Dielectric enhancement layers for a Pt/Co multilayer magneto-optical recording medium

Abstract
Transparent ZnO with an optical index of refraction n∼2 is a suitable candidate for a dielectric enhancement layer in a magneto-optical disk. Surprisingly, sputtering a Pt/Co multilayer on a ZnO layer not only increased the optical Kerr rotation but also increased the magnetic coercivity and improved the rectangular magnetic loop shape. Sputter etching the dielectric surface prior to the metal deposition also improved magnetic properties.