Seed layer control for tilted magnetic recording media

Theoretical predictions have suggested that tilted magnetic recording may be a way to push recording densities higher than longitudinal and perpendicular recording schemes. However, a method of fabricating such a magnetic recording media has been lacking. In this letter we show that tilted magnetocrystalline anisotropy can be induced in a magnetic layer by using seed layers that were deposited by oblique physical vapor deposition while the magnetic layer is deposited normally. If thermally stable smaller grains, control of exchange, and decreased dispersions can be further realized then this type of fabrication can help realized achieve the predicted potential of tilted media. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.