An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a storage layer, a first write layer, and a second write layer. The first write layer is disposed over the storage layer. The second write layer is disposed over the first write layer. The anisotropy field and magnetization associated with the second write layer at writing temperature is greater than anisotropy field and magnetization associated with the first write layer at the writing temperature.

In one embodiment, a system for treating a magnetic layer includes an ion source to generate an ion beam containing ions of a desired species. The system may also include a magnetic alignment apparatus downstream of the ion source and proximate to the substrate, wherein the magnetic alignment apparatus is operable to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic layer in the substrate along a direction out of plane relative to the magnetic layer.

In one embodiment, a system for treating a magnetic layer includes an ion source to generate an ion beam containing ions of a desired species. The system may also include a magnetic alignment apparatus downstream of the ion source and proximate to the substrate, wherein the magnetic alignment apparatus is operable to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic layer in the substrate along a direction out of plane relative to the magnetic layer.

A magnetic recording medium manufacturing method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium having a substrate, an underlayer, and a perpendicular magnetic layer having a L1.sub.0 structure in this order, includes heating a surface of the perpendicular magnetic layer by LED light emitted from a LED light source after forming the perpendicular magnetic layer, to improve a crystal orientation of the perpendicular magnetic layer, wherein the underlayer includes a NaCl type compound, and the LED light has a center wavelength of less than 500 nm.

A sputtering target capable of maintaining high coercive force in the magnetic layer of a magnetic recording medium and improving magnetic separation between magnetic particles is provided. A sputtering target includes Co and Pt as metal components and NbO.sub.2 as a metal oxide component. Or alternatively, a sputtering target includes Co and Pt as metal components, and includes a phase containing Co, Nb, and O.

A sputtering target capable of maintaining high coercive force in the magnetic layer of a magnetic recording medium and improving magnetic separation between magnetic particles is provided. A sputtering target includes Co and Pt as metal components and NbO.sub.2 as a metal oxide component. Or alternatively, a sputtering target includes Co and Pt as metal components, and includes a phase containing Co, Nb, and O.