Magnetic recording medium with high areal recording density and magnetic recording apparatus

摘要

A magnetic recording medium for attaining high areal recording density and a magnetic recording apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, a magnetic recording medium is provided which includes underlayers, a first magnetic layer, a first intermediate layer, a second magnetic layer, a second intermediate layer, a third magnetic layer, a protective layer and a lubricant layer formed in sequence on a substrate. The first magnetic layer comprises a cobalt-based alloy, and the second magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer each comprises a Co-based alloy containing platinum, chromium and boron. The concentration of chromium contained in the third magnetic layer is less than that in the second magnetic layer, the concentration of chromium contained in the third magnetic layer is about 15 at. % or less, and the first intermediate layer comprises ruthenium or an alloy having ruthenium as a main ingredient.