Perpendicular Recording Media Energy Assisted Segregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing perpendicular magnetic recording technologies face challenges in achieving high data density, magnetic anisotropy, and thermal stability due to issues with grain size, stacking faults, and porosity, particularly in high temperature deposition processes which compromise magnetic properties and data recording density.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid deposition process employing energy-assisted segregation (EAS) with a segregation enhancement element (e.g., Boron) at intermediate temperatures (100° C to 200° C) and substrate bias voltages (0V to 500V) to enhance Cr segregation and reduce oxide content in grain boundaries, thereby improving magnetic decoupling and layer density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high temperature deposition is used to achieve magnetic layer formation, then deposition completeness is improved, but magnetic anisotropy deteriorates and stacking faults increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposition completenessVSAvoidmagnetic anisotropy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature to intermediate temperature (100°C to 200°C) during deposition, and combines it with energy assistance (ion beam or plasma) to achieve complete deposition while preserving magnetic anisotropy and avoiding stacking faults

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces thermal energy (high temperature) with directed kinetic energy (ion beam or plasma energy) to achieve atom migration and segregation, thereby avoiding the negative effects of high temperature on magnetic properties while ensuring complete deposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If high temperature deposition is used, then deposition completeness is improved, but porosity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposition completenessVSAvoidlayer density

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter to intermediate range (100°C to 200°C) and combines with energy assistance to achieve dense layer formation without porosity, while ensuring complete deposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses ion beam or plasma energy to replace thermal energy for achieving atom migration and densification, thereby eliminating porosity without requiring high temperature that would cause incomplete deposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If Cr segregation is enhanced through high temperature processing, then magnetic decoupling is improved, but magnetic anisotropy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic decouplingVSAvoidmagnetic anisotropy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal energy with directed ion beam or plasma energy to drive Cr segregation to grain boundaries, achieving magnetic decoupling while maintaining the temperature conditions necessary for preserving magnetic anisotropy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy input method from thermal to kinetic (ion beam/plasma), and controls the energy level to achieve sufficient Cr segregation for magnetic decoupling without exceeding the temperature threshold that would harm magnetic anisotropy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables the formation of magnetic layers with enhanced magnetic anisotropy, reduced porosity, and increased data density, while maintaining thermal stability and corrosion resistance, effectively addressing the limitations of both high temperature and granular oxide segregation processes.

Implementation Method 1

a segregation enhancement element (SEE) and energy assisted segregation (EAS)... The SEE/EAS facilitates diffusion-based segregation of a non-magnetic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy assisted segregation: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

A hybrid deposition process employing energy-assisted segregation (EAS)... depositing a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHybrid deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS10793944B2Perpendicular recording media with enhanced anisotropy through energy assisted segregation

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

Apparatus for recording data and method for making the same. In accordance with some embodiments, a magnetic layer is supported by a substrate and comprises a magnetic magnetic material, a non-magnetic material, and an energy assisted segregation material. The segregation material enhances segregation of the non-magnetic material into grain boundaries within the layer at an elevated, moderate energy level.