Discrete Track Media

Abstract

A method of fabricating a discrete track magnetic recording media. A base layer is provided onto which repeating and alternating magnetic layer and non-magnetic layers are deposited. The thickness of the magnetic layer corresponds to the width of the track of the recording media. A cylindrical rod can be used as the base layer, such that the alternating magnetic and non-magnetic layers spiraling or concentric layers around the rod. The resulting media layer can be cut or sliced into individual magnetic media or used to imprint other media discs with the discrete pattern of the media layer.

1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a base layer of a magnetic recording medium having a plurality of tracks, each track having a track width;   a plurality of magnetic layers; and   a plurality of non-magnetic layers interposed between the plurality of magnetic layers;   wherein the magnetic recording medium includes a first surface exposing the plurality of magnetic layers and the interposed plurality of non-magnetic layers, and a thickness of each of the magnetic layers corresponds to the track width of the magnetic recording medium.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of magnetic layers comprises a sputtered magnetic film. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base layer comprises a cylindrical base layer, and each of the plurality of magnetic layers and each of the plurality of non-magnetic layers forms a cylindrical layer around the base layer. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the plurality of magnetic layers has a magnetic anisotropy substantially parallel to a cylindrical axis of the base layer. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base layer comprises a material amenable to selective etching. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a soft underlayer comprising a permeable material on a surface of the magnetic recording medium. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic layers comprise CoPt. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the non-magnetic layers comprise alumina. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic recording medium includes a cylindrical drive, and each of the plurality of magnetic layers and each of the plurality of non-magnetic layers form a substantially planar circular layer.