Magnetic recording media with oxidized seedlayer for reduced grain size and reduced grain size distribution

摘要

High areal recording density magnetic recording media with improved signal-to-noise ratio and high thermal stability are formed using oxidized seedlayers to reduce the magnetic grain size and grain size distribution. Embodiments include sputter depositing a NiAl or NiP seedlayer doped with an element having a higher oxidization potential than NiAl or NiP, such as Co or Ti, and oxidizing so that the oxidized dopant element is distributed substantially uniformly throughout the seedlayer to provide increased nucleation sites.