A method for connecting a magnetic substance target to a backing plate with less variation in plate thickness, characterized in having the steps of connecting the magnetic substance target to an aluminum plate beforehand while maintaining the flatness, connecting the magnetic substance target connected to the aluminum plate to the backing plate while maintaining the flatness, and grinding out the aluminum plate, whereby the flatness of the magnetic substance target can be maintained until the magnetic substance target is connected to the backing plate by a relatively simple operation.

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.

An alloy ribbon that is an alloy ribbon containing a metal as a main component, and has a recess on at least one principal surface, in which a depth of the recess is 5% or more and 75% or less of an average thickness.

A FeNi ordered alloy structural body includes a support having a surface, and particles disposed on the surface of the support with gaps therebetween. Each of the particles contains an L1.sub.0-type FeNi ordered alloy phase. In a method for manufacturing the FeNi ordered alloy structural body, the support is prepared, and particles of an FeNi disordered alloy are dispersed on the surface of the support with gaps therebetween. A nitriding treatment is performed to the particles of the FeNi disordered alloy to form particles in which nitrogen is incorporated. After the nitriding treatment, a denitrification treatment is performed to desorb the nitrogen from the particles, thereby to form the particles containing the L1.sub.0-type FeNi ordered alloy phase.