Patterned Storage Medium Groove Stop Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patterned magnetic storage media face challenges in achieving optimal proximity between read/write heads and storage elements while minimizing the risk of contact, which affects data retention and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A patterned medium comprising a patterned layer with grooves, a stop layer positioned within and on the grooves, and a fill layer between the stop layer, which separates the magnetic and non-magnetic regions, along with a lubrication layer, to reduce the distance between the magnetic layer and the lubrication layer to less than 3 nm, facilitating closer proximity without contact and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the thickness of intervening layers between the surface and magnetic region is reduced, then read/write head proximity to magnetic region is improved, but the risk of head contacting the thin film medium increases
Solution Approach 1:
A lubrication layer is deposited on the outermost surface of the thin film medium before final assembly, creating a protective cushion that allows the read/write head to fly closer to the magnetic region without risk of contact. This preliminary protective measure enables reduced intervening layer thickness while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication layer acts as an intermediary between the read/write head and the thin film medium surface, providing a protective interface that reduces the harmful effects of proximity while allowing the head to maintain optimal positioning for data read/write operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers and fabrication steps are used to create patterned features, then storage density and quality are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional layers (magnetic layer, spacers, lubrication layer) are combined into a single integrated thin film medium structure that is patterned as one unit. This merging approach maintains high pattern quality for dense storage while reducing the number of separate fabrication steps and layers compared to traditional multi-component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin film medium is segmented into distinct functional regions (magnetic regions, non-magnetic regions, grooves) that are created through a unified patterning process. This segmentation enables high storage density while the integrated fabrication approach reduces overall manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a patterned medium is disclosed herein. The patterned medium includes a patterned layer, a stop layer, and a fill layer. The patterned layer includes plurality of grooves. The stop layer is positioned on the patterned layer. The stop layer is at least partially positioned within the plurality of grooves and a portion of the stop layer may be positioned on walls of the grooves of the patterned layer. The fill layer is at least partially positioned within the grooves between portions of the stop layer. The stop layer substantially separates the fill layer from the patterned layer.