Magnetic performance and tribology of sputter-textured thin film disks

A novel method for fabricating thin film disk media with controlled surface roughness via sputter deposition is described. This technique uses the deposition of a metal nitride such as AlN on a polished substrate to create discrete spherical features. The Cr or Cr alloy interlayer, the magnetic layer and the carbon overcoat are then deposited onto the AlN. The magnetic and mechanical performance of thin film disks fabricated with this technique Is presented and compared to that of a disk made with conventional mechanical texture. It is shown that the disks fabricated with this technique have no texture-induced noise, excellent magnetic performance, and tribological characteristics which make them suitable for high density recording applications.