Processing and characterization of barium ferrite thin films for media storage

Abstract

Barium ferrite (BaM) has been viewed as a potential candidate for high density hard disk medium. The material possesses high coercivity (Hc), squareness (5) values and high chemical stability. The magnetic properties of BaM film are dependent on its stoichiometry, orientation and microstructures. Processing methods and control in process parameters play an important role in determining the film properties. In this project, two ways of forming magnetic coating were explored; glass-ceramics route and sputtering.