An overview of the benefits and challenges of discrete track recording media

Discrete track recording (DTR) media provides the potential for improving recording performance due to the inherent inter-track isolation that it provides which can result in improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Various methods for producing DTR media have been studied by many different researchers over time. Most recently processes employing nano-imprint lithography (NIL) techniques to pattern either the substrate of the medium or the sputtered magnetic layer of the medium have been investigated. NIL may provide a cost-effective manufacturing process for patterning the large area of a disk surface with feature sizes needed to match the expected areal density growth over the next few years. In this paper, a NIL process for patterning a land-and-groove structure into a substrate is highlighted. In order to minimize the manufacturing cost for a DTR medium, authors have investigated sputtering standard films that are typically used for unpatterned media directly onto the patterned substrate leaving an uneven surface made up of lands and grooves.