Patterned Magnetic Media Offset Data Servo Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively pattern both servo and data regions on magnetic disks without interfering with each other, leading to issues with data density and bit separation as data tracks and bits become closer, causing adjacent interference and reading difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple masking steps and reactive ion etching processes to create patterned magnetic media with separate data and servo regions, including intermediate regions, allowing for independent patterning of data and servo tracks without affecting each other's formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data density is increased, then storage capacity is improved, but adjacent bits interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic media into distinct patterned data regions and patterned servo regions with intermediate regions separating them. This segmentation prevents adjacent bits from interfering with each other while maintaining high data density, as the physical separation through patterned structures and intermediate regions isolates magnetic fields between adjacent data elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate regions as intermediary zones between the patterned servo region and patterned data region. These intermediate regions act as magnetic field buffers that prevent interference between adjacent bits and between data and servo regions, enabling higher data density without adjacent bit interference.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional single-mask patterning is used, then manufacturing process is simple, but servo and data regions interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-mask patterning process that segments the patterning operations: the first mask patterns the data region while protecting the servo region, and the second mask patterns the servo region while protecting the data region. This segmentation eliminates mutual interference between servo and data region patterning, achieving precise separation despite increased process steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective masking actions before patterning each region. The first protective mask is applied to protect the servo region before data region patterning, and the second protective mask protects the data region before servo region patterning. This preliminary protection prevents interference during the patterning process while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Quantity of substance
If data bits are placed closer together, then storage capacity increases, but reading and writing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses patterned data regions with physically separated magnetic bits arranged in defined patterns. This segmentation maintains clear boundaries between adjacent bits even at high densities, making it easier for read/write heads to distinguish and access individual bits without difficulty, while still achieving high storage capacity through efficient packing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional continuous magnetic surfaces with discrete patterned magnetic structures. This substitution creates well-defined magnetic zones that are easier to detect and write, reducing the difficulty of reading and writing operations even when bits are placed closer together for increased storage capacity.
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
Enables the creation of patterned magnetic media with distinct data and servo regions, improving data density and separation, reducing interference, and facilitating accurate data reading and writing.
Implementation Method 1
patterning the first layer of hard mask with a first pattern, forming a first protective mask covering at least a portion of the second region and leaving at least a portion of the first region uncovered, and performing a first material removal process to remove portions of the wafer that are not protected by the patterned first layer of hard mask material or the first protective mask
Data Source
AI summary
A patterned magnetic media having offset servo and data regions. The media can be constructed by a method that allows both a data region and a servo region to be patterned without the patterning of one region adversely affecting the patterning of the other region. The method results in a patterned data region a patterned servo region and intermediate regions between the servo and data regions. The intermediate regions, which are most likely, but not necessarily, asymmetrical with one another indicate that the method has been used to pattern the media.