Surface modification of magnetic recording media by filtered cathodic vacuum arc

Surface modification of a magnetic recording medium was accomplished by filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA). The carbon overcoat of thin-film disks was removed by Ar+ ion sputter etching in vacuum to prevent oxidation of the exposed magnetic medium, which was then modified by FCVA carbon plasma under conditions of zero and -100 V pulsed substrate bias. Monte Carlo simulations performed with the T-DYN code, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface force microscopy (SFM) provided insight into carbon implantation profiles, surface chemical composition, roughness, and nanomechanical properties of the surface-treated magnetic medium. The dependence of surface modification on the FCVA treatment conditions is discussed in the context of T-DYN, XPS, AFM, and SFM results. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of FCVA to provide overcoat-free magnetic recording media exhibiting oxidation resistance and enhanced nanomechanical properties.