Glassy alloy composites for information technology applications

Abstract With the aim of developing a novel preparation process for bit-patterned-media, nano-patterned glassy alloy composite composed of zero-magneto-striction Co–Fe–B amorphous alloy thin film, Pd–Cu–Ni–P glassy alloy and Co/Pd multi-layer with perpendicular magnetization was prepared. Using the commercial imprinting mold, periodic nano hole array with a hole diameter of 90 nm and a pitch of 180 nm was successfully prepared on the surface of Pd-based glassy alloy thin film. By overlaying the Co/Pd multi-layer with perpendicular magnetization and surface polishing, isolated Co/Pd magnetic dots embedded into nano hole array can be obtained. These magnetic dots act as single magnetic domains. In addition, the change in magnetization direction was confirmed under magnetic fields of ±20 kOe. These results suggest that the glassy alloy nano-composite is suitable for BPM of high data density HDD. It is therefore concluded that the preparation method is candidate process for the preparation of BPM of high data density HDD.