Patent ID: 7153441
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a thin-film magnetic recording medium, comprising the steps of: forming a laminate for magnetic data recording on a nonmagnetic substrate; said step of forming being a dry process in a vacuum atmosphere; forming a protective layer on said laminate; said step of forming a protective layer being a dry process in a vacuum atmosphere; plasma-etching a first surface of said protective layer; said step of plasma-etching conducted in a vacuum and in a process gas mixture comprising an inert gas, an oxygen gas, a nitrogen gas, and a gas selected from the group consisting of a chlorine gas and a fluorine gas, wherein particles on the entire surface of the protective layer are removed to make a smooth surface; conducting the steps of forming a laminate, forming a protective layer, and plasma-etching, continuously; and forming a lubricant layer on said first surface of said protective layer, whereby surface defects are minimized and surface quality is greatly improved.