JP2003059041A - Method for information signal transfer recording to magnetic recording medium, and master information carrier used for the same method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform continuous magnetic transfer recording to magnetic recording media which are carried in one after another with higher efficiency by a method for performing magnetic transfer recording of a digital information signal for preformatting to magnetic recording media by using a master information carrier. SOLUTION: As a master information carrier 3 on which a shape pattern corresponding to the digital information signal to be magnetically transferred and recorded to a magnetic recording medium 9, a master information carrier 3 is used which has a plurality of ferromagnetic thin-film pattern formation areas 2, etc., corresponding to information signals of the same specification arranged on the surface of the same nonmagnetic base 1. When the magnetic transfer recording to magnetic recording media is carried on one after another as many times as specified, the ferromagnetic thin-film pattern formation areas 2 on the master information carrier 3 are switched to carry out magnetic transfer recording to following magnetic recording media by using the same mater information carrier.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of recording and recording an information signal on a magnetic recording medium and a master information carrier used in the method. The master information carrier is one in which a shape pattern corresponding to an information signal to be magnetically transferred and recorded on a magnetic recording medium is formed on the surface of a non-magnetic substrate in the form of a ferromagnetic thin film.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus tends to have a high recording density, and is aimed at a small size and a large capacity. In the field of hard disk drives, which are typical magnetic recording / reproducing devices, the areal recording density is already 15 Gb.
Devices that exceed its / in ² (23.3 Mbits / mm ² ) have been commercialized, and the areal recording density will be 4 after several years.
It is recognized that the technological progress has been so rapid that it is expected that a device of 0 Gbits / in ² (36.0 Mbits / mm ² ) will be put to practical use. A master information carrier is one of the essential items for manufacturing such a high recording density magnetic recording medium.

The magnetic transfer recording of a digital information signal on a magnetic recording medium using the master information carrier which the applicant of the present invention has already proposed will be described below.

FIG. 7 shows an outline of the master information carrier. In the master information carrier 3, a pattern of a shape corresponding to a digital information signal, which is formed of a ferromagnetic thin film, that is, a formation region 2 of a ferromagnetic thin film pattern corresponding to an information signal, is arranged on the surface of the non-magnetic substrate 1.

An enlarged view of a portion A surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 7 is schematically shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the horizontal direction is the track direction (circumferential direction), and the vertical direction is the radial direction. As shown in this figure, as a digital information signal to be magnetically transferred and recorded on a magnetic recording medium, for example, a ferromagnetic thin film is formed at a position corresponding to preformat recording in a pattern shape corresponding to the information signal. The hatched portion is the ferromagnetic thin film. A tracking servo signal, a clock signal, and an address information signal are sequentially arranged along the track direction. The area surrounded by the dotted line is a data area where data is recorded in actual use.

As shown in FIG. 9, a magnetic recording medium (hard disk) 9 is held on the upper end of the disk holder 5.
The magnetic recording medium 9 is positioned by the chuck portion 5a. Next, the external leakage magnetic field causes the horizontal magnetization head 8 to be magnetized.
Is rotated in parallel with the magnetic recording medium 9 around the central axis of the magnetic recording medium 9 in a state in which is close to the magnetic recording medium 9. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the surface of the magnetic recording medium 9 is magnetized in one direction indicated by an arrow (initial magnetization).

Next, the process proceeds to the state shown in FIG. On the surface of the disc-shaped master information carrier 3, a ferromagnetic thin film pattern 2 corresponding to a digital information signal to be magnetically transferred to the magnetic recording medium 9 is formed.
Are formed.

The master information carrier 3 is superposed on the magnetic recording medium 9 while the surface of the master information carrier 3 on which the ferromagnetic thin film patterns 2 are present is in contact with the surface of the magnetic recording medium 9.

Next, the exhaust device 7 is started, and a space between the magnetic recording medium 9 and the master information carrier 3 is passed through the exhaust duct 6, the suction hole 5b of the disk holder 5 and the central hole 9a of the magnetic recording medium 9. Set to negative pressure. As a result, the master information carrier 3 is attracted in a direction approaching the magnetic recording medium 9, and the magnetic recording medium 9 is superposed on the master information carrier 3 in a positioned and closely attached state. At this time, there is a slight gap between the magnetic recording medium 9 and the master information carrier 3, and air is sucked from the outside through the gap as shown by the arrow.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the direction of the magnetic field by the magnetizing head 8 is set in the direction opposite to the initial magnetization, and the magnetic field is magnetized around the center of the magnetic recording medium 9 in parallel with the master information carrier 3. A DC exciting magnetic field is applied to the master information carrier 3 by rotating the head 8. Thereby, the ferromagnetic thin film pattern 2 corresponding to the information signal of the master information carrier 3 is formed.
A magnetic pattern corresponding to a digital information signal is transferred and recorded in a predetermined region 9b of the magnetic recording medium 9 shown in FIG. 13 by the magnetic field leaked from the magnetic parts to the magnetic recording medium 9 side between the magnetic parts. It The direction of the magnetic field of the magnetization pattern transferred and recorded on the magnetic recording medium 9 is opposite to that in FIG.

FIG. 14 shows a state of the above-mentioned magnetization processing.
In the state where the master information carrier 3 is in close contact with the magnetic recording medium 9, an external magnetic field H is applied to the master information carrier 3 to magnetize the ferromagnetic thin film 22 corresponding to the information signal, so that the ferromagnetic property of the magnetic recording medium 9 is reduced. An information signal is recorded on the magnetic recording layer 9c made of a thin film.

As described above, the digital information signal can be magnetically transferred and recorded on the magnetic recording medium by using the master information carrier in which the ferromagnetic thin film pattern corresponding to the information signal is formed on the non-magnetic substrate.

The above is the technical contents that the applicant has already proposed. In this case, the master information carrier 3 is 1
Magnetic transfer recording of a digital information signal is performed on one magnetic recording medium 9, and similar magnetic transfer recording is performed on the next magnetic recording medium 9 using the same master information carrier 3.
That is, the same master information carrier 3 is repeatedly used for a large number of magnetic recording media 9 carried in one after another.

In addition to the above, there is a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-269566 as a proposal related to the present applicant. This is to realize good adhesion by sucking air between the master information carrier and the magnetic recording medium under a negative pressure and by utilizing the pressure of the surrounding atmospheric pressure.

Also in the case of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-269566, two master information carriers for magnetically transferring and recording both front and back side digital information signals are opposed to one magnetic recording medium. There is. Two master information carriers are used, but they correspond to one and the same magnetic recording medium. Therefore, the two master information carriers are also repeatedly used for many magnetic recording media.

[0016]

In order to favorably perform magnetic transfer recording of digital information signals, it is necessary to realize good adhesion of the master information carrier to the magnetic recording medium. To that end, the master information carrier,
It must be used with its surface sufficiently clean.

Conventionally, as a measure to keep the surface of the master information carrier clean, the surface of the master information carrier is cleaned every predetermined number of times of transfer recording.

However, it is necessary to remove the master information carrier, clean it, and then restore it and assemble it again after each cleaning. In particular, the positioning (centering) with respect to the magnetic recording medium mounting portion has to be performed strictly each time it is assembled. This is just preparation for the processing of the magnetic transfer recording of the original digital information signal, but this preparation work takes a long time,
This is a cause of low productivity.

From the above viewpoint, it is an object of the present invention to improve the productivity of magnetic transfer recording of information signals on a magnetic recording medium by making it possible to extend the cycle of exchanging the master information carrier.

[0020]

The present invention solves the above problems by taking the following means.

The master information carrier is one in which the shape pattern of the digital information signal to be magnetically transferred to the magnetic recording medium is formed on the surface of the non-magnetic substrate with a ferromagnetic thin film. The master information carrier is superposed on the magnetic recording medium in a close contact state with the side of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern corresponding to the information signal facing the magnetic recording medium. Through the magnetization of the magnetic part in the ferromagnetic thin film pattern corresponding to the information signal, the information signal of the master information carrier is transferred and recorded as a magnetization pattern on the magnetic recording medium. Regarding the above-mentioned magnetization, the magnetization may be performed by applying an external magnetic field after the superposition, or may be pre-magnetized in the state of the master information carrier alone before the superposition. .

With respect to such a master information carrier, the present invention arranges a plurality of regions for forming ferromagnetic thin film patterns corresponding to information signals having the same specifications on the same non-magnetic substrate.

In summary, the master information carrier of the present invention is a master information carrier in which the pattern of the information signal to be magnetically transferred to the magnetic recording medium is formed on the surface of the non-magnetic substrate with the ferromagnetic thin film, and the same. It is characterized in that a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to information signals having the same specifications are arranged on a non-magnetic substrate.

In the invention of the above master information carrier,
In a preferred aspect, the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to the plurality of information signals have their centers arranged on a virtual circumference drawn on the surface of the non-magnetic substrate. The arrangement is more preferably equidistant in the circumferential direction (* 1).

Further, in another preferred aspect of the invention of the above master information carrier, the plurality of information signal-corresponding ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions are arranged at the center of the non-magnetic substrate. A ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to an information signal and two or more information signal corresponding ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions arranged at equal intervals from the central information signal corresponding ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region. It is composed of a combination. It is more preferable that the plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions in the peripheral portion are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (* 2).

In the method of transferring and recording the information signal on the magnetic recording medium by using the master information carrier having the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to the plurality of information signals as described above, the signals are sequentially supplied. For a plurality of magnetic recording media, the transfer recording process is sequentially performed on the magnetic recording medium by using a ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming area corresponding to one information signal on the master information carrier. When the number of times reaches a predetermined number, switching to a ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to another information signal on the same master information carrier,
Subsequently, transfer recording of information signals is sequentially performed on the magnetic recording medium. Even if the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming areas corresponding to the information signals are switched, the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming areas corresponding to the respective information signals have the same specifications on the same master information carrier, so that continuous magnetic recording media for successive magnetic recording media can be obtained. There is no problem in transfer recording. Whenever a predetermined number of transfer recording processes are performed using a ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming area corresponding to one information signal, the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming area corresponding to another information signal on the same master information carrier is switched.

In summary, the information signal transfer recording method for a magnetic recording medium according to the present invention comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to information signals of the same specifications to be magnetically transferred to the magnetic recording medium, and a ferromagnetic thin film. A method for transferring and recording an information signal on a magnetic recording medium using a master information carrier arranged on the surface of a non-magnetic substrate, the magnetic recording medium using a ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to a certain information signal. Each time the transfer recording process of (1) is performed a predetermined number of times, the state is switched to a state where another ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to the information signal is used.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention of the information signal transfer recording method described above, the switching of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to the plurality of information signals is performed by rotating the master information carrier around its center. Is to do. This is suitable when the master information carrier of the preferred mode (* 1) is used in which the centers of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to a plurality of information signals are arranged on the virtual circumference of the non-magnetic substrate. .

Further, in another aspect of the invention of the information signal transfer recording method, as another preferable mode, the switching of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to the plurality of information signals is performed by setting the master information carrier along the surface thereof. It is done by moving in parallel. This is because the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to one information signal at the center of the non-magnetic substrate and the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to the information signal at the center in the above-described preferred embodiment (* 2) are spaced at equal intervals. It is suitable when using a master information carrier having a ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to two or more information signals.

As described above, according to the present invention, when magnetic transfer recording of a digital information signal on a magnetic recording medium is completed a predetermined number of times using a ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to one information signal, Performing continuous transfer recording on a magnetic recording medium one after another by using a ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to another information signal on the same master information carrier without exchanging the master information carrier for cleaning. You can That is, by switching the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to a plurality of information signals on the same master information carrier, continuous transfer recording processing can be performed without exchanging the master information carrier. In this way, since the continuous performance of the transfer recording process is enhanced, the master information carrier exchange cycle can be lengthened and the disadvantages associated with the process interruption can be reduced. That is, it is possible to improve work efficiency and productivity.

In the above description, the "predetermined number of times of transfer recording processing" as a reference for switching the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to the information signal may be a fixed fixed number of times or may be changed according to conditions. May be

By the way, a master information carrier having a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming areas corresponding to a plurality of information signals having the same specifications is used to simultaneously transfer and record to a plurality of magnetic recording media. It is also possible. This does not switch the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to a plurality of information signals, but if the number of magnetic recording media to be processed is the same, the transfer recording process without replacing the master information carrier is performed. It will improve continuous performance. Therefore, similarly, it is possible to extend the exchange cycle of the master information carrier and reduce the disadvantages associated with the interruption of the processing. That is, it is possible to improve work efficiency and productivity.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Specific embodiments of a master information carrier and an information signal transfer recording method on a magnetic recording medium according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) In Embodiment 1, there is no ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming area corresponding to an information signal in the central portion, and a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming areas corresponding to an information signal are provided only in the peripheral portion. It is for the arranged master information carrier.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the master information carrier of the first embodiment. The master information carrier 3 is configured such that a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... Corresponding to information signals having the same specifications are arranged on the surface of a disk-shaped non-magnetic substrate 1. A plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 corresponding to information signals are arranged in a state where respective centers 2a are arranged on a virtual circumference 1b centered on the center 1a of the non-magnetic substrate 1. The plurality of information signal-corresponding ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2, ... Are equidistant in the circumferential direction on the virtual circumference 1b. In the illustrated example, the number of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 corresponding to the information signal is 4, and they are spaced at 90 degree intervals. Single non-magnetic substrate 1
A great difference from the prior art is that a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 having the same specifications corresponding to the information signals are arranged in. The ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2 corresponding to each information signal is in the form of a shape pattern of the ferromagnetic thin film, and is used to magnetically transfer and record a digital information signal on the magnetic recording medium 9 as a magnetization pattern. The size of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2 corresponding to the information signal is almost equal to the size of the magnetic recording medium 9.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of an apparatus (information signal magnetic transfer recording apparatus) for carrying out the information signal magnetic transfer recording method on the magnetic recording medium according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 5 is a disk holder, 5
a is a chuck portion, 5b is a suction hole, 6 is an exhaust duct, 7 is an exhaust device, 8 is a magnetizing head, 9 is a magnetic recording medium which is a hard disk, 9a is a central hole of the magnetic recording medium 9, and 4 is master information. It is a carrier holder.

The master information carrier 3 is held by the master information carrier holder 4. This holding is performed by a vacuum chuck. The master information carrier holder 4 is configured to be rotatable about its central axis 4a. The master information carrier holder 4 supports the master information carrier 3 having the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... Corresponding to four information signals shown in FIG. The ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... Corresponding to information signals are switched and used.

Next, the operation of the information signal magnetic transfer recording apparatus having the above structure will be described. In order to distinguish the ferromagnetic thin film pattern formation regions 2 ... Corresponding to the above four information signals, reference numerals 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D will be used for description.

With the master information carrier holder 4 raised together with the master information carrier 3 to secure a space, one magnetic recording medium 9 is held on the upper end of the disk holder 5, and magnetic recording is performed by the chuck portion 5a. Position the medium 9. Next, in a state where the magnetizing head 8 is brought close to the magnetic recording medium 9, it is rotated parallel to the magnetic recording medium 9 around the central axis of the disk holder 5, that is, the central axis of the magnetic recording medium 9. As a result, the surface of the magnetic recording medium 9 is magnetized in one direction indicated by an arrow (initial magnetization), as described with reference to FIG.

Next, by lowering the master information carrier holder 4 supporting the master information carrier 3, among the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... Corresponding to a plurality of information signals in the master information carrier 3. The ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2A corresponding to the first information signal is formed on the magnetic recording medium 9
The magnetic recording medium 9 and the magnetic recording medium 9 are superposed in close contact with each other.

Next, the exhaust device 7 is started, and the space between the magnetic recording medium 9 and the master information carrier 3 is passed through the exhaust duct 6, the suction hole 5b of the disk holder 5 and the central hole 9a of the magnetic recording medium 9. Set to negative pressure. As a result, the master information carrier 3 is attracted toward the magnetic recording medium 9, and the master information carrier 3 and the magnetic recording medium 9 are superposed in a close contact state with the magnetic recording medium 9 positioned. At this time, there is a slight gap between the magnetic recording medium 9 and the master information carrier 3, and air is sucked from the outside through the gap as shown by the arrow.

Then, as described with reference to FIG. 12, the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetizing head 8 is set in the direction opposite to the initial magnetization, and the magnetic field is centered around the magnetic recording medium 9 and parallel to the master information carrier 3. Then, by rotating the magnetizing head 8, a DC magnetic field is applied to the master information carrier 3. As a result, the magnetic portion of the ferromagnetic thin film in the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming area 2A corresponding to the information signal of the master information carrier 3 is magnetized, and the magnetic field leaking from between the magnetic portions to the magnetic recording medium 9 side causes a magnetic field in FIG. In the same manner as described above, the digital information signal is transferred and recorded as a magnetization pattern on the predetermined area 9b of the magnetic recording medium 9.

When the magnetic transfer recording of the digital information signal on one magnetic recording medium 9 is completed, the master information carrier holder 4 is raised and the processed magnetic recording medium 9 is taken out.

Using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2A corresponding to the first information signal used above, the same transfer recording process is performed on the magnetic recording medium 9 which is carried in next. When the transfer recording process using the same ferromagnetic information thin film pattern forming area 2A corresponding to the first information signal reaches a predetermined number of times, the master information carrier holder 4 is rotated 90 degrees about its central axis 4a, The ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2B corresponding to the second information signal is used.

Then, using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2B corresponding to the second information signal, similar transfer recording is performed a predetermined number of times. After that, the master information carrier 3 is rotated 90 degrees in the same direction again, and this time, the state is switched to the state where the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2C corresponding to the third information signal is used.

Then, the same transfer recording is performed a predetermined number of times by using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2C corresponding to the third information signal, and then the master information carrier 3 is rotated 90 degrees in the same direction again, and this time. Performs transfer recording for a predetermined number of times in the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2D corresponding to the fourth information signal.

After the transfer recording for the predetermined number of times in the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2D corresponding to the fourth information signal is completed, the master information carrier holder 4 to the master information carrier 3 are transferred.
Remove and wash. Immediately after removing the master information carrier 3 for cleaning, another master information carrier is set and the operation is continued. Wash in parallel.

Magnetic recording medium 9 and respective centers 2a of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 corresponding to individual information signals.
The alignment with the center of the can be said as follows. The relative positional relationship in the horizontal plane between the central axis of the disk holder 5 and the central axis 4a of the master information carrier holder 4 is fixedly determined. When setting the master information carrier 3 on the master information carrier holder 4, the centers of both are aligned. By doing so, the relative positional relationship between the plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... In the master information carrier 3 and the disk holder 5, and by extension, the magnetic recording medium 9 on the disk holder 5, is definite. Will be things. Therefore, even after the master information carrier 3 is rotated together with the master information carrier holder 4 for switching the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... The respective centers 2a of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... And the magnetic recording medium 9
There is no deviation from the center of.

As described above, when magnetic transfer recording of the digital information signal for a predetermined number of times in the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to one information signal is completed, the master information carrier is exchanged for cleaning or the like. However, continuous transfer recording can be performed successively without using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to different information signals on the same master information carrier.

(Second Embodiment) The second embodiment relates to a master information carrier in which a ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to an information signal is arranged not only in the peripheral portion but also in the central portion.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the master information carrier of the second embodiment. As in the case of the first embodiment, the center 1 of the non-magnetic substrate 1 is formed on the surface of the disk-shaped non-magnetic substrate 1.
On the virtual circumference 1b centered on a, the respective centers 2a ...
Are arranged, a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... Corresponding to information signals are arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction, and the nonmagnetic substrate 1 has its center 1a at its center 2a.
One ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming area 2 corresponding to an information signal is arranged in a state where a coincides with the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming area 2 corresponding to an information signal in the central portion and a ferromagnetic thin film corresponding to each information signal in the peripheral portion. The distances (radial distances) to the pattern forming regions 2 are equal to each other. In the illustrated example, the number of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 corresponding to the information signals in the peripheral portion is four, and there are a total of five ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 corresponding to the information signals. Ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2 corresponding to these five information signals
The specifications of ... are the same.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the schematic structure of an apparatus (information signal magnetic transfer recording apparatus) for carrying out the method of magnetic information recording recording on a magnetic recording medium according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The master information carrier holder 4 holding the master information carrier 3 is attached to an XY stage (not shown) so that the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 corresponding to five information signals can be switched and used, and a horizontal plane. It is configured to be movable in the X direction and the Y direction inside. Since other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment, the same parts are allotted with the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the information signal magnetic transfer recording apparatus configured as described above will be described. In order to distinguish the ferromagnetic thin film pattern formation regions 2 ... Corresponding to the above five information signals, reference numerals 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E will be used for description.

Similar to the case of the first embodiment, one magnetic recording medium 9 is held on the upper end portion of the disk holder 5, and the magnetic recording medium 9 is positioned by the chuck portion 5a.
Next, the magnetizing head 8 performs initial magnetization on the magnetic recording medium 9.

Next, magnetic recording is performed on the first information signal-corresponding ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming area 2E in the central portion of the plurality of information signal-corresponding ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming areas 2 on the master information carrier 3. The magnetic recording medium 9 is superposed on the magnetic recording medium 9 so as to be in close contact with the medium 9 (state indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 4).

Then, the exhaust device 7 is started to suck the master information carrier 3 and the magnetic recording medium 9 under a negative pressure to bring them into close contact with each other.

Next, the magnetizing head 8 is rotated in parallel with the master information carrier 3 to apply a DC exciting magnetic field to the master information carrier 3, whereby the digital information signal in the master information carrier 3 is applied to the magnetic recording medium 9. Magnetic transfer recording.

Using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2E corresponding to the first information signal used above, the same transfer recording process for the next magnetic recording medium 9 is performed. When the transfer recording process using the same ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2E corresponding to the first information signal reaches a predetermined number of times, the XY stage is driven to drive the master information carrier holder 4.
Is moved in parallel with the master information carrier 3 in the horizontal direction along the X direction, and switched to the state in which the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2A corresponding to the second information signal is used (state of solid line in FIG. 4).

Then, using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2A corresponding to the second information signal, similar transfer recording is performed a predetermined number of times. After that, the XY stage is driven again to move the master information carrier holder 4 and the master information carrier 3 in parallel in the horizontal plane along the X direction,
Next, the state is switched to the state in which the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2C corresponding to the third information signal is used.

Then, the same transfer recording is performed a predetermined number of times using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2C corresponding to the third information signal, and then the master information carrier holder 4 and the master information carrier 3 are again placed in the horizontal plane. Move in parallel with. After being moved to the center once along the X direction, it is moved along the Y direction, and this time, transfer recording is performed a predetermined number of times in the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2B corresponding to the fourth information signal.

Further, the same transfer recording is performed a predetermined number of times by using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2B corresponding to the fourth information signal, and then the master information carrier holder 4 together with the master information carrier holder 4 is again in a horizontal plane. Then, it is moved in parallel along the Y direction, and this time, transfer recording is performed a predetermined number of times in the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2D corresponding to the fifth information signal.

After the transfer recording for the predetermined number of times in the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region 2D corresponding to the fifth information signal is completed, the master information carrier holder 4 to the master information carrier 3 are transferred.
Remove and wash.

The respective centers 2a of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 corresponding to individual information signals and the magnetic recording medium 9 are formed.
The alignment with the center of the can be said as follows. The relative positional relationship in the horizontal plane between the central axis of the disk holder 5 and the central axis 4a of the master information carrier holder 4 at the home position and the distance for moving the master information carrier holder 4 in the XY directions are fixedly determined. Keep it. When setting the master information carrier 3 on the master information carrier holder 4, the centers of both are aligned. By doing so, the relative positional relationship between the plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... In the master information carrier 3 and the disk holder 5, and by extension, the magnetic recording medium 9 on the disk holder 5, is definite. Will be things. Therefore, after transferring and recording a predetermined number of times, the master information carrier holder 4 is used to switch the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ...
At the same time, even if the master information carrier 3 is translated in the horizontal plane, the centers 2a ... Of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... Corresponding to individual information signals do not deviate from the center of the magnetic recording medium 9.

As described above, when the magnetic transfer recording of the digital information signal for a predetermined number of times in the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to one information signal is completed, the master information carrier is exchanged for cleaning or the like. However, continuous transfer recording can be performed successively without using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to different information signals on the same master information carrier.

(Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, a master information carrier having ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to a plurality of information signals is used, and the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming corresponding to the plurality of information signals is formed. By using the areas simultaneously, magnetic transfer recording on a plurality of magnetic recording media is simultaneously performed.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the schematic structure of an apparatus (information signal magnetic transfer recording apparatus) for carrying out the information signal magnetic transfer recording method on a magnetic recording medium according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As the master information carrier 3, one shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 is used. Corresponding to having a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 ... Corresponding to a plurality of information signals, the same number of disk holders 5 are arranged. The number of exhaust devices 7 may be the same as that of the disk holders 5, but may be connected to a common single exhaust device 7 via exhaust ducts. Since other configurations are similar to those of the above-described second and third embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions and the description thereof will be omitted.

A magnetic recording medium 9 is held on each of a plurality of disk holders 5 and the magnetic recording medium 9 is initially magnetized by a magnetizing head 8. Each of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern formation regions 2 ... Corresponding to a plurality of information signals in the master information carrier 3 held by the master information carrier holder 4 is superposed on a plurality of magnetic recording media 9. A vacuum is drawn to bring the respective ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 of the master information carrier 3 into close contact with the magnetic recording medium 9, and then the magnetizing head 8 is used to form a ferromagnetic thin film corresponding to a digital information signal. Magnetization is performed and magnetic transfer recording of digital information signals is performed.

In this case, since a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions 2 are simultaneously used, it is possible to simultaneously apply digital information signals to a plurality of magnetic recording media 9 in one cycle.

In any of the above embodiments, as a method for transferring and recording the shape pattern of the ferromagnetic thin film corresponding to the digital information signal in the master information carrier 3 onto the magnetic recording medium 9 as the magnetization pattern, the master information carrier is used. An external magnetic field is applied while the magnetic recording medium 3 is in contact with the magnetic recording medium 9. However, in addition to this, even if the ferromagnetic thin film of the master information carrier 3 is magnetized in advance and the master information carrier 3 is brought into close contact with the magnetic recording medium 9 in that state, the digital information signal is magnetically transferred. It can be transferred and recorded.

For reference, a method of manufacturing the master information carrier will be described below.

FIG. 6 schematically shows steps of an example of a method for manufacturing the master information carrier.

First, as shown in FIG. 6A, a resist film 21 is applied on the surface of a planar non-magnetic substrate 20, and the resist film 21 is exposed and developed to form an uneven shape corresponding to a digital information signal. Pattern.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, a fine concavo-convex pattern is formed on the non-magnetic substrate 20 by a dry etching technique such as ion etching.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, the ferromagnetic thin film 22 is deposited by a vapor deposition method such as sputtering or vapor deposition, or a plating method.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9D, the residual resist film 21 and the unnecessary ferromagnetic thin film 22 deposited thereon are removed by a chemical treatment such as remover. A physical polishing treatment may be used together with the chemical treatment.

After the shape pattern corresponding to the digital signal is formed in this way, as shown in FIG. 6E, the resist film 24 is applied again on the surface of the non-magnetic substrate 20, and the resist film is applied. 24 is exposed and developed, and the shape of the vent groove 25 for adhering to the magnetic recording medium 9 is patterned.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6F, a shape pattern of the degassing groove 25 is formed in the non-magnetic substrate 20 by a dry etching technique such as ion etching.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6G, the remaining resist film 24 is removed.

In the dry etching described above, it is possible to adopt reactive ion etching and form an uneven pattern on the surface of the non-magnetic substrate 20 by introducing an appropriate reactive gas. Compared with normal ion etching technology that does not use reactive gas, the anisotropic control of etching is easier and the etching rate is remarkably superior, so an additional effect that high-speed and accurate patterning is performed There is. For example, the non-magnetic substrate 2
When the material of 0 is Si, CF ₄ gas or the like can be used as the reactive gas.

In this example, the structure in which a part of the ferromagnetic thin film is embedded in the non-magnetic substrate has been described, but it may be a structure in which it is not embedded.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be applied to other embodiments based on the technical idea of the present invention. it can.

The present invention can be preferably applied to the manufacture of disk-shaped magnetic recording media such as fixed magnetic recording media (hard disks), removable magnetic recording media, large-capacity flexible media, etc., and the efficiency of preformat recording is particularly high. Can be realized.

[0084]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the magnetic transfer recording of the digital information signal for a predetermined number of times using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to one information signal is completed, cleaning or the like is performed. For this reason, the master information carrier is not replaced, and continuous transfer recording is performed on the magnetic recording medium one after another by using the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming area corresponding to another information signal in the same master information carrier. The master information carrier exchange cycle can be lengthened, the disadvantages associated with the interruption of processing can be reduced, work efficiency can be improved, and productivity can be increased.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a master information carrier according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of an apparatus for carrying out an information signal magnetic transfer recording method on a magnetic recording medium according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a master information carrier according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of an apparatus for carrying out an information signal magnetic transfer recording method on a magnetic recording medium according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of an apparatus for carrying out an information signal magnetic transfer recording method on a magnetic recording medium according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a process chart schematically showing an example of a method for manufacturing a master information carrier according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an outline of a shape pattern of a ferromagnetic thin film corresponding to a digital information signal on a master information carrier.

FIG. 8 is a pattern explanatory view showing a specific example of a shape pattern of a ferromagnetic thin film corresponding to a digital information signal.

FIG. 9 shows a conventional information signal magnetic transfer recording method,
Perspective view showing a situation in which an external magnetic field is applied to a magnetic recording medium

10 is a perspective view schematically showing a magnetic recording medium that is initially magnetized in one direction by the process shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of an apparatus for carrying out a conventional information signal magnetic transfer recording method.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a digital information signal is transferred and recorded on a magnetic recording medium in a conventional information signal magnetic transfer recording method.

13 is a perspective view schematically showing a state of a magnetic recording medium on which a digital information signal is recorded by the process shown in FIG.

14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state of a magnetization pattern when an information signal is transferred and recorded on a magnetic recording medium by the process shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Non-magnetic substrate 1a Center of non-magnetic substrate 1b virtual circumference 2 Ferromagnetic thin film pattern formation area 2a Center of ferromagnetic thin film pattern formation area 3 Master information carrier 3a central hole 3c magnetic recording layer 4 Master information carrier holder 5 Disk holder 5a Chuck part 5b suction hole 6 exhaust duct 7 exhaust system 8 Magnetizing head 9 Magnetic recording media

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A master information carrier in which a pattern of an information signal to be magnetically transferred to a magnetic recording medium is arranged on the surface of a non-magnetic substrate with a ferromagnetic thin film, and the information signal having the same specifications on the same non-magnetic substrate. A master information carrier comprising a plurality of corresponding ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions. 2. The ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to the plurality of information signals are arranged such that their centers are arranged on a virtual circumference drawn on the surface of the non-magnetic substrate. The master information carrier according to item 1. 3. The plurality of information signal-corresponding ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions, one information signal-corresponding ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region arranged at the center of the non-magnetic substrate, and the center information. 2. A combination with two or more information signal compatible ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming areas arranged at equal intervals from the signal compatible ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming area. Master information carrier. 4. A magnetic recording using a master information carrier in which a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to information signals of the same specifications to be magnetically transferred to a magnetic recording medium are arranged on the surface of a non-magnetic substrate with a ferromagnetic thin film. An information signal transfer recording method for a medium, wherein a transfer recording process on a magnetic recording medium using a ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region corresponding to a certain information signal is performed a predetermined number of times every time another information signal is transferred. An information signal transfer recording method on a magnetic recording medium, characterized by switching to a state in which a ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming region is used. 5. The magnetic recording according to claim 4, wherein the switching of the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to the plurality of information signals is performed by rotating the master information carrier around its center. Method of recording and recording information signal on medium. 6. A method according to claim 4, wherein the ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to the plurality of information signals are switched by moving the master information carrier in parallel along the surface thereof. Information signal transfer recording method on magnetic recording medium. 7. A magnetic recording using a master information carrier in which a plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to information signals of the same specifications to be magnetically transferred to a magnetic recording medium are arranged and a ferromagnetic thin film is arranged on the surface of a non-magnetic substrate. A method for transferring and recording information signals to a medium, characterized in that transfer recording is simultaneously performed on a plurality of magnetic recording media by simultaneously using the plurality of ferromagnetic thin film pattern forming regions corresponding to the plurality of information signals. Method of recording and recording information signal on medium.