Abstract:
Methods are provided for producing L1ordered FePt or FePtX (where X=C, Cr, Zr, Cu, Ta, SiO, MgO, AlO, BOor B) thin film with (001) orientation for use in perpendicular magnetic recording media. The methods use strain-induced phase transformation from FCC to FCT. A chromium alloy (CrA) underlayer, where A=Ru, Mo, Mn, W, Ti, Zr or V with (002) preferred orientation is deposited first on any of a variety of disk substrates such as NiP-coated AlMg, glass, glass-ceramic, or glassy carbon. A seed layer such as Ta, NiAl, or C is preferably pre-deposited on the disk substrate. An intermediate layer is deposited on the CrA underlayer to decrease the thickness of an initial growth layer before a FePt or a FePtX film with a (001) texture is deposited on the intermediate layer. These methods produce thin films particularly suitable for recording media with ultrahigh recording densities.