Dual-Layer Magnetic Recording Structure for High Areal Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bit patterned media (BPM) fabrication processes cause magnetic damage due to the removal of all magnetic materials between features, leading to reduced magnetic signal strength and accuracy in high areal density recording.
Innovation Solution
A dual-layer magnetic recording structure is implemented, where the top magnetic layer is patterned to create physically separated features, and chemical processes alter the molecular magnetic properties of the bottom magnetic layer in trenches to reduce magnetic moments, allowing for magnetic separation without full removal of magnetic materials, thus minimizing damage and optimizing signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If all magnetic materials are removed between features to create physically separated patterns, then manufacturing precision is improved, but magnetic damage occurs and magnetic signal strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic recording structure into two separate layers: a bottom magnetic layer that maintains full thickness and magnetic integrity, and a top magnetic layer that is patterned to create physically separated features. This segmentation allows the bottom layer to preserve magnetic signal strength while the top layer provides the necessary pattern definition and separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer approach to a dual-layer vertical structure. By adding the vertical dimension with two distinct magnetic layers, the system achieves both complete physical separation in the patterned top layer and magnetic signal preservation in the bottom layer, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and magnetic signal strength.
2Manufacturing precision
If all magnetic materials are removed between features to achieve complete separation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but magnetic feature damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic recording structure into two layers with different functions. The top layer is completely removed between features to achieve precise separation, while the bottom layer retains full magnetic material to prevent damage. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its own function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom magnetic layer acts as an intermediary that protects against magnetic feature damage. By maintaining this protective bottom layer with full magnetic material, the system prevents the harmful effects of complete material removal while still achieving the desired feature separation through the patterned top layer.
3Ease of manufacture
If magnetic materials are completely removed between features, then pattern fabrication is simplified, but magnetic signal accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic structure into two layers where the top layer handles pattern fabrication and the bottom layer preserves magnetic signal integrity. This segmentation allows simplified pattern fabrication in the top layer while maintaining accurate magnetic signals in the bottom layer.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing a vertical dual-layer structure, the patent separates the pattern fabrication function (top layer) from the magnetic signal function (bottom layer). This dimensional change allows both simplified manufacturing and accurate magnetic signals to coexist by assigning them to different vertical levels.
4Reliability
If full thickness magnetic materials are maintained in the bottom layer, then magnetic signal strength is improved, but planarization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic structure into two layers, allowing the bottom layer to maintain full magnetic thickness for signal strength while the top layer is patterned and removed between features. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both strong magnetic signals and manageable planarization by having the top layer accommodate surface variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces magnetic feature damage, enhances magnetic signal strength, and enables high areal density recording with improved accuracy and reliability by maintaining the full thickness of magnetic materials in the bottom layer, facilitating planarization and thinner recording layers.
Implementation Method 1
chemical processes to alter the molecular magnetic properties of the exposed bottom magnetic layer materials to reduce the net magnetic moments
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclose a dual-layer magnetic recording structure including a top magnetic layer etched to remove patterned portions of the top magnetic layer and a bottom magnetic layer including portions with altered magnetic properties of molecules to reduce net magnetic moments and including portions of unaltered magnetic properties exchange-coupled through the top magnetic layer.