscillator (STO) with a non-magnetic spacer formed between a spin injection layer (SIL) and a field generation layer (FGL), and with an interfacial layer comprised of Fe(100-V)CoV where v is from 5 to 100 atomic % formed between the SIL and non-magnetic spacer is disclosed. A composite seed layer made of Ta and a metal layer having a fcc(111) or hcp(001) texture is used to enhance perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in the STO device. The interfacial layer quenches SIL oscillations and thereby stabilizes the SIL against FGL oscillations. The interfacial layer preferably has a thickness from 5 to 50 Angstroms and enhances amplitude (dR/R) in the STO device. The STO device may have a top SIL or bottom SIL configuration. The SIL is typically a laminated structure such as (Co/Ni)X where x is between 5 and 50.

Abstract: Various embodiments may be generally directed to a magnetic sensor constructed with a decoupling layer that has a predetermined first morphology. A magnetic free layer can be deposited contactingly adjacent to the decoupling layer with the magnetic free layer configured to have at least a first sub-layer having a predetermined second morphology.

Abstract: A method for making a bit-patterned-media (BPM) magnetic recording disk includes depositing a FePt (or CoPt) alloy recording layer, and then depositing a sealing layer on the FePt layer before high-temperature annealing. The high-temperature annealing causes the FePt to become substantially chemically-ordered in the L10 phase. After annealing, the sealing layer is removed. The sealing layer prevents nanoclustering and agglomeration of the FePt material at the surface of the FePt layer and the sealing layer, which would result in undesirable high surface roughness of the FePt, making patterning of the FePt layer difficult. The FePt layer can be patterned into the discrete islands for the BPM disk either before deposition of the sealing layer or after deposition and removal of the sealing layer. After patterning and removal of the sealing layer, the disk protective overcoat is deposited over the discrete data islands.

Abstract: The process for producing a magnet according to the invention is characterized by comprising a first step in which a heavy rare earth compound containing Dy or Tb as a heavy rare earth element is adhered onto a sintered compact of a rare earth magnet and a second step in which the heavy rare earth compound-adhered sintered compact is subjected to heat treatment, wherein the heavy rare earth compound is a Dy or Tb iron compound.

Abstract: A method for the production of a magnetic recording medium (30) includes the steps of depositing a magnetic layer or Co-containing magnetic layer (3) on at least one side of a nonmagnetic substrate (1) and partially implanting atoms into the magnetic layer or Co-containing magnetic layer to partially unmagnetize the magnetic layer or Co-containing magnetic layer, thereby forming nonmagnetic parts (4) and a magnetic recording pattern magnetically separated by the nonmagnetic parts and, in the case of the Co-containing magnetic layer, lowering Co (002) or Co (110) peak strength of a relevant part of the Co-containing magnetic layer as determined by the X-ray diffraction to ½ or less.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods that include inserting a magnetic media into an enclosure and using a non-thermal physical vapor deposition process to deposit a lubricant onto the magnetic media within the enclosure. Also disclosed are methods that include loading a magnetic media that includes a tribological coating into an enclosure and using an electrospray ionization process to deposit a lubricant onto the magnetic media within a vacuum created by the enclosure.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes forming a first portion of a thin film writer structure on a substantially planar portion of a substrate such that planes of deposition of the first portion of the writer structure are substantially parallel to a plane of the substrate; forming a portion of a write gap of the writer structure at an angle of greater than 0° relative to the substantially planar portion of the substrate; and causing the writer structure to tilt at an angle relative to the plane of the substrate such that a plane of deposition of the write gap is oriented about perpendicular to a final media-facing surface of the writer structure.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording stack with a dual continuous layer and a method of manufacturing the same. The perpendicular magnetic recording stack includes a substrate, one or more magnetic granular recording layers, and a dual continuous layer having first and second continuous layers. The first continuous layer, disposed between the second continuous layer and the magnetic granular recording layers, has an intermediate lateral exchange coupling, which is higher than the lateral exchange coupling of the magnetic granular layers. The second continuous layer has a higher lateral exchange coupling than the first continuous layer.

Abstract: [Problems] To have a thin film suitably function even when the thickness of the thin film is reduced. [Means for Solving Problems] Provided is a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium by forming a thin film on a substrate (12). The method is provided with a thin film forming step of forming the thin film by using a substance brought into the plasma state as a material. In the thin film forming step, the thin film is formed by using a material substance gathering means (30) for gathering the substance brought into the plasma state to the periphery of the substrate. The material substance gathering means (30) gathers the substance brought into the plasma state, for instance, to the periphery of the substrate (12) by generating a magnetic field at the periphery of the substrate (12).

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is disclosed which has excellent corrosion resistance, even with a protective layer of thickness 2 nm or less. The magnetic recording medium includes, on a substrate, a magnetic layer and a carbon-based protective layer. The thickness of the carbon-based protective layer is 2 nm or less, and the contact angle of water on a surface of the carbon-based protective layer is 25° or greater and less than 60°.

Abstract: It is aimed to provide a perpendicular magnetic recording medium capable of dealing with an ultra-higher recording density than before and its manufacturing method. The present invention concerns a perpendicular magnetic recording medium including at least a seed layer made of noncrystalline ceramic, a crystalline orientation control layer and a magnetic layer made of a material mainly containing a FePt alloy in this order on a substrate. This perpendicular magnetic recording medium is suitably manufactured by forming at least the seed layer, the orientation control layer and the magnetic layer made of the material mainly containing the FePt alloy in this order on the substrate by sputtering, wherein the magnetic layer is formed at a predetermined temperature of 500° C. or less.

Abstract: A patterned nonreciprocal optical resonator structure is provided that includes a resonator structure that receives an optical signal. A top cladding layer is deposited on a selective portion of the resonator structure. The top cladding layer is patterned so as to expose the core of the resonator structure defined by the selective portion. A magneto-optically active layer includes a magneto-optical medium being deposited on the exposed core of the resonator structure so as to generate optical non-reciprocity.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive device has an MgO (magnesium oxide) layer provided between a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer. The device is manufactured by forming a film of the MgO layer in a film forming chamber. A substance whose getter effect with respect to an oxidizing gas is large is adhered to surfaces of components provided in the chamber for forming the MgO layer. The substance having a large getter effect is a substance whose value of oxygen gas adsorption energy is 145 kcal/mol or higher. Ta (tantalum), in particular, is preferable as a substance which constitutes the magnetoresistive device.

Abstract: A spin transfer oscillator with a seed/SIL/spacer/FGL/capping configuration is disclosed with a composite seed layer made of Ta and a metal layer having a fcc(111) or hcp(001) texture to enhance perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in an overlying (A1/A2)X laminated spin injection layer (SIL). Field generation layer (FGL) is made of a high Bs material such FeCo. Alternatively, the STO has a seed/FGL/spacer/SIL/capping configuration. The SIL may include a FeCo layer that is exchanged coupled with the (A1/A2)X laminate (x is 5 to 50) to improve robustness. The FGL may include an (A1/A2)Y laminate (y=5 to 30) exchange coupled with the high Bs layer to enable easier oscillations. A1 may be one of Co, CoFe, or CoFeR where R is a metal, and A2 is one of Ni, NiCo, or NiFe. The STO may be formed between a main pole and trailing shield in a write head.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a main magnetic pole, a first MAMR element positioned above and wider than the main magnetic pole that is positioned to extend beyond sides of the main magnetic pole in a track width direction, a spin-rectifying-current-pinned-magnetic layer, a magnetic interlayer, a FGL, a magnetic-zone-control layer, and a second MAMR element that is wider than the main magnetic pole and is positioned to extend beyond sides of the main magnetic pole in the track width direction positioned above the first MAMR element, and a trailing shield positioned above the second MAMR element, wherein the main magnetic pole is adapted for producing a high-frequency magnetic field comprising oscillating microwaves, wherein during a writing operation, current is applied to the first and second MAMR elements to produce magnetic fields which oppose bit-switching in the magnetic medium to avoid adjacent track bit reversal.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods for manufacturing an electronic lapping guide and a magnetic read head assembly. The magnetoresistive head assembly includes a sensing element that has a front edge and a front flux guide that has a back edge, such that the sensing element front edge and the front flux guide back edge share a common interface that defines an interface plane normal to the surface of a wafer substrate. The electronic lapping guide comprises a conductive material adapted to attach to two electrical leads for measuring a resistance through the conductive material. The conductive material may include a conductive material back edge aligned with the interface plane. The resistance of the conductive material may be inversely proportional to a conductive material length normal to the interface plane.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a write pole with a tapered leading edge formed on a substrate having a tapered surface and a wrap-around, trailing magnetic shield. The method uses a multi-layer anti-reflective coating prior to formation of the shield so that reflection from the tapered surface of the substrate does not affect the lithography of the mask used to form the trailing shield. The multi-layer antireflective coating is constructed of materials that can be left in the finished head, thereby eliminating problems associated with removal of the anti-reflective coating.

Abstract: A method for producing an element including a substrate having a plurality of nanocylinders deposited thereon includes providing the substrate. The substrate is covered with a nanoporous Al2O3 membrane so as to provide a covered substrate. The covered substrate is alternately vapor-deposited, at a vapor-deposition temperatures from 250° C. to 400° C., with atoms of a magnetic element and atoms of a non-magnetic element so as to provide the plurality of nanocylinders. Each nanocylinder includes at least four superposed layers including, alternatively, the atoms of the magnetic element and the atoms of the non-magnetic element. The nanoporous Al2O3 membrane is then removed so that the nanocylinders remain on the substrate.

Abstract: Although dots and servo patterns are made of the same magnetic material, the dots have a relatively low coercive force so as to allow data deletion and rewrite by a magnetic head, while the servo patterns have a high coercive force compared with the coercive force of the dots. The coercive force of the servo patterns is strong enough so as to eliminate the influence of shape magnetic anisotropy.

Abstract: Methods for improving the strength of glass substrates are described. One such method for strengthening a glass disk substrate for a storage device includes immersing at least a portion of the glass substrate in a solution, the solution including a solvent and a coating material selected from the group consisting of NaOH, KOH, and KNO3, removing the glass substrate from the solution, allowing the solvent to evaporate from the glass substrate, and heating the glass substrate at a preselected temperature for a preselected duration, where the preselected temperature is sufficient to substantially melt the coating material and is less than a transition temperature of the glass substrate.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is fabricated with a main pole and a trailing edge shield having surfaces and interior portions that may include synthetic antiferromagnetic multi-layered superlattices (SAFS) formed on and/or within them respectively. The SAFS, which are multilayers formed as periodic multiples of antiferromagnetically coupled tri-layers, provide a mechanism for enhancing the component of the writing field that is vertical to the magnetic medium by exchange coupling to the magnetization of the pole and shield and constraining the directions of their magnetizations to lie within the film plane of the SAFS.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a substrate, a Cr-doped Fe-alloy-containing underlayer containing about 8 to 18 at % Cr and a perpendicular recording magnetic layer, and a process for improving corrosion resistance of the recording medium and for manufacturing the recording medium are disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic cell structure including a nonmagnetic filament contact, and methods of fabricating the structure are provided. The magnetic cell structure includes a free layer, a pinned layer, an insulative layer between the free and pinned layers, and a nonmagnetic filament contact in the insulative layer which electrically connects the free and pinned layers. The nonmagnetic filament contact is formed from a nonmagnetic source layer, also between the free and pinned layers. The filament contact directs a programming current through the magnetic cell structure such that the cross sectional area of the programming current in the free layer is less than the cross section of the structure. The decrease in the cross sectional area of the programming current in the free layer enables a lower programming current to reach a critical switching current density in the free layer and switch the magnetization of the free layer, programming the magnetic cell.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, an auxiliary layer formed on the substrate, and at least one perpendicular magnetic recording layer formed on the auxiliary layer. The perpendicular magnetic recording layer includes a magnetic dot pattern. The perpendicular magnetic recording layer is made of an alloy material containing one element selected from iron and cobalt, and one element selected from platinum and palladium. This alloy material has the L10 structure, and is (001)-oriented. The auxiliary layer includes a dot-like first region covered with the magnetic dot pattern, and a second region not covered with the magnetic dot pattern. The first region is made of a (100)-oriented nickel oxide. The second region contains nickel used in the first region as a main component.

Abstract: A method and system for interrogating a thickness of a carbon layer are described. The carbon layer is on a magnetic media having an underlayer and at least one magnetic layer on the underlayer. The carbon layer resides on the magnetic layer(s). A sample underlayer is deposited on a sample substrate and a sample carbon layer provided on the sample underlayer. The sample substrate corresponds to a substrate including the magnetic media. The sample underlayer corresponds to the underlayer of the magnetic media. The sample carbon layer corresponds to the carbon layer. A region between the sample carbon layer and the sample underlayer is free of magnetic material. The sample substrate including the sample carbon layer is exposed to light. Emitted light from the sample substrate is detected to provide a Raman spectrum. The thickness of the carbon layer is determined based on the Raman spectrum.