A layered structure to improve the antiferromagnetic exchange coupling constant (J) in laminated antiferromagnetically coupled (LAC) media is proposed. This structure has a much larger thermal stability in comparison to simple LAC structures. It also improves the coercivity and decreases the remnant moment-thickness product to achieve a high resolution and a low pulse width. The recording measurements indicate that this structure has a slightly larger noise than the simple LAC structures. However, its overall signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is comparable to that of the simple LAC structures. High SNR and much higher thermal stability make this structure suitable for ultrahigh areal densities.

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In this study, we propose a new “atomic wall” approach to underlayer design. In this design, a CrX underlayer is used where X and Cr are not miscible in the bulk phase, resulting in a reduced grain size. We have studied the addition of Zr to Cr layers and found that CrZr gives magnetic properties comparable to those of CrMo underlayers. In addition, a CrZr underlayer gives rise to a smaller grain size of 5.5 nm, in comparison to a grain size of 6.2 nm in the case of CrMo underlayers. To our knowledge, this is the smallest grain size reported for Co-alloy recording media. The recording measurements also show a higher signal to noise ratio for CrZr underlayers than for CrMo underlayers, suggesting that CrZr underlayers have potential for use in ultrahigh areal densities.

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