Ozone-Treated Magnetic Recording Medium for High Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic recording mediums face challenges in increasing recording density while maintaining signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and productivity, as methods like laser irradiation and ion implantation can damage surfaces and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving ozone treatment of magnetic layers on non-magnetic substrates to modify magnetic properties, forming magnetically partitioned patterns with improved precision and reduced interference between adjacent tracks, using a sequence of steps including mask layer formation, ozone exposure, and surface layer removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser irradiation or ion implantation is used to form magnetically partitioned patterns, then magnetic properties can be modified, but the magnetic layer surface becomes damaged and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical methods (laser irradiation, ion implantation) with a chemical method (ozone oxidation). The ozone treatment modifies magnetic properties through chemical oxidation of the magnetic layer surface, avoiding mechanical damage while maintaining effectiveness. This substitution of mechanical/physical systems with chemical processes resolves the contradiction between reliability of modification and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the modification process from physical energy input (laser, ion) to chemical reaction (ozone oxidation). By controlling the ozone exposure time and concentration, the magnetic properties are modified without causing surface damage, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If track density is increased to enhance areal recording density, then recording capacity improves, but magnetic interference between adjacent tracks increases and SNR deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating magnetically distinct regions through ozone treatment. The oxidized regions have different magnetic properties (lower coercivity) compared to untreated regions, allowing local magnetic partitioning. This enables high track density while maintaining signal integrity through local magnetic property differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the magnetic layer into distinct recording regions and non-recording regions through ozone treatment. The oxidized portions act as magnetic barriers that segment the continuous magnetic layer, preventing interference between adjacent tracks while maintaining high areal recording density.
3Quantity of substance
If bit size is reduced to increase recording density, then areal density improves, but magnetization reversal due to heat fluctuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differences between oxidized and non-oxidized regions. The oxidized regions have modified magnetic properties that provide thermal stability, allowing smaller bit sizes without sacrificing magnetization stability against heat fluctuation.
4Reliability
If recording is carried out widely to reduce influence of adjacent tracks, then interference is minimized, but reproduction output becomes low and SNR cannot be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality differentiation through ozone oxidation to create regions with distinct magnetic properties. This allows narrow reproduction tracking with high output because the oxidized regions provide magnetic confinement, preventing signal leakage to adjacent tracks while maintaining strong reproduction output.
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 method enhances recording density with improved SNR and productivity by creating sharp, partitioned magnetic patterns with reduced signal interference, ensuring good head-floatability and high recording density characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic recording pattern is formed on the magnetic layer by reacting portions of the magnetic layer with ozone to modify magnetic properties of the portions of the magnetic layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a magnetic recording medium having a magnetically partitioned magnetic recording pattern on at least one surface of a nonmagnetic substrate, characterized by comprising a step of reacting portions of a magnetic layer, formed on the non-magnetic substrate, with ozone to modify magnetic properties of said portions of the magnetic layer for forming the magnetically partitioned magnetic recording pattern. The magnetic layer can be a two-layer structure comprising a magnetic layer having a granular structure and formed thereon a magnetic layer having a non-granular structure. The produced magnetic recording medium exhibits a greatly enhanced recording density while recording/reproducing characteristics equal to or better than those of the heretofore proposed magnetic recording mediums are maintained, and it can be produced with an enhanced efficiency.