Polymer Planarization for Magnetic Media Surface Topography
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Solution Overview
Problem
The residual topography on patterned magnetic storage media surfaces causes dynamic responses in disc head sliders, particularly when flying over varying topographies between data zones and servo patterns, especially with skew angles, which affects data recording density and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a storage medium with land and recess surfaces, where a polymer is applied and selectively removed to create a substantially planar surface, with the polymer preferentially bonding to recess surfaces, thereby smoothing the media surface and improving flying dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If patterned media structure is used to increase areal density, then recording density is improved, but residual topography on media surface causes dynamic response in disc head slider
Solution Approach 1:
A polymer planarization layer is introduced as an intermediary between the patterned media surface and the disc head slider. This polymer layer selectively fills the recesses of the patterned media, creating a planar surface that mediates the interaction between the slider and the underlying topographic features, thereby eliminating dynamic responses while preserving the high areal density structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer coating is applied with local quality differentiation through selective bonding to recess surfaces only. The polymer preferentially bonds to the recess surfaces and is removed from land surfaces, creating localized filling only where needed to achieve planarity without affecting the magnetic land structures.
2Shape
If polymer is applied to fill recesses, then surface planarity is improved, but polymer must be selectively removed from land surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer coating is designed with differential adhesion properties where it selectively bonds to recess surfaces but not to land surfaces. This local quality differentiation in bonding allows for automatic selective removal during the fabrication process without requiring complex additional steps to differentiate between regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer coating process itself provides the selective bonding characteristic needed for subsequent removal. The polymer's molecular structure and surface energy properties enable it to self-selectively adhere to recess surfaces while repelling from land surfaces, making the selective removal process straightforward and eliminating the need for additional patterning steps.
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 planarization process enhances the flying dynamics of disc head sliders by reducing the dynamic response to surface topography, allowing for increased recording density and accuracy without compromising magnetic performance.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer preferentially bonds to the recess surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for magnetic recording that includes a storage medium having a media surface. The media surface has a plurality of lands and recesses between the lands. A polymer layer fills the recesses so that the media surface is substantially planar.