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

该提案中概述的研究探索了磁性位图案化介质的向下可扩展性，其定义的目标是达到基本磁性数据存储极限（即，超顺磁极限），使用高各向异性磁性纳米颗粒在精密制造的模板中的引导自组装，以大约3-4 nm的位尺寸。 在这个项目的过程中开发的技术将产生前所未有的能力，例如在一台台式计算机上满足世界上最大的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！所提出的研究的智力价值是多方面的，提供了独特的见解，引导自组装的科学，高保真模板制造的自限制离子铣削的机制，以及高度各向异性的磁性纳米粒子的合成。 此外，这项工作将大大扩展当前的理论模型和实验测试的磁位图案介质的记录物理。 具体来说，真正的纳米结构阵列的可用性，这将在本项目的过程中开发，将使广泛用于磁性纳米结构的理论建模的微磁形式主义的限制的基础研究。拟议的研究的更广泛的技术影响，包括国家的发展，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。 超高密度磁介质的可用性将使一系列变革性的磁数据存储应用成为可能，包括基于探针的数据存储设备，其中可以使用二维读/写纳米传感器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针存储成为移动的应用（例如，就对整个社会的广泛影响而言，休斯顿大学在授予博士学位的机构中为种族最多样化的学生群体提供服务。 正是从这个多样化的学生群体，我们的研究生的大部分是绘制。 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国家支持的计划相结合，其中调查人员积极加强妇女和代表性不足的少数民族的招聘进入科学和工程领域。 该计划还将提供研究项目，将符合休斯顿大学的本科顶点计划。 此外，在该计划的过程中获得的知识将通过新采用的纳米工程未成年人选项，在2009年秋季推出的传播。

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.