Determination of switching field distributions for perpendicular recording media

We present a novel experimental method to determine the switching field distribution in perpendicular thin-film magnetic recording media. The method assumes a constant demagnetization factor independent of the magnetic state during switching and a log-normal switching field distribution. The new technique allows a deconvolution of the effects of the switching field distribution and demagnetization, which is important for the development of low-noise perpendicular magnetic recording media. Results are discussed for a series of recoil loop measurements for a perpendicular CoCrPt alloy medium.