Surface modification of magnetic recording media by filtered cathodic vacuum arc

Surface modification of a magnetic recording medium was accomplished by filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA). The carbon overcoat of thin-film disks was removed by Ar+ ion sputter etching ill vacuum to prevent oxidation of the exposed magnetic medium. which was then modified by FCVA carbon plasma under conditions of zero and -100 V pulsed Substrate bias. Monte Carlo simulations performed with the T-DYN code, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM). and Surface force microscopy (SFM) provided insight into carbon implantation profiles, Surface chemical composition, roughness, and nanomechanical properties of the surface-treated magnetic medium. The dependence Of surface modification oil the FCVA treatment conditions is discussed in the Context Of T-DYN. XPS. AFM. and SFM results. The findings of this Study demonstrate the potential of FCVA to provide overcoat-free magnetic recording media exhibiting oxidation resistance and enhanced nanomechanical properties. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics [doi-10.1063/1.3245399]