Characterization of diamondlike carbon films and their application as overcoats on thin-film media for magnetic recording

Abstract

This paper reviews and analyzes the literature on thin carbon layers with emphasis on their use as protective overcoats for thin-film magnetic media. We discuss carbon as a material, its preparation as a thin film, and review and evaluate various techniques for characterizing its thin-film properties.

Friction and wear performance of diamond-like carbon films grown in various source gas plasmas

“…The shouldered peaks were somewhat less pronounced on films produced in acetylene and ethane plasmas. Overall, the films displayed Raman fdatures typical of DLC films and were consistent with the Raman spectra presented elsewhere [1,26,27]. Figure 1 shows the frictional performance of DLC films derived from various source gases.…”

“…The wear resistance of the DLC films is mainly attributed to their high mechanical strengthand hardness [1][2][3][4] whereas their low friction is not yet been filly-understood. However, it has generally been speculated that the low friction of most carbon films, including DLC and diamond, are largely due to the fact that these materials are chemically inert, hence, they exert very little adhesive force during sliding against other materials.…”

“…DLC films can be deposited at temperatures ranging from subzero to 300"C and at fair]y high deposition rates by a variety of methods, including ion-beam deposition, DC and RF magnetron sputtering, arc-physical vapor deposition (arc-PYD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and laser ablation [4][5][6][7][8]. Depending on the deposition method and carbon source, large amounts of hydrogen may be present within the amorphous structure of DLC films [1,3]. Films with very little or no hydrogen are also available and can be deposited by laser ablation and arc-PVD methods [9,10].…”

“…[1][2][3]. DLC films can be deposited at temperatures ranging from subzero to 300"C and at fair]y high deposition rates by a variety of methods, including ion-beam deposition, DC and RF magnetron sputtering, arc-physical vapor deposition (arc-PYD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and laser ablation [4][5][6][7][8].…”

Emission Properties from Induced Structural Degradation of a-C:H Thin Film

“…a-C:H's emitting property has attracted considerable interest due to potential uses in EL devices [5,6]. Understanding thermal stability is important for the practical application of EL devices, since emission of a-C:H thin film accompanies heat generation inside the film.…”