The effect of cluster size on media noise in Co-Ni-P thin films

In the columnar microstructure of electroplated Co-Ni-P thin-film media there exist groups of columns with identical crystallographic orientation. Such groups are termed clusters. The size of such clusters, which can be controlled by appropriate processing, is shown to affect the media noise, larger clusters producing higher noise. The authors describe the evolution of the microstructure in low-noise and high-noise media.< >