Application-oriented book on magnetic recording, focussing on the underlying physical mechanisms that play crucial roles in medium and transducer development for high areal density disk drives.

Today magnetic recording is still the leading technology for mass data storage. Its dominant role is being reinforced by the success of cloud computing, which requires storing and managing huge amounts of data on a multitude of servers. Nonetheless, the hard-disk storage industry is presently at a crossroads as the current magnetic recording techno

High density digital magnetic and magneto-optical storage devices are widely used in audio, video, and data processing information technology, as well as in CAD/CAM computer systems. These widespread uses generate a continually increasing demand for both increased information storage densities and capacities, and for reduced access times. Hence, the materials engineering of high density storage media, with a high signal to noise ratio, and the associated design of sophisticated read and write heads, form the basis of major technological research. This research is especially complex because, ideally, the recorded information should be both erasable and, at the same time, secure and accessible over periods of many decades. As a result, research on these complex problems requires a multidisciplinary approach which utilizes the expertise in such widely differing fields as organic, inorganic, and solid state chemistry, metallurgy, solid state physics, electrical and mechanical engineering, and systems analysis. Often, further research specialization is necessary in each of these different disciplines. For instance, solid state physics and chemistry address the problems of crystallographic structure and phase diagram determination, magnetism, and optics, but more advanced research methods, such as high resolution electron microscopy and electronic band structure calculations, are necessary to understand the microstructure of particulate recording media or the electronic spectra of magneto-optical recording media.

The explosive increase in information and the miniaturization of electronic devices demand new recording technologies and materials that combine high density, fast response, long retention time and rewriting capability. As predicted, the current silicon-based computer circuits are reaching their physical limits. Further miniaturization of the electronic components and increase in data storage density are vital for the next generation of IT equipment such as ultra high-speed mobile computing, communication devices and sophisticated sensors. This original book presents a comprehensive introduction to the significant research achievements on high-density data storage from the aspects of recording mechanisms, materials and fabrication technologies, which are promising for overcoming the physical limits of current data storage systems. The book serves as an useful guide for the development of optimized materials, technologies and device structures for future information storage, and will lead readers to the fascinating world of information technology in the future.

This book deals with many aspects of high density digital recording. It begins with very basic concepts in magnetism and magneto-optics, then continues with the synthesis and physical properties of recording media, thin films and particulate media. More technological aspects of recording heads and their contact with the recording media are also discussed in subsequent chapters. The second part of the book is devoted to the magneto-optical properties of various recording media and to the engineering of magneto-optical recording.

An important resource for students, engineers and researchers working in the area of thin film deposition using physical vapor deposition (e.g. sputtering) for semiconductor, liquid crystal displays, high density recording media and photovoltaic device (e.g. thin film solar cell) manufacturing. This book also reviews microelectronics industry topics such as history of inventions and technology trends, recent developments in sputtering technologies, manufacturing steps that require sputtering of thin films, the properties of thin films and the role of sputtering target performance on overall productivity of various processes. Two unique chapters of this book deal with productivity and troubleshooting issues. The content of the book has been divided into two sections: (a) the first section (Chapter 1 to Chapter 3) has been prepared for the readers from a range of disciplines (e.g. electrical, chemical, chemistry, physics) trying to get an insight into use of sputtered films in various devices (e.g. semiconductor, display, photovoltaic, data storage), basic of sputtering and performance of sputtering target in relation to productivity, and (b) the second section (Chapter 4 to Chapter 8) has been prepared for readers who already have background knowledge of sputter deposition of thin films, materials science principles and interested in the details of sputtering target manufacturing methods, sputtering behavior and thin film properties specific to semiconductor, liquid crystal display, photovoltaic and magnetic data storage applications. In Chapters 5 to 8, a general structure has been used, i.e. a description of the applications of sputtered thin films, sputtering target manufacturing methods (including flow charts), sputtering behavior of targets (e.g. current - voltage relationship, deposition rate) and thin film properties (e.g. microstructure, stresses, electrical properties, in-film particles). While discussing these topics, attempts have been made to include examples from the actual commercial processes to highlight the increased complexity of the commercial processes with the growth of advanced technologies. In addition to personnel working in industry setting, university researchers with advanced knowledge of sputtering would also find discussion of such topics (e.g. attributes of target design, chamber design, target microstructure, sputter surface characteristics, various troubleshooting issues) useful. . Unique coverage of sputtering target manufacturing methods in the light of semiconductor, displays, data storage and photovoltaic industry requirements Practical information on technology trends, role of sputtering and major OEMs Discussion on properties of a wide variety of thin films which include silicides, conductors, diffusion barriers, transparent conducting oxides, magnetic films etc. Practical case-studies on target performance and troubleshooting Essential technological information for students, engineers and scientists working in the semiconductor, display, data storage and photovoltaic industry