ATOMM™: Overview

he conventional method used to coat magnetic media involves roll coating a magnetic layer onto the basefilm. This method has definite limitations as to how thin the coating can be, thus preventing advances to higher density recording.

Another coating method is Metal Evaporated (ME), which allows the deposition of very thin magnetic layers for high-density recording. The ME process, however, must be carried out inside a vacuum chamber with very high heat. It is, therefore, not cost efficient.

To overcome these limitations, Fujifilm developed a new technology – simultaneous dual-coating – using the slot die coating method to put ATOMM’s two layers on the basefilm. The Fujifilm coating head applies two separate formulation layers simultaneously at different depths and thicknesses. The dispersion for the lower layer from one slot carries the thinner upper layer from the second slot on top of it.

This provides the following advantages:

• The upper layer of magnetic particles can be created at a sub-micron order of thinness.
• The upper layer has an extremely hard, smooth surface.
• Lubricants are optimized in both layers.
• The lower layer acts as a reservoir for lubricants and provides a cushioning effect.

Benefit #1: Higher output at shorter wavelengths

High frequency recording signals are shorter wavelength signals. With these signals, however, a thicker magnetic layer (with more magnetic depth) has a demagnetizing effect. (It’s harder to magnetize an object thicker than one-third the bit wavelength.) Therefore, for higher density recording, the thinner the magnetic layer, the better. Whereas an ordinary high-density floppy disk has a magnetic coating 2 to 5 microns thick; the coating of an ATOMM disk is 0.1 to 0.5 microns. This means ATOMM’s magnetic layer provides better signal strength (higher output) and a better S/N ratio for higher density recording. In fact, the ATOMM disk provides 8dB higher signal output — a signal that is 250% stronger when compared to a conventional high-density disk.

Benefit #2: Lower noise

A smooth surface is very important for magnetic recording media. Rough surfaces produce weaker magnetism due to magnetic separation and provide poor S/N ratios. ATOMM’s dual-coating process results in a glossy, extremely smooth recording surface, due in large part to the minute spherical particles in the “titan-fine” lower layer. These particles are about one-sixth the size of ordinary metal magnetic particles. The resulting smoothness of the super-thin upper layer results in lower noise, fewer dropouts and better durability.

Benefit #3: Superior durability

As mentioned above, the smooth surface of the ATOMM media results in less wear for longer durability. In addition, the three-dimensional network binder in the upper layer improves stability and durability during high-speed operation. Performance is also enhanced by lubricants, which are optimized in both the upper and lower layers. Furthermore, the lower layer acts as a reservoir for lubricants, which can complement the supply to the upper layer when required. Finally, the cushioning effect from the lower layer provides improved head-to-media contact and durability.

Benefit #4: Greater Archival Stability

ATOMM employs a high molecular weight binder that resists time fatigue and environmental effects. Its magnetic particles are also more stable than those in conventional media. In accelerated aging tests, ATOMM media demonstrated significant advantages over single-layer media.

Benefit #5: Lower cost

Fujifilm’s exclusive dual-coating method applies the two layers to the basefilm simultaneously. The efficiencies of mass production minimize the cost of the product. Compared to other types of media, even ME media, ATOMM’s combination of advantages makes it the perfect choice for high-density data recording.

What Fujifilm applications utilizing ATOMM and NANOCUBIC technology have been developed?

ATOMM and NANOCUBIC technology are responsible for a number of successful commercial applications in consumer products, professional broadcasting products, and computer data storage products.

1992	ATOMM technology created Fujifilm released the world’s first ME position HI-8 tape
1993	Fujifilm introduced W-VHS High Definition recording tape
1994	Fujifilm unveiled ATOMM-DISK technology, which formed the basis for the introduction of the ZIP disk
1995	Fujifilm released the DLTtape IV data cartridge featuring an unrivaled 40GB native capacity and 6MB/sec transfer rate based on ATOMM technology
1996	Fujifilm introduced DVCPRO, the first professional video tape format utilizing second-generation ATOMM-II technology Fujifilm applied ATOMM technology to 4mm data tapes, released DDS-3, 125-meter tape yielding 12GB native capacity
1998	Fujifilm released the ATOMM-based 250MB zip disk
1999	Fujifilm released the DDS-4 yielding 20GB native capacity on a single 4mm-wide tape
2000	Fujifilm introduced LTO Ultrium 1 yielding a 100GB native capacity utilizing ATOMM technology
2001	Fujifilm announced NANOCUBIC technology Fujifilm introduced Zip disks with 750MB capacity
2002	Fujifilm introduced Super DLTtape I yielding 160GB capacity Fujifilm introduced LTO Ultrium 2 cartridges providing 200GB native capacity
2003	Fujifilm introduced the 3592 data cartridge yielding 300GB native capacity utilizing NANOCUBIC technology
2004	Fujifilm introduced DAT 72 yielding 36GB native capacity Fujifilm introduced LTO Ultrium 3 yielding 400GB native capacity
2005	Fujifilm introduced Super DLTtape II yielding 160GB native capacity
2006	Fujifilm Technology (BaFe) contributed to IBM’s demo of the world’s first multiple terabyte storage data tape
2007	Fujifilm introduced LTO Ultrium 4 yielding 800GB native capacity utilizing NANOCUBIC technology
2010	Fujifilm, with IBM, announces 35TB tape capability Fujifilm releases LTO Ultrium 5 yielding 1.5TB native capacity

Thanks to its most advanced technology, Fujifilm is the technology and quality leader!