Surface and cross sectional nano-structure of prototype BPM prepared using imprinted glassy alloy thin film

In order to clarify detailed surface morphologies and cross sectional nano-structures of novel prototype bit-patterned-medias using nano-imprinted glassy alloy thin films, observations using scanning and transmission electron microscopes were carried out. By employing a focused ion beam milling with an extra low energy, the delicate and fragile structures of samples were successfully maintained and protected during sample preparations. The sequential observations of the preparation process reveal that Co/Pd multilayer is embedded into the imprinted glassy alloy thin film nano hole array with a hole diameter of 30 nm, and the embedded Co/Pd multilayer as acting magnetic recording dots is isolated each other. Using the obtained results, technological and productive feasibility of the prototype BPM as a next generation HDD with a data density above 2 Tbit/inch2 is also discussed.