Durability of thermally assisted magnetic recording disk

Thermally assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) systems uses magneto-optical technology in writing and magnetic recording technology in reading. In this system, spacing between a head and a disk must be reduced to achieve high recording density. Therefore, we have to study the durability of TAMR disks. For this purpose, we studied the effects of disk overcoat and underlayer materials on the durability of TAMR disks using a transparent pin-on-disk wear test. We found that TAMR disks with thin SiN/sub x/ or Ti under layer with a carbon overcoat had high durability.