Patent ID: 6095160
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method for cleaning magnetic disks having magnetic characteristics in a magnetron assisted DC plasma chamber comprising a low pressure vacuum chamber, at least one target, at least one magnet disposed adjacent to said at least one target, a noble gas source, a target power supply, and a DC bias power supply, said method comprising the steps of:placing a magnetic disk having magnetic characteristics in said magnetron assisted DC plasma chamber;introducing a noble gas into said low pressure vacuum chamber via said noble gas source;generating a DC glow discharge in said low pressure vacuum chamber comprising noble gas ions and target ions by supplying power using said target power supply to said at least one target, wherein electrons are concentrated near a surface of said at least one target; andetching said magnetic disk by applying a negative voltage in the range of -200 volts to -800 volts to said magnetic disk using said DC bias power supply so that said target ions and said noble gas ions collide with a surface of said magnetic disk causing surface particles to be knocked loose from said magnetic disk, wherein said negative voltage range and said low pressure noble gas minimize atomic alteration of said magnetic disk thereby maintaining said magnetic characteristics.