Low-noise CoCrPt/FeTaC double-layered perpendicular media with NiTaZr intermediate layer

The effects of a non-magnetic NiTaZr intermediate layer between a CoCrPt recording layer and an FeTaC soft-magnetic underlayer on magnetic and noise properties have been investigated. Introducing a 2-nm-thick NiTaZr layer significantly increased perpendicular coercivity Hc and squareness SQ due to the enhanced c-axis vertical orientation of the CoCrPt layer. A medium with a NiTaZr intermediate layer had lower noise properties than the one with a conventional TiCr intermediate layer, apparently due to the improved initial growth of the CoCrPt layer