Microstructure evolution in FePt-Cr2O3 granular thin films

Increase in the FePt grain density is necessary to achieve an ultra-high recording density of the heat-assisted magnetic recording. Herein, the highest grain density in FePt-Cr2O3 granular thin films was obtained by uti-lizing a densified FePt nucleation layer. The reduced magnetic properties were attributed to the grain shape and effect of elemental diffusion at the FePt/Cr2O3 interface. The equilibrium shape of the FePt grains indicated that the solid-liquid interfacial energy in the FePt granular system is a key factor in controlling the microstructures.