Nanocluster deposition for high density magnetic recording tape media

A technique for the fabrication of ultra-high density magnetic recording tape media with no risk of heating polymer substrate is reported. In this approach magnetic nanoparticles were generated by combining gas-phase nanocluster deposition and on-line heating techniques and deposited onto polymer substrate. Magnetic properties of the nanoparticles were optimized during their flight in vacuum prior to deposition. This technique is materials independent and it can fabricate nanocomposite films with high coercivity and very small film thickness. The fabricated magnetic nanoparticles have a uniform size distribution [for CoPt, 8.4% (standard deviation)] and well-defined spherical shape. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.