Magnetic recording medium with protective barrier layer

摘要

A magnetic medium is formed with a barrier layer between the magnetic layer and protective overcoat to prevent degradation of magnetic properties during deposition of the protective overcoat due to poisoning effects by reactive gases on the magnetic layer. Embodiments include sputter depositing a Cr or Cr alloy barrier layer, having a thickness of about 5 Å to about 25 Å, on a magnetic layer and sputter depositing a protective overcoat containing carbon and nitrogen on the barrier layer in a nitrogen-containing environment.