Patterned Magnetic Recording Medium with Dual-Density DLC Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic recording media face challenges in achieving high recording density due to issues with magnetic head stability, corrosion, and sliding reliability, particularly when reducing the flying height of the magnetic head, which leads to problems like peeling, corrosion, and reduced wear resistance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a patterned magnetic recording medium with a protective DLC layer and a filler layer of lower DLC density, where the filler layer completely fills separating regions with an uneven upper surface, and a lubricant layer with polar groups is applied to enhance compatibility and reduce shear force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the flying height of the magnetic head is reduced to increase recording density, then recording density is improved, but magnetic head stability and reliability deteriorate due to increased risk of contact and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the surface layers by creating a multi-layer structure with different DLC densities and adding a lubricant layer, thereby improving magnetic head stability while maintaining reduced flying height for high recording density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining DLC layers with different densities and a lubricant layer, creating a multi-material system that provides both high recording density through close head-medium spacing and reliable operation through wear protection and stability
2Quantity of substance
If the flying height is reduced to increase recording density, then recording density is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface composition by introducing a lubricant layer with polar groups that provides corrosion protection, allowing the magnetic head to operate at reduced flying heights without suffering from increased corrosion
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant layer acts as an intermediary between the DLC protective layer and the magnetic head, providing additional protection against corrosion while maintaining the close spacing required for high recording density
3Quantity of substance
If the flying height is reduced to increase recording density, then recording density is improved, but wear resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the tribological parameters of the surface by adding a lubricant layer with polar groups that reduces friction and wear, enabling reliable operation at reduced flying heights for high recording density
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant layer serves as a mediator that reduces direct contact and wear between the magnetic head and the DLC layers, allowing the system to operate with reduced flying height without sacrificing wear resistance
4Shape
If separating regions are filled with high-density DLC to planarize the surface, then surface planarity is improved, but peeling occurs due to stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of the DLC filler layer to be lower than that of the protective layer, which reduces internal stress and prevents peeling while still achieving sufficient surface planarity for stable magnetic head flying
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different DLC densities to different regions: lower density DLC in the filler layer for stress reduction and peeling prevention, and higher density DLC in the protective layer for surface protection, thereby resolving the contradiction between planarity and peeling resistance
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 results in a magnetic recording medium with improved magnetic head flying ability, corrosion resistance, and scratch resistance, while maintaining high recording density, by stabilizing the magnetic head and reducing wear and corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
forming a protective layer above recording regions of the patterned magnetic recording layer and separating regions between the recording regions
Implementation Method 2
a lubricant layer with polar groups is applied to enhance compatibility and reduce shear force
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for forming a magnetic recording medium includes forming a protective layer above recording regions of a patterned magnetic recording layer and separating regions between the recording regions, wherein the protective layer forms on sides of the recording regions and partially fills the separating regions, and forming a filler layer on the protective layer, wherein the filler layer completely fills the separating regions, wherein the filler layer has an uneven upper surface. In another embodiment, a medium includes a patterned magnetic recording layer, a protective layer above the patterned magnetic recording layer and on sides of the patterned magnetic recording layer, and a filler layer positioned between the patterned magnetic recording layer in separating regions, wherein DLC of the filler layer is a lower density than DLC of the protective layer. Other systems and methods are described according to more embodiments.