Micromagnetic understanding of antiferromagnetically coupled media

Micromagnetic simulations have been conducted to analyze the recording perf ormance of longitudinal thin Him media with antiferromagnetically coupled u nderlayers, based on calculated hysteresis loops, cross track correlation f unctions and overwrite. It is found that, the design and control of magneti c anisotropy, interlayer exchange coupling and magnetic layer thickness are quintessential to warrant successful recording. A comparison to single lay er conventional medium with the same remnant magnetization and thickness pr oduct revealed that, aside from apparent enhanced thermal stability, antife rromagnetically coupled media could have comparable, or even improved recor ding performance at high recording densities.