Flyable media for slider based ultra-high density optical recording

An overview of the research project ´flyable media for slider based ultra-high density optical recording´ (FAMOUS) in the European Union´s Framework Programme 5 is presented. The project aims to investigate the potential of slider technology for use in optical data storage on removable plastic media. The investigations performed in this joint research effort focus on the manufacturing of flat plastic media, sliders for optical data storage in the optical far-field and near-field regime, protective coatings, and flyability testing. The flying heads developed in this project take advantage of glass patterning for the air bearing surface generation. Glass slider prototypes were produced and evaluated, yielding a head-to-disk spacing within the desired range of 500-700 nm. To improve the flatness and roughness of injection moulded plastic media the Ni electroplating technology for stamper production was improved to yield a roughness below 3 nm. The coatings used to protect disks and heads from damage consist of amorphous diamond-like carbon (DLC). First investigations on DLC deposition showed the potential to achieve a bandgap in the order of 3 eV, as is required for blue laser optical recording technology.