Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
The microstructure of the electroless-plated CoNiReP/NiMoP doublelayered media was examined with various methods and the origin of the inplane anisotropy initial regions of the CoNiReP recording layers was discussed. It was confirmed that the initial region consists of randomly oriented fcc phase with Ni-rich composition, showing the granular condition, while the perpendicular anisotropy region at the top consists of <002> perpendicularly oriented hcp phase, showing the columnar structure. It is considered that the formation of the initial region is due to a preferential deposition of Ni onto the underlayers, and that the thickness of the initial region changes due to a change in the condition of the underlayers, especially that of deposition activity and/or morphology at their surfaces.