Ultra-thin Metal Evaporated Tape Media for 1TByte/in^3 in Helical Scanning Systems

Abstract

We have demonstrated a 1TByte/in^3 volumetric recording density using MR head, ultra-thin metal evaporated tapes with diamond like carbon protective layer and thin aramid base film in helical scanning system. By changing the amount of oxygen during evaporation, and thickness of the magnetic layer to obtain a low noise media, we found taht ME tapes consist of very fine ferromagnetic α-Co grain and Co-O grain, we confirmed that they show good thermal stability. Furthermore by controlling the surface asperity of the aramid base film, we have been able to decrease head wear. Ultra thin ME tapes are suitable media for high sensitivity heads such as MR heads.