Laser−assisted magnetic recording technologies

Abstract

A laser−assisted magnetic recording is a promising technology for achieving a higher area density. This new method has the following capabilities: 1) recording on a high anisotropy media with thermal assistance; 2) detection of leakage flux from a recording media; and 3) the use of a laser spot as a thermal source. We have confirmed that the laser−assisted magnetic recording offers the possibility of high area density recording, and that an Al underlayer plays a very important role in recording small bits on a TbFeCo film.