Observation of Magnetization Structure on Co-Cr Perpendicular Magnetic Recording Media by Bitter and Electron Holography Methods

The magnetization structure of single-layer Co-Cr media recorded with a ring head at 20 and 100 kFCI is investigated along with the microstructure of Co-Cr film prepared by vacuum deposition. A stronger magnetization as well as a deeper penetration of perpendicular magnetization have been realized with the highly-oriented Co-Cr films consisting of pillar-like c-axis-oriented Co-Cr columns. This magnetic behavior is considered necessary to achieve a high-density and high-output perpendicular magnetic recording when the medium is combined with a ring head.