Perpendicular Magnetic Recording Media

Recent developments in perpendicular magnetic recording media are summarized. The conditions for achieving perpendicular recording in a medium are discussed from the viewpoints of crystal structure and orientation, and the microstructure and magnetic properties of the medium. Co-Cr sputtered film, which comprises the mainstream of such media, is described in detail with respect to the above conditions. The reasons why Co-Cr media are preferable to other materials for use as perpendicular recording media are explained. Other candidate materials, as well as future problems related to perpendicular recording media, are also discussed.