Magnetic Recording Medium Using Block Copolymer Self-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic recording media face challenges in achieving high recording density due to instability and noise issues with small recording marks, and existing methods for fabricating patterned media, such as lithography and self-assembling particles, suffer from low throughput and difficulties in writing servo patterns.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic recording medium is fabricated using a method where a magnetic layer and insulation layer are formed on a substrate with grooves for guiding self-assembling block copolymers, which undergo phase separation to form dot-shaped polymer particles, serving as a mask for etching to create arrayed magnetic dots in both data and servo regions, ensuring consistent ratio of recesses to protrusions and improved flying stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the recording mark size is reduced to increase recording density, then the recording capacity increases, but the recording stability deteriorates due to thermal fluctuation and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the recording medium into isolated magnetic dots separated by non-magnetic regions. Each magnetic dot acts as an independent recording mark, preventing interference between neighboring marks. This segmentation allows smaller recording marks while maintaining stability through physical isolation of magnetic domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates local magnetic dots with specific properties (size, shape, magnetic characteristics) within a non-magnetic matrix. Each magnetic dot region is optimized for stable magnetic recording, while the surrounding non-magnetic regions provide isolation. This local optimization enables high density without sacrificing reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If lithography techniques are used to fabricate patterned medium, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the productivity deteriorates due to low throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs self-assembling block copolymer particles that automatically organize into periodic patterns without requiring complex lithography equipment. The particles spontaneously form the desired dot patterns through self-assembly, eliminating the need for high-precision lithography processes while maintaining pattern quality and enabling high-throughput manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fabrication approach from top-down lithography to bottom-up self-assembly. By controlling parameters such as particle size, composition, and assembly conditions, the system achieves precise pattern formation through natural self-organization, bypassing the throughput limitations of lithographic methods.
3Productivity
If self-assembling particles are used to form patterns, then the productivity improves, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to defects and random lattice orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention pre-forms grooves in the substrate before introducing the self-assembling particles. These grooves serve as guides that direct particle assembly into the desired linear patterns. By preparing the substrate structure in advance, the system ensures that particles self-assemble into the correct positions with proper orientation, eliminating random lattice formation and defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves act as an intermediary structure between the substrate and the self-assembling particles. The grooves mediate the self-assembly process by providing physical constraints and guidance, ensuring that particles form the desired patterns with high precision while maintaining the benefits of self-assembly for high productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If grooves are provided on the disk substrate to array self-assembling particles, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the substrate into regions with grooves (servo regions) and regions without grooves (data regions). This segmentation allows different fabrication approaches in different areas: grooves provide precision where needed for servo patterns, while non-mandrel areas maintain simplicity for data storage regions. The selective application of groove structures balances precision requirements with overall device simplicity.
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
The solution enables the formation of a magnetic recording medium with stable and consistent magnetic dots in both data and servo regions, enhancing the flying stability of the read head and allowing for reliable recording and reproduction by maintaining signal intensity across the medium.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic layer and an insulation layer are formed on a substrate with grooves for guiding self-assembling block copolymers, which undergo phase separation to form dot-shaped polymer particles
Implementation Method 2
self-assembling particles of the block copolymer are two-dimensionally disposed on the entire surface of a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, there is provided a magnetic recording medium having a data region in which a plurality of recording tracks, each including magnetic dots arrayed in a down-track direction with a pitch p, are formed in a cross-track direction, and a servo region including a preamble in which a plurality of lines of magnetic dots, which are arrayed in a cross-track direction with a pitch p, are formed at equal intervals in the down-track direction.