GOALI: Fabrication and Device Physics of Bit-Patterned Magnetic Recording Media

本建议中概述的研究探索了磁性位图案化介质的向下可伸缩性，其定义的目标是使用在精密制造的模板中的高度各向异性磁性纳米颗粒的引导自组装，在大约3-4 nm的比特尺寸下达到基本磁数据存储极限(即，超顺磁性极限)。在这个项目过程中开发的技术将带来前所未有的能力，比如在一台台式计算机上满足世界上最大公司的数据存储需求，或者在iPod上存储国会图书馆的全部内容！这项研究的学术价值是多方面的，为引导自组装科学、自限离子研磨用于高保真模板制备的机制以及高各向异性磁性纳米颗粒的合成提供了独特的见解。此外，这项工作将极大地扩展目前在磁位图案化介质记录物理中的理论模型和实验测试。具体地说，将在本项目过程中开发的真正纳米结构阵列的可获得性，将使人们能够对广泛用于磁性纳米结构理论建模的微磁形式的局限性进行基础研究。拟议研究的更广泛的技术影响包括开发最先进的纳米制造技术，使我们目前的能力远远超出国际半导体技术路线图的预期目标。超高密度磁性介质的出现将使一系列变革性的磁性数据存储应用成为可能，包括基于探测器的数据存储设备，其中可以使用读/写纳米换能器的二维阵列来寻址图案化磁盘上的位。低成本、低功耗和小尺寸是使探头存储成为移动应用(例如手持计算机和移动电话)的一个有吸引力的解决方案的关键属性。考虑到对整个社会的更广泛影响，休斯顿大学为授予博士学位的机构中种族最多元化的学生群体提供服务。正是从这个多样化的学生群体中，我们的大部分研究生被吸引过来。此外，这里概述的研究计划将与现有的NSF-REU、RET、NUE和GK-12计划以及各种国家和州支持的计划相结合，在这些计划中，研究人员积极增加女性和代表性较低的少数群体进入科学和工程领域的招聘。该计划还将提供符合休斯顿大学本科生Capstone计划的研究项目。此外，在该计划过程中获得的知识将通过新采用的纳米工程辅修课程进行传播，该课程将于2009年秋季推出。

The research outlined in this proposal explores the downward scalability of magnetic bit-patterned media with a defined target of reaching the fundamental magnetic data storage limit (i.e., the superparamagnetic limit) at a bit size of approximately 3-4 nm using the guided self-assembly of highly anisotropic magnetic nanoparticles in precision-fabricated templates. The technology to be developed during the course of this project will give rise to unprecedented capabilities, such as meeting the data storage needs of the world's largest corporations on a single desktop computer, or storing the entire contents of the Library of Congress on an iPod! The intellectual merit of the proposed research is multi-faceted, offering unique insights to the science of guided self-assembly, to the mechanisms of the self-limiting ion milling for high-fidelity template fabrication, and to the synthesis of highly anisotropic magnetic nanoparticles. Furthermore, this work will dramatically expand current theoretical models and experimental testing in the recording physics of magnetic bit-patterned media. Specifically, the availability of genuine nanostructured arrays, which will be developed during the course of this project, will enable fundamental studies of the limits of the micromagnetic formalism widely used for the theoretical modeling of magnetic nanostructures.The broader technological impacts of the proposed research include the development of state-of-the-art nanofabrication technologies that expand our current capabilities far beyond the projected goals of the international semiconductor technology roadmap. The availability of ultra-high-density magnetic media will enable a range of transformative magnetic data-storage applications, including probe-based data storage devices in which a two-dimensional array of read/write nanotransducers can be used to address the bits on a patterned disk. Low cost, low power consumption, and small size are key attributes that make probe storage an attractive solution for mobile applications (e.g., hand-held computers and cellular telephones).With regard to broader impacts on society as a whole, the University of Houston serves the most ethnically diverse student body among doctoral-degree-granting institutions. It is from this diverse student body that the bulk of our graduate students are drawn. Furthermore, the research program outlined here will be integrated with existing NSF-REU, RET, NUE, and GK-12 programs as well as various national and state-supported programs in which the investigators actively enhance the recruitment of women and underrepresented minorities into the fields of science and engineering. The program will also provide research projects that will be compliant with the University of Houston's undergraduate Capstone program. Moreover, the knowledge gained over the course of this program will be disseminated through the newly adopted Nanoengineering Minor Option, which launches in the fall of 2009.