CoPt/Ag(Cu) nanocomposite films for ultra-high density perpendicular magnetic recording media

CoPt/Ag nanocomposite films have been prepared by magnetron sputtering and subsequent annealing. The effect of Ag on the structure and magnetic properties of CoPt/Ag nanocomposite films was investigated. It was found that the existence of the Ag plays a dominant role ill inducing the (001) texture of the film. (001) textured CoPt/Ag nanocomposite films with a large perpendicular coercivity in the range of 5.6-7.0 kOe have been achieved after annealing at 600 degrees C. The Cu additive is very effective to reduce the ordering temperature in CoPtAg system. With Cu additive, the CoPtCuAg films start ordering at a lower annealing temperature of 450 degrees C, which is lower by 150 degrees C than the pure CoPtAg films. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.