Magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a magnetic recording medium, the recording layer of which is formed in a concavo-convex pattern, has a high areal recording density, can reliably obtain better recording / reproducing characteristics, and has high reliability. The magnetic recording medium (12) includes: a recording layer (24), which is formed on a substrate (22) in a predetermined concave-convex pattern, and has convex portions formed as ends of the outer circumference and the inner circumference among the convex portions of the concave-convex pattern. non-recording elements (24B) and recording elements (24A) formed as convex portions of other regions; non-magnetic material (26) that fills the recesses of the concavo-convex pattern and covers the non-recording elements (24B); in the recording layer ( 24) and a protective layer (28) formed on the non-magnetic material (26).

Description

[0001] technology area [0002] The invention relates to a magnetic recording medium and a magnetic recording and reproducing device in which a recording layer is formed in a concavo-convex pattern. Background technique [0003] Conventionally, in order to protect the recording layer from abrasion caused by contact with the magnetic head and corrosion caused by oxygen in the atmosphere, magnetic recording media such as hard disks have formed a non-magnetic protective layer on the recording layer and a lubricating layer on the protective layer. As a method for forming the protective layer, vapor deposition methods such as CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) can be used. As a method of forming the lubricating layer, a dipping method or the like can be used. [0004] In addition, due to improvements in the miniaturization of magnetic particles constituting the recording layer, changes in materials, and miniaturization of magnetic head processing, magnetic recording media can achieve...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0008] However, when a protective layer is formed by CVD or the like, in order to hold a disk-shaped workpiece at, for example, three places at the end of the outer or inner periphery with a jig, the portion held by the jig and its vicinity are protected by a protective layer. Particles of the layer are not sufficiently penetrated, the thickness of the protective layer is insufficient, or the protective layer is not formed at all

Since the outer peripheral end and the inner peripheral end of the magnetic recording medium are usually non-recording areas, even if corrosion of the recording layer occurs in the part where the thickness of the protective layer is insufficient, there is no direct problem in recording / reproduction, but it is possible to record Corrosion of the layer extends from the part where the thickness of the protective layer is insufficient to other parts, thereby deteriorating the recording / reproducing characteristics, and there is a problem in terms of reliability

[0009] In this regard, if the protective layer is formed to a certain extent, the workpiece is taken out from the jig once, and the workpiece is held again by the jig at a different position, and the protective layer is further formed, the protective layer can be processed. In this case, the film is formed on the entire surface of the body, but in this case, the part held by the jig and its vicinity are thinner than other parts, so there is still a problem in terms of reliability.

In addition, it is conceivable to form a thick protective layer on the entire surface including the recording area in such a way that the protective layer is sufficiently formed on the part held by the jig and its vicinity, but in discrete track media and patterned media, such as In the case of a magnetic recording medium with an areal recording density of 200 Gbpsi or more, the magnetic space between the upper surface of the recording layer and the magnetic head is 15 nm or less. May cause deterioration of recording / reproducing characteristics

[0010] In addition, for example, as described in Patent Document 2, it is conceivable that the non-magnetic material filling the concave portion is also formed on the convex portion, and a protective layer is further formed thereon, but in this case, the portion held by the jig and its vicinity are also conceivable. When the non-magnetic material is sufficiently formed, the magnetic space becomes too large as in the case where the protective layer is formed too thick, which may result in deterioration of recording / reproducing characteristics

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