Patent ID: 7309630

Claim:
A method of forming a patterned media for use in a high density data storage device, the method comprising the steps of: depositing a conductive layer; depositing a dielectric layer over the conductive layer; depositing a photoresist layer; transferring a pattern to the photoresist layer by nano-imprint lithography, the pattern defining a plurality of holes; etching the dielectric layer using an etch process having sufficiently high selectivity to the conductive layer such that the plurality of holes is transferred through the dielectric layer to expose portions of the conductive layer; depositing a recording media such that a first portion of the recording media is deposited within the holes so that the first portion of the recording media is in electrical communication with the conductive layer and a second portion of the recording media is deposited over a portion of the dielectric layer; removing the second portion of the recording media disposed over the dielectric layer; depositing a metal such that the a first portion of the metal is deposited within the holes and a second portion of the metal is deposited over a portion of the dielectric layer; and removing the second portion of the metal disposed over the dielectric layer.