A method and apparatus for forming magnetic media substrates is provided. A patterned resist layer is formed on a substrate having a magnetically susceptible layer. A conformal protective layer is formed over the patterned resist layer to prevent degradation of the pattern during subsequent processing. The substrate is subjected to an energy treatment wherein energetic species penetrate portions of the patterned resist and conformal protective layer according to the pattern formed in the patterned resist, impacting the magnetically susceptible layer and modifying a magnetic property thereof. The patterned resist and conformal protective layers are then removed, leaving a magnetic substrate having a pattern of magnetic properties with a topography that is substantially unchanged.

A method and apparatus for forming magnetic media substrates is provided. A patterned resist layer is formed on a substrate having a magnetically susceptible layer. A conformal protective layer is formed over the patterned resist layer to prevent degradation of the pattern during subsequent processing. The substrate is subjected to an energy treatment wherein energetic species penetrate portions of the patterned resist and conformal protective layer according to the pattern formed in the patterned resist, impacting the magnetically susceptible layer and modifying a magnetic property thereof. The patterned resist and conformal protective layers are then removed, leaving a magnetic substrate having a pattern of magnetic properties with a topography that is substantially unchanged.

An apparatus comprises a recording transducer configured for microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) and a magnetic recording medium. The recording transducer comprises a write pole configured to generate a write magnetic field and a write-assist arrangement proximate the write pole. The write-assist arrangement is configured to generate a radio frequency assist magnetic field at a plurality of different frequencies. The magnetic recording medium comprises a plurality of tracks, wherein adjacent tracks of the medium have different ferromagnetic resonant frequencies.

A magnetic recording device includes: a magnetic recording medium containing a plurality of recording layers; a magnetic recording head for conducting magnetic writing of information in the magnetic recording medium; and a magnetic reproducing head for conducting magnetic reading out of the information from the magnetic recording medium; wherein the magnetic recording head includes a high frequency oscillator for magnetically assisting the magnetic writing of the information so as to change a magnetization of at least one of the plurality of recording layers of the magnetic recording medium, thereby recording a plurality of information different from one another in the magnetic recording medium commensurate with a total amount of magnetization of the plurality of recording layers.

A perpendicular magnetic recording medium adapted for high recording density and high data recording rate comprises a non-magnetic substrate having at least one surface with a layer stack formed thereon, the layer stack including a perpendicular recording layer containing a plurality of columnar-shaped magnetic grains extending perpendicularly to the substrate surface for a length, with a first end distal the surface and a second end proximal the surface, wherein each of the magnetic grains has: (1) a gradient of perpendicular magnetic coercivity H.sub.k extending along its length between the first end and second ends; and (2) predetermined local exchange coupling strengths along the length.