Ultrathin carbon coatings for magnetic storage technology

The production of protective carbon coatings for magnetic storage densities up to 1 Tbit/in² is discussed. The need for a continuous coating is described in terms of its surface roughness. This is achievable for depositions with ion energies of 30 eV or over. Characterisation methods such as X-ray reflectivity, photoemission and Raman are described.