Magnetic Properties and Switching Field Control of Antiferromagnetically Coupled Recording Media

Recently proposed antiferromagnetic-coupled (AFC) media is studied in detail. The parameters, which control the switching field of the stabilizing layer and hence, the [M.sub.r][Delta] reduction are understood by theory and experiment. It was observed that the switching field of the stabilizing layer could be controlled by experimental parameters to be on either side of remanence. [M.sub.r][Delta] reduction could be achieved by a reduction of anisotropy constant, thickness or magnetization of the stabilizing layer. The coercivity and thermal stability of the AFC media is larger than that of a single magnetic layer. Index Terms--Anisotropy, antiferromagnetic coupling, magnetic recording, recording media, thermal stability.