Thin-film media—Current and future technology

In the last ten years, the fundamental technology of recording media has evolved from particulate to thin film. The introduction of magnetoresistive heads in 1990 has had further impact on the design of thin-film media. Changes in substrates, magnetic films, overcoats, and lubrication form the basis of the evolution. Design concepts and manufacturing considerations for high-areal-density thin-film disks are described in this paper, with reflections on future enhancements required for media of the next generation.