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Independent Optimization of Nucleation and Growth Processes of Titanium-Alloy Underlayers for Cobalt-Alloy Perpendicular Recording Media

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

T. P. Nolan
Affiliation:
Central Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd., Kokubunji, Tokyo 185, Japan
Y. Hirayama
Affiliation:
Central Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd., Kokubunji, Tokyo 185, Japan
M. Futamoto
Affiliation:
Central Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd., Kokubunji, Tokyo 185, Japan
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Abstract

Magnetic recording performance of cobalt-alloy perpendicular media depends upon microstructural features including preferred c-axis out-of-plane orientation, grain size and grain separation. These depend on the titanium-alloy underlayer surface structure, which in turn depends on film nucleation and growth. The Ti-alloy nucleation and growth stages are independently controlled by changing argon pressure during sputter deposition. Ti and Ti90Cr10 underlayers have qualitatively different microstructures, but in each case a two-step deposition process produces a better combination of separated magnetic layer grains and strong preferred orientation than constant argon pressure underlayer media. Correspondingly, media magnetic performance is improved over single pressure depositions. Observed microstructure and magnetic properties are consistent with simple growth models.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1996

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