Advanced multilayer thin films for ultra-high density magnetic recording media

The magnetic and structural properties of three high-coercivity, low moment multilayers for ultra-high density magnetic recording media were examined. The CoCrPt/Cr/CoCrPt multilayer exhibited extremely small grain size (/spl sim/80 /spl Aring/) and high in-plane coercivity of 3700 Oe. The Cr interlayer caused decoupling of the magnetic layers which led to low S* and low medium noise. The CoCrPt/CoCrPt/CoCrPt multilayer with different amount of intergranular coupling within sublayers exhibited high coercivity /spl sim/2700 Oe and S*=0.90. CoCrPt/CoCrTa multilayer exhibited improved in-plane anisotropy due to larger amount of in-plane oriented c-axes. This led to high coercivity /spl sim/3700 Oe and S*=0.88. Also fine grain diameters were observed in this film. Results obtained suggest that it is possible to produce CoCrPt-based multilayers with properties and structure required for 10 Gbit/inch/sup 2/ longitudinal thin film magnetic recording media.<
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