FePt perpendicular recording media with Ag layer inserted

Samples with the structure of FePt(5 nm)/Ag(t nm)/FePt(5 nm) were deposited on Pt(4 nm)/Cr₉₀Ru₁₀(30 nm) underlayers. The inserted Ag thickness t varied in the range of 0 ∼ 2 nm. The substrates were preheated to 350°C prior to deposition and this temperature was maintained during deposition. The chamber base pressure was better than 3×10^-8 Torr. All the samples showed perpendicular texture and magnetic anisotropy. The coercivity increased with increasing Ag thickness and the curve slope at the coercive field was decreased, indicating the decrease of magnetic exchange coupling.