Discrete track media with a capped media structure having high moment and exchange

A recording medium for perpendicular recording applications, comprising:

• a magnetic recording layer comprising CoPtCrTaO, the magnetic recording layer having a surface, an axis of magnetic anisotropy substantially perpendicular to the surface, and a thickness of 6 to 18 nm;
• a cap layer comprising CoCr and ferromagnetically exchange coupled to the magnetic recording layer, the cap layer having a thickness of no more than 14 nm;
• an exchange coupling layer comprising RuCrCo and located between the magnetic recording layer and the cap layer, the exchange coupling layer regulating the ferromagnetic exchange coupling between the magnetic recording layer and the cap layer, the exchange coupling layer having a thickness of about 0.2 to 3 angstroms;
• and
• the magnetic recording layer, cap layer and exchange coupling layer form a discrete track media pattern where exchange interaction between adjacent tracks thereof is suppressed.

A recording medium for perpendicular recording applications, comprising:

• a magnetic recording layer comprising CoPtCrO and having a surface and an axis of magnetic anisotropy substantially perpendicular to the surface;
• a first exchange coupling layer formed on the magnetic recording layer;
• a high moment cap layer of CoPtCr formed on the first exchange coupling layer, and ferromagnetically exchange coupled to the magnetic recording layer;
• a second exchange coupling layer formed on the high moment cap layer;
• a low moment cap layer of CoPtCrB formed on the second exchange coupling layer, the exchange coupling layers regulating the ferromagnetic exchange coupling between the magnetic recording layer and the cap layers;
• and
• the magnetic recording layer, cap layers and exchange coupling layers form a discrete track media where exchange interaction between adjacent tracks thereof is suppressed.

A method of forming a weak-link media structure, comprising:

• (a) providing a media structure having a magnetic recording layer, a cap layer and a thin interlayer boundary region between the magnetic recording layer and the cap layer;
• (b) configuring the thin interlayer boundary region without an exchange coupling layer;
• and
• (c) mediating interlayer exchange coupling between the magnetic recording and cap layers by varying a composition of a magnetic alloy in the thin interlayer boundary region.