Patterned media with composite structure for writability at high areal recording density

Writability in bit-patterned media (BPM) is a critical issue for high areal densities. In this study, magnetization reversal for multilayer of (Co/Pd) nanodots was investigated using magnetic force microscopy. We observed an increase of more than 15 times in switching field (Hsw) in BPM over that of continuous films. An exchange coupled structure made of a thin Co layer with in-plane magnetization and high perpendicular anisotropy layer of (Co/Pd) multilayer to reduce the switching field is proposed. When the Co layer is thinner than 2 nm, its magnetization is aligned perpendicular to the film plane due to the exchange coupling with the 15 nm thick (Co/Pd) multilayer. The thin Co layer helps in reducing the Hsw of (Co/Pd) by almost 50% and also its distribution by 57% as measured from remanence magnetization.