Magnetic recording on magneto-optical media using merge type giant magneto-resistive head

TbFeCo media for perpendicular magnetic recording were developed by employi ng a NiP underlayer that controls the magnetic properties of a TbFeCo magne tic layer. Dynamic write-read characteristics were examined using a convent ional merge-type giant magneto-resistive (GMR) head originally designed for longitudinal magnetic recording. A clear magnetic transition of 450 kFCI ( kilo Flux Change per Inch), a high media signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and a cceptable overwrite properties were obtained by optimizing the magnetic pro perties of TbFeCo films. The thermal stability of a written bit in TbFeCo f ilm is sufficient for practical application.