Physics of patterned magnetic medium recording: Design considerations

Selected aspects of the recording physics of magnetic data storage systems based on patterned medium are discussed. Considerations for the choice of a recording layer material are outlined. A micromagnetic study of magnetization reversal in patterned magnetic recording medium is presented. The effects of bit geometry, medium thickness, head/medium magnetic spacing, air-bearing surface geometry, write pole material, and write misregistration on magnetization reversal are explored. The influence of a recording layer design on playback resolution is evaluated. The results offer the guidelines for the design and optimization of patterned magnetic recording medium. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.