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FeTaC magnetic soft underlayer for L1(0) FePt based perpendicular recording media
1Data Storage Institute, A *STAR (Agency for Science Technology and Research), 5, Engineering Drive 1 (off Kent Ridge Crescent, NUS) 117608, Singapore.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|April 1, 2011
Summary
This study investigates FeTaC magnetic soft underlayers for perpendicular recording media. Elevated temperatures improve saturation moment but reduce coercivity, with plasma etching refining surface roughness and influencing magnetic properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Magnetism
Background:
- Perpendicular recording media require stable soft underlayers for high-density data storage.
- FePt-based media necessitate precise control over underlayer properties for optimal performance.
- Elevated temperature processing is common but can affect material microstructure and magnetic characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of elevated temperature annealing on FeTaC magnetic soft underlayers.
- To analyze the microstructural evolution and magnetic property changes of FeTaC.
- To evaluate the impact of RF plasma etching on surface roughness and subsequent layer development.
Main Methods:
- Annealing of FeTaC underlayers at 350°C for 40 minutes.
- Characterization of magnetic properties, including saturation moment, coercivity, and remanent moment.
- Microstructural analysis using electron microscopy to observe nanocrystal formation and amorphous matrix.
- Radio Frequency (RF) plasma etching to reduce surface roughness and develop CrRu layers.
- Elemental composition analysis to understand diffusion and etching effects.
Main Results:
- Annealing FeTaC at 350°C for 40 min increased saturation moment to 750 emu/cm³.
- Coercivity and remanent moment decreased to 2.3 Oe and 166 emu/cm³, respectively.
- Microstructure revealed Fe nanocrystals in an amorphous matrix after annealing.
- RF plasma etching reduced FeTaC surface roughness, enabling (200)-oriented CrRu growth.
- Carbon diffusion and preferential etching altered elemental composition, impacting magnetic properties.
Conclusions:
- Elevated temperature annealing of FeTaC significantly alters its magnetic and microstructural properties.
- RF plasma etching is effective in reducing surface roughness and promoting desired CrRu layer orientation.
- Elemental diffusion and preferential etching play crucial roles in the final magnetic performance of the FePt-based media.
