Abstract:
A magneto-optical recording medium and an information recording method using the medium in which over-write is performed by magnetic field modulation. The magneto-optical recording medium includes a second magnetic layer (initializing layer) consisting of a magnetic layer, which is magnetized in advance in one direction, has a high Curie temperature, does not lose magnetization in a recording/erasing mode, and has a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, and a first magnetic layer (recording layer) having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and exchange-coupled to the second magnetic layer. The data transfer speed in an over-write operation is remarkably increased when recording is performed by turning on/off an external magnetic field in accordance with information while radiating a lazer beam using the magnetooptical recording medium.

Description:
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/171,628, filed Dec. 22, 1993, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The instant invention relates to a magneto-optical recording medium and an information recording method using the same, with which information is recorded by forming a bit of a reversed magnetic domain using a laser beam and an external magnetic field, and information is read out by utilizing a magneto-optical effect obtained upon radiating a polarized laser beam and, more particularly, to a magneto-optical recording medium and an information recording method using the same, which perform an over-write operation by a magnetic field modulation method. 
     2. Related Background Art 
     Conventionally, as a rewritable high-density recording method, a magneto-optical recording method has received a lot of attention. With this method, information is recorded by writing a magnetic domain in a magnetic thin film, and the recorded information is read out by utilizing a magneto-optical effect. 
     Since the magneto-optical recording method uses a magnetic member on a disk as a recording medium, it has features that the recording medium is exchangeable, and information is rewritable. 
     Such a conventional magneto-optical recording method requires three recording processes (to erase old data, to record new data, and to check whether or not new data is properly recorded). For this reason, in order to rewrite information, a disk must be rotated three times, and hence, the time required for rewriting information corresponds to three revolutions of the disk. 
     In recent years, over-write methods (an optical modulation method and a magnetic field modulation method) with which new data is directly recorded on old data without executing the erasing process of the three recording processes have been proposed and extensively examined. Of these methods, the optical modulation method performs recording by forming a bit using a modulated laser beam. However, in consideration of the Gaussian distribution of the laser beam intensity and the temperature distribution of a magneto-optical recording medium, the allowable range of laser power for forming a magnetic domain with a small diameter is very narrow with respect to a given beam size. Furthermore, when the magnetic domain interval (bit interval) is decreased to increase the density, a temperature rise of a medium caused by the laser beam which was radiated immediately before a current recording operation adversely affects the current recording. More specifically, when a random pattern is recorded, the optimal value of laser power undesirably changes depending on the pattern. 
     In contrast to this, since the magnetic field modulation method does not easily pose the above-mentioned problems caused by the temperature distribution although it requires a rather complicated apparatus arrangement, it has been considered promising for practical applications, and has been developed extensively. 
     When an over-write operation is performed by the conventional magnetic field modulation method, a high-frequency magnet must be generally used as an external magnetic field application means to reverse a magnetic field upward or downward in a direction perpendicular to the film surface in correspondence with a digital data signal &#34;1&#34; or &#34;0&#34;. 
     In this case, when the reversing speed of the magnetic field is increased, the magnetic field that can be applied tends to decrease, and therefore the data transfer speed is limited. Also, since the magnetic field decreases, the magnetic head must be arranged sufficiently close to a medium, and the medium or the head may be damaged due to a contact between them. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a magneto-optical recording medium and an information recording method using the same, which can realize a high data transfer speed as compared to the conventional method by improving the conventional magnetic field modulation method and the magneto-optical recording medium. 
     As a result of the extensive studies in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, we found that the data transfer speed in an over-write operation can be remarkably increased when recording is performed by turning on/off an external magnetic field in accordance with information while radiating a laser beam using a magneto-optical recording medium, which comprises a second magnetic layer (to be referred to as an initializing layer hereinafter) consisting of a magnetic layer, which is magnetized in advance in one direction, has a high Curie temperature, does not lose magnetization in a recording/erasing mode, and has a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, and a first magnetic layer (to be referred to as a recording layer hereinafter) having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and exchange-coupled to the second magnetic layer, thus achieving the instant invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of the structure of a magneto-optical recording medium according to the instant invention; 
     FIG. 2(a) and (b) are views illustrating magnetization states upon execution of recording based on an information recording method of the instant invention; 
     FIG. 3(a)-(c) are charts showing a recording signal and a corresponding change in polarity of an external magnetic field; 
     FIG. 4A is a graph showing a change in magnetic field of a conventional external magnetic field, and FIG. 4B is a graph showing a change in magnetic field of an external magnetic field of the instant invention; 
     FIG. 5A is a view showing, as an example of the magneto-optical recording medium of the instant invention, a structure obtained by adding an interfering layer and a protection layer to the basic structure shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5B is a view showing a structure obtained by further adding a reproducing layer on the recording layer, and FIG. 5C is a view showing a structure obtained by further adding an intermediate layer between the recording layer and the initializing layer; and 
     FIG. 6 is a graph showing the linear velocity dependency of the C/N ratio of the magneto-optical recording medium of the instant invention, and the conventional magneto-optical recording medium. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A magneto-optical recording medium and an information recording method for recording onto the medium will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Structure of Recording Medium 
     A magneto-optical recording medium used in the instant invention comprises at least two magnetic layers, i.e., an initializing layer and a recording layer, as shown in FIG. 1. To this structure, a reproducing layer having a large Kerr rotation angle, an intermediate layer for controlling interface magnetic wall energy, another magnetic layer for improving, e.g., magnetic field sensitivity, a dielectric layer or a metal layer for attaining an interference effect, protecting the magnetic layers, or improving thermal characteristics, and the like, may be further provided. 
     Materials of Magnetic Layer 
     The materials of the initializing layer preferably include rare earth-iron group amorphous alloys, e.g., TbCo, GdTbFeCo, TbFeCo, DyFeCo, GdTbCo, DyFeCo, TbDyFeCo, and the like. 
     The materials of the recording layer preferably include rare earth-iron group amorphous alloys, e.g., TbFeCo, DyFeCo, TbDyFeCo, and the like. 
     When a reproduction layer having a large Kerr rotation angle is formed on the light incident side of the recording layer, the materials of the reproduction layer preferably include rare earth-iron group amorphous alloys, e.g., GdCo, GdFeCo, TbFeCo, DyFeCo, GdTbFeCo, GdDyFeCo, TbDyFeCo, NdFeCo, NdGdFeCo, NdTbFeCo, NdDyFeCo, and the like, platinum group-iron group periodic structure films, e.g., Pt/Co, Pd/Co, and the like, or platinum group-iron group alloys, e.g., PtCo, PdCo, and the like. 
     When an intermediate layer for adjusting interface magnetic wall energy between the recording layer and the initializing layer is formed between these two layers, the materials of the intermediate layer preferably include rare earth-iron group alloys such as GdCo, GdFeCo, TbFeCo, DyFeCo, GdTbFeCo, GdDyFeCo, TbDyFeCo, and the like, or dielectrics such as SiN. 
     Note that elements such as Cr, Al, Ti, Pt, Nb, and the like may be added to magnetic layers such as the initializing layer, recording layer, intermediate layer, reproducing layer, and the like so as to improve an anti-corrosion resistance. 
     Characteristic Conditions of Each Layer in Medium 
     The initializing layer requires at least the following conditions. That is, the initializing layer must be magnetized in one direction by a large external magnetic field during or after the manufacture of a medium, and the direction of magnetization of the initializing layer must remain the same in recording, reproduction, and preservation modes later. 
     When a laser beam and an external magnetic field are applied to the recording layer, the direction of magnetization of the recording layer follows the same direction as that of the external magnetic field; when only the laser beam is applied, and no external magnetic field is applied, the direction of magnetization of the recording layer follows a stable direction with respect to the direction of magnetization of the initializing layer upon reception of an exchange interaction from the initializing layer. In a preservation state of the medium (at room temperature), even when a magnetic wall is generated between the recording layer and the initializing layer, at least the state of the recording layer must be stably maintained. 
     These conditions for the recording layer for achieving recording will be exemplified with reference to a case wherein the magnetic layers comprise rare earth-iron group alloys. 
     When the recording layer and the initializing layer are ferrimagnetic layers, if the dominant magnetization of both the recording and initializing layers is a rare earth element or an iron group element, the medium will be referred to as a P-type medium hereinafter; if the dominant magnetization of the recording layer is a rare earth element, and the dominant magnetization of the initializing layer is an iron group element, or vice versa, the medium will be referred to as an A-type medium hereinafter. [Magnetization States (arrows represent the sum total of sublattice magnetizations)] 
     1 When P-type structure is used: ##STR1## 
     2 When A-type Structure is used: 
     (the initial state a corresponds to, e.g., a &#34;0&#34; recording condition, and the initial state b corresponds to a &#34;1&#34; recording condition. Note that states 1 and 2 are unallowable states.) ##STR2## 
     Description of Symbols 
     Saturation magnetization of recording layer (first layer); Ms 1   
     Coercive force of recording layer (first layer); Hc 1   
     Saturation magnetization of initializing layer (second layer); Ms 2   
     Coercive force of initializing layer (second layer); Hc 2   
     Film thickness of recording layer (first layer); h 1   
     Curie temperature of recording layer (first layer); Tc 1   
     Film thickness of initializing layer (second layer); h 2   
     Curie temperature of initializing layer (second layer); Tc 2   
     External magnetic field; Hex 
     Interface magnetic wall energy between recording layer and initializing layer; σ w   
     1. Conditions for Curie temperature and coercive force 
     Since magnetization in the initializing layer must be stably present in all of normal-temperature, reproduction, and recording states, and the magnetization of the recording layer must disappear or the coercive force must decrease and the direction of magnetization of the recording layer must be reversed in the recording state, if the Curie temperatures of the recording and initializing layers are respectively represented by Tc 1  and Tc 2 , and their coercive forces are respectively represented by Hc 1  and Hc 2 , the following relations must be satisfied: 
     
         Tc.sub.1 &lt;Tc.sub.2                                         (1) 
    
     
         Hc.sub.1 &lt;Hc.sub.2                                         (2) 
    
     2. Type 1 recording condition (when external magnetic field Hex is applied) 
     (1) Initial state a → initial state b, initial state b → initial state b 
     A condition to cause the direction of magnetization of the recording layer to follow the direction of the external magnetic field upon radiation of a laser beam (light radiated in the recording state) is: ##EQU1## 
     A condition to cause the direction of magnetization of the recording layer not to follow the direction of the external magnetic field (initial state a→×initial state b) is: ##EQU2## 
     (2) Initial state a→×state 1 A condition to prevent the initial state a from becoming state 1 in both the laser radiated state and the laser non-radiated state is: ##EQU3## 
     (3) Initial state b→×state 1 A condition to prevent the initial state b from becoming state 1 in both the laser radiated state and the laser non-radiated state is: ##EQU4## 3. Type 2 Recording Condition (when no external magnetic field is applied) 
     (1) Initial state b→initial state a, initial state a →initial state a 
     A condition to align the direction of magnetization of the recording layer in a direction stable with respect to the direction of magnetization of the initializing layer in the laser radiated state is: ##EQU5## 
     A condition not to align the direction of magnetization of the recording layer in a direction stable with respect to the direction of magnetization of the initializing layer in the laser non-radiated state (initial state b→×initial state a) is: ##EQU6## 
     (2) Initial state b→×state 1 A condition to prevent the initial state b from becoming state 1 in both the laser radiated state and the laser non-radiated state is: ##EQU7## 
     Recording Method 
     When the type 1 recording (recording of one of two values) is performed on a medium which satisfies the above-mentioned conditions, a recording portion of the medium is heated by a laser beam, and an external magnetic field is applied. The polarity of the external magnetic field is a direction opposite to the direction of magnetization of the initializing layer for a P-type medium, and is the same direction as the direction of magnetization of the initializing layer for an A-type medium. 
     At this time, the direction of magnetization of the recording layer aligns in the direction of the external magnetic field, thus achieving the type 1 recording. 
     In this case, although an interface magnetic wall is generated between the initializing layer and the recording layer, the magnetization of the initializing layer does not influence the recording layer at room temperature, and hence, the recorded information is held. 
     When the type 2 recording (recording of the other one of two values different from that recorded by the type 1 recording) is performed, the external magnetic field is turned off, and only a laser beam is radiated. At this time, the direction of magnetization of the recording layer follows in a stable direction with respect to the magnetization of the initializing layer due to the exchange coupling force from the initializing layer, thus achieving the type 2 recording (see FIGS. 2(a) and (b). 
     Since the recording layer of a portion which is not irradiated with the laser beam has a sufficiently large coercive force, the direction of magnetization of the recording layer of this portion is not reversed upon reception of the exchange coupling force from the initializing layer. For this reason, new information can be over-written only on the portion irradiated with the laser beam. 
     The external magnetic field need not be focused to a size as small as the portion irradiated with the beam (spot region), and the region applied with the external magnetic field can be considerably larger than the spot region. 
     When the external magnetic field is turned on/off in correspondence with digital data &#34;1&#34; or &#34;0&#34; while radiating the laser beam, new information can be over-written on old information (see FIGS. 3(a)-(c). 
     Realization of High-speed Data Transfer 
     In this method, since the over-write recording is attained by turning on/off the external magnetic field, the magnetic field need not be reversed in the recording state, as shown in FIG. 3(c). Note that FIGS. 3(a)-(c) exemplify a case of pit position recording. Similarly, the instant invention can be applied to other recording methods such as pit edge recording. In contrast to this, in a conventional magnetic field modulation over-write recording method, recording is attained by reversing the direction of magnetization from &#34;+&#34; to &#34;-&#34; or vice versa as shown in FIG 3(b). 
     In this case, as shown in FIG. 4A, since a predetermined time (t sw ) is required for reversing a leakage magnetic field from a magnetic head, and a sufficient magnetic field cannot be applied within this time, an unstable magnetic domain is formed. When the ratio of t sw  to a time (t bit ) required for forming one reversed magnetic domain increases, an accurate reproduced signal cannot be obtained, resulting in an error. 
     A high transfer speed can be achieved by increasing the rotational speed of the medium and the recording frequency without changing the size of one bit. In this case, however, since t sw  remains the same, the above-mentioned problem becomes more serious if the transfer speed is increased. 
     In contrast to this, in the recording method of the instant invention, since the over-write recording is attained by turning on/off a magnetic field without reversing the direction of the magnetic field, t sw  is shortened as compared to the conventional method, as shown in FIG. 4B. For this reason, even when the transfer speed is increased, a magnetic domain is accurately recorded, and a reproduced signal does not deteriorate. 
     More specifically, high-speed data transfer can be realized. 
     TEST EXAMPLES 
     The instant invention will be described in more detail hereinafter by way of its test examples. However, the instant invention is not limited to the following test examples if changes to be made fall within the scope of the invention. 
     TEST EXAMPLE 1 
     After a 1,000-Å thick SiN layer was formed on a polycarbonate (PC) substrate having pre-grooves (a diameter of 130 mm) using a magnetron sputtering apparatus so as to obtain anti-oxidation and interfering effects, an 800-Å thick TbFeCo layer serving as a recording layer and a 1,500-Å thick TbCo layer serving as an initializing layer were formed. Thereafter, in order to enhance the anti-oxidation and interfering effects, a 300-Å thick SiN layer was continuously formed without breaking the vacuum state, thus manufacturing a magneto-optical recording medium of the instant invention having the layer structure shown in FIG. 5A. 
     A bit was recorded on the magneto-optical recording medium to have a minimum mark length of 0.8 μm while increasing the recording frequency as the linear velocity was increased (e.g., recording at a frequency of 3.13 MHz at a linear velocity of, e.g., 5 m/s). 
     The recording power was set to be a value which maximized the C/N ratio. The laser wavelength was set to be 780 nm. 
     Solid curve 1 in FIG. 6 represents the C/N ratio measured after recording, and the linear velocity and recording frequency in the recording state. The C/N ratio did not deteriorate up to a linear velocity of 28.5 m/s and a recording frequency of 17.8 MHz (a C/N ratio of 45 dB or less). 
     Magneto-optical recording media of Test Examples 2 to 11 were manufactured by changing the film thicknesses, materials, and compositions of magnetic layers while the layer structure remained the same, and the same measurement was performed. Table 1 shows the film thicknesses, materials, and compositions of the magnetic layers of Test Examples 2 to 11. Table 4 shows the measurement results. 
     Test Example 12 
     After a 1,000-Å thick SiN layer was formed on a polycarbonate (PC) substrate having pre-grooves (a diameter of 130 mm) using a magnetron sputtering apparatus so as to obtain anti-oxidation and interfering effects, a 300-Å thick GbFeCo layer serving as a reproducing layer, a 300-Å thick TbFeCo layer serving as a recording layer, and a 400-Å thick TbCo layer serving as an initializing layer were formed. Thereafter, in order to enhance the anti-oxidation and interfering effects, a 300-Å thick SiN layer was continuously formed without breaking the vacuum state, thus manufacturing a magneto-optical recording medium of the instant invention having the layer structure shown in FIG. 5B. 
     A bit was recorded on the magneto-optical recording medium to have a minimum mark length of 0.8 μm while increasing the recording frequency as the linear velocity increased. 
     The recording power was set to be a value which maximized the C/N ratio. The laser wavelength was set to be 780 nm. 
     Alternate long and short dashed curve 2 in FIG. 6 represents the C/N ratio measured after recording, and the linear velocity and recording frequency in the recording state. The C/N ratio did not deteriorate up to a linear velocity of 31.2 m/s and a recording frequency of 19.5 MHz (a C/N ratio of 45 dB or less). Table 2 shows the compositions of this magneto-optical recording medium. 
     Test Example 13 
     After a 1,000-Å thick SiN layer was formed on a polycarbonate (PC) substrate having pre-grooves (a diameter of 130 mm) using a magnetron sputtering apparatus so as to obtain anti-oxidation and interfering effects, an 800-Å thick TbFeCo layer serving as a recording layer, a 50-Å thick GdFeCo layer serving as an intermediate layer for adjusting magnetic wall energy, and an 800-Å thick TbCo layer serving as an initializing layer were formed. Thereafter, in order to enhance the anti-oxidation and interfering effects, a 300-Å thick SiN layer was continuously formed without breaking the vacuum state, thus manufacturing a magneto-optical recording medium of the instant invention having the layer structure shown in FIG. 5C. 
     A bit was recorded on the magneto-optical recording medium to have a minimum mark length of 0.8 μm while increasing the recording frequency as the linear velocity increased. 
     The recording power was set to be a value which maximized the C/N ratio. The laser wavelength was set to be 780 nm. 
     Alternate long and short dashed curve 2 in FIG. 6 represents the C/N ratio measured after recording, and the linear velocity and recording frequency in the recording state. The C/N ratio did not deteriorate up to a linear velocity of 31.2 m/s and a recording frequency of 19.5 MHz (a C/N ratio of 55 dB or less). 
     A magneto-optical recording medium of Test Example 14 was manufactured by changing the film thicknesses, materials, and compositions of magnetic layers while the layer structure remained the same, and the same measurement was performed. Table 3 shows the film thicknesses, materials, and compositions of the magnetic layers of Test Example 14. Table 4 shows the measurement results. 
     Comparative Test Example 1 
     A magneto-optical recording medium having substantially the same structure as that of Test Example 1 was manufactured, except that an Al reflection layer was formed in place of the TbCo initializing layer. 
     A bit was recorded on the magneto-optical recording medium to have a minimum mark length of 0.8 μm while increasing the recording frequency as the linear velocity increased. 
     The recording power was set to be a value which maximized the C/N ratio. The laser wavelength was set to be 780 nm. 
     Broken curve 3 in Fig. 6 represents the C/N ratio measured after recording, and the linear velocity and recording frequency in the recording state. The C/N ratio deteriorated at a linear velocity of 19.8 m/s and a recording frequency of 12.4 MHz (a C/N ratio of 45 dB or less). 
     A magneto-optical recording medium of Comparative Test Example 2 was manufactured by changing the film thicknesses, materials, and compositions of magnetic layers while the layer structure remained the same, and the same measurement was performed. Table 1 shows the film thicknesses, materials, and compositions of the magnetic layers of Comparative Test Example 2. Table 4 shows the measurement results. 
     
                       TABLE 1______________________________________  First Magnetic Layer                Second Magnetic Layer           Film                Film           Thick-              Thick-  Composition           ness     Composition                               ness  (at %)   (Å)  (at %)     (Å)______________________________________Test     Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7               800      Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                 1,500Example 1Test     Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7               500      Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                 1,500Example 2Test     Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7               400      Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                 1,500Example 3Test     Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7               800      Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                 1,000Example 4Test     Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7               800      Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                   800Example 5Test     Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7               800      Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                   400Example 6Test     Dy.sub.20 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.8               800      Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                 1,000Example 7Test     Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7               800      Gd.sub.15 Tb.sub.14 Co.sub.71                                 1,500Example 8Test     Tb.sub.19 Fe.sub.74 Co.sub.7               800      Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                   800Example 9Test     Tb.sub.22 Fe.sub.71 Co.sub.7               300      Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                   400Example 10Test     Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.64 Co.sub.15               600      Gd.sub.15 Tb.sub.14 Co.sub.71                                   600Example 11Comparative    Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7               800      Al         500TestExample 1Comparative    Tb.sub.23 Fe.sub.70 Co.sub.7               700      Al         400TestExample 2______________________________________ 
    
     
                                           TABLE 2__________________________________________________________________________Reproducing Layer  First Magnetic Layer                           Second Magnetic LayerComposition  Film  Composition                     Film  Composition                                  Film(at %)       Thickness              (at %) Thickness                           (at %) Thickness__________________________________________________________________________Test  Gd.sub.20 Fe.sub.65 Co.sub.15        300   Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7                     300   Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                  400Example 12__________________________________________________________________________ 
    
     
                                           TABLE 3__________________________________________________________________________First Magnetic Layer              Intermediate Layer                           Second Magnetic LayerComposition  Film  Composition                     Film  Composition                                  Film(at %)       Thickness              (at %) Thickness                           (at %) Thickness__________________________________________________________________________Test  Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7        800   Gd.sub.40 Fe.sub.40 Co.sub.20                     50    Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                  800Example 13Test  Tb.sub.21 Fe.sub.72 Co.sub.7        500   Gd.sub.34 Fe.sub.42 Co.sub.24                     40    Tb.sub.30 Co.sub.70                                  500Example 14__________________________________________________________________________ 
    
     
                       TABLE 4______________________________________Measurement Results         Recording                 Linear         Frequency                 Velocity         (MHz)   (m/s)______________________________________Test Example 1  17.8      28.5Test Example 2  16.0      25.6Test Example 3  14.0      22.4Test Example 4  17.2      27.5Test Example 5  17.0      27.2Test Example 6  16.5      26.4Test Example 7  17.3      27.7Test Example 8  16.4      26.2Test Example 9  15.9      25.4Test Example 10 16.2      25.9Test Example 11 15.8      25.3Test Example 12 19.8      31.7Test Example 13 19.0      30.4Test Example 14 18.1      29.0Comparative     12.4      19.8Test Example 1Comparative     11.0      17.6Test Example 2______________________________________ minimum bit length = 0.8 μm