US 6,324,131 B1 · Low glide magneto-optical recording medium

Abstract

Low glide magneto-optical (LGMO) information storage and retrieval media having improved tribological properties when used in ultra-high density storage/retrieval devices employing very small head flying heights on the order of less than about 1 microinch are formed in a front surface magneto-optical (FSMO) configuration utilizing a substrate having a highly polished surface, on which a layer stack comprising a rare earth-transition metal thermo-magnetic (RE-TM) magneto-optical (MO) layer is formed. Enhanced wear and abrasion resistance is provided by an ultra-thin, protective flash layer overcoat (FLO)/lubricant topcoat layer system on the media surface. Embodiments of the present invention include forming the FLO layer of an amorphous, abrasion-resistant, diamond-like, carbon-based material selected from CNx, CHx, and CNxHy, and providing the lubricant topcoat on the FLO layer as an about 15-25 Å thick layer of a fluoropolyether or perfluoropolyether material, the surface of which is subjected to post-deposition buffing and tape-wiping for enhancing low glide performance.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A low glide magneto-optical (LGMO) recording/data storage and retrieval medium, comprising:

(a) a substrate having at least one polished major surface;
said medium further comprising at least one stack of layers, including, in sequence from said at least one polished major surface of said substrate:
(b) a heat sinking and reflective layer;
(c) a first dielectric layer comprising a material which is substantially transparent to the wavelength(s) of at least one laser beam used for writing and reading-out information stored in said medium;
(d) a magneto-optical (MO) read-write layer;
(e) a second dielectric layer comprising a material which is substantially transparent to the wavelength(s) of the at least one laser beam used for writing and reading-out information stored in said medium;
(f) a thin, amorphous, abrasion-resistant, diamond-like, carbon-based protective flash layer overcoat (FLO) over said second transparent dielectric layer, said FLO layer being substantially transparent to the wavelength(s) of the at least one laser beam used for writing and reading-out information stored in said medium;
and
(g) a thin lubricant topcoat layer on said FLO layer;
wherein said LGMO medium is capable of functioning with a flying head at a fly height of less than about 1 microinch.

7 more elements

A low glide magneto-optical (LGMO) recording/data storage and retrieval medium, comprising:

(a) a substrate having at least one polished major surface having a surface roughness Ra of from about 3 Å to about 7 Å;
said medium further comprising at least one stack of layers, including, in sequence from said at least one polished major surface of said substrate:
(b) a heat sinking and reflective layer;
(c) a first dielectric layer comprising a material which is substantially transparent to the wavelength(s) of at least one laser beam used for writing and reading-out information stored in said medium;
(d) a magneto-optical (MO) read-write layer,
(e) a second dielectric layer comprising a material which is substantially transparent to the wavelength(s) of the at least one laser beam used for writing and reading-out information stored in said medium;
(f) a thin, amorphous, abrasion-resistant, diamond-like, carbon-based protective flash layer overcoat (FLO) over said second transparent dielectric layer, said FlO layer being substantially transparent to the wavelength(s) of the at least one laser beam used for writing and reading-out information stored in said medium;
and
(g) a thin lubricant topcoat layer on said FLO layer, said thin lubricant topcoat layer comprising a fluoropolyether polymer material or a perfluoropolyether polymer material, the exposed surface of said lubricant topcoat layer being buffed by tape burnishing and then tape-wiped for improving low glide performance, said LGMO medium being capable of functioning with a flying head at a fly height of less than about 1 μ in.

6 more elements

A method of operating a low glide magneto-optical (LGMO) disk-based data/information storage and retrieval system, comprising:

providing an LGMO disk having at least one planar major surface;
rotating said LGMO disk about a central axis perpendicular to said at least one planar major surface;
and
positioning a flying head slider proximate said at least one planar major surface of said disk at a fly height less than about 1 μ in. above said surface.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Low glide magneto-optical recording medium

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Low glide magneto-optical recording medium

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20