AFC media magnetometry

Summary form only given. The use of an anti-ferromagnetically coupled (AFC) structure has become a technique to stabilize conventional longitudinal media, which has the promises to extend the "superparamagnetic limit" of longitudinal media design. The AFC media structure tested consisted of a thick top magnetic layer, a Ru layer for anti-ferromagnetic coupling, and a thin bottom-stabilizing layer. Close inspection of the minor loop yielded the layers\´ exchange field, which was defined as the shift of the center of the minor loop. Time dependent H/sub cr/ tests on the coupled structure with both top magnetic and bottom stabilizing layers were performed to determine overall thermal stability. Time dependent H/sub cr/ tests of the bottom layer were performed to determine the available stability from the bottom layer alone.