HGST experts have found a way to double the density of magnetic recording

Attainment of that in the future could lead to a doubling of the density of magnetic recording, the company said HGST (previously - Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, and now - a division of Western Digital).

HGST Labs specialists managed to combine two innovative nanotechnology - self-assembly of molecules and nanopechatnuyu lithography - to create large areas of densely placed magnetic "islands" of a width of 10 nm (approximately 50 atoms). As stated in the press release published on this subject, HGST advances in lithography nanopechatnoy allowed to overcome the difficulties associated with trying to create similar structures using photolithography.

Photolithography, has long perfected semiconductor manufacturers, came to the door, when the sources of ultraviolet radiation are too complex and costly. As for nanopechatnoy lithography, the images formed by mechanical deformation of the resist stamp, not by changing its chemical structure by irradiation through a mask.

In the first phase HGST Labs scientists have used block copolymers, which are segments repel each other. Being deposited as a thin film on a properly prepared surface, due to the effect of self-assembly, they form the perfect rows. Polymer segment size determines the distance between the rows. When rows are arranged, through a process known in the semiconductor industry, in place of each of them formed two separate lines are thinner. This relief is the basis for the stamp, which deforms the resist layer to the subsequent etching them covered surface.

The main difficulty was due to the need laying copolymers concentric circles - as they should be arranged track on a magnetic disk. HGST is the first company, which unites the self-assembly of molecules, overlapping lines and nanopechatnuyu lithography for rectangular structures of 10 nm, arrayed in a circle.

The resulting carrier has a density of storage, double the figure of modern magnetic media. Laboratory tests have confirmed that it is great for writing, reading and storage.

Source: HGST