The control of microstructural features of thin films for magnetic recording

Extrinsic magnetic properties play a major role in determining the performance of magnetic thin films used as magnetic recording media. These extrinsic properties are the ones which are largely determined by the microstructure of the thin magnetic films. In this paper we discuss various ways that the crystallographic texture of thin films can be controlled. We begin with a discussion of the origin of crystallographic texture of underlayers. Next, the origin of crystallographic texture of magnetic thin films by means of epitaxy with the underlayer is discussed. The control of other microstructural features such as grain size and perfection by means of underlayers and interlayers is briefly introduced. Examples from recent research are included.