James E. Opfer

Thin film magnetic recording media

The continuing and very rapid growth in storage capacity in computer disk drives is dependent on many factors, including continuing developments of the thin film magnetic recording medium. Following a very brief description of a disk drive this review considers the various layers that make up the disk drive coating, with particular emphasis on the magnetic properties and microstructure of the storage layer. It also outlines techniques used to fabricate and magnetically characterize disks and concludes with current ideas for future development of the technology.