THE CONTROL OF MICROSTRUCTURAL FEATURES OF THIN-FILMS FOR MAGNETIC RECORDING

Extrinsic magnetic properties play a major role in determining the per formance 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 v arious ways that the crystallographic texture of thin films can be con trolled We begin with a discussion of the origin of crystallographic t exture of underlayers. Next, the origin of crystallographic texture of magnetic thin films by means of epitaxy with the underlayer is discus sed. The control of other microstructural features such as grain size and perfection by means of underlayers and interlayers is briefly intr oduced. Examples from recent research are included.