Low-noise CoCrPt/FeTaC double-layered perpendicular media with NiTaZr intermediate layer

The effects of a non-magnetic NiTaZr intermediate layer between a CoCrPt re cording layer and an FeTaC soft-magnetic underlayer on magnetic and noise p roperties have been investigated. Introducing a 2-nm-thick NiTaZr layer sig nificantly increased perpendicular coercivity H, and squareness SQ due to t he enhanced c-axis vertical orientation of the CoCrPt layer. A medium with a NiTaZr intermediate layer had lower noise properties than the one with a conventional TiCr intermediate layer, apparently due to the improved initia l growth of the CoCrPt layer. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights res erved.