Computer simulation of ultrahigh-density perpendicular magnetic recording

Abstract

The possibility of ultrahigh-density recording higher than 10 Gb/in.2 with perpendicular magnetic recording is investigated by computer simulation for a ring-type head and single-layer medium combination. A nucleation model is used as a media model because it incorporates a nucleation site, which causes irreversible magnetization switching. Fundamental read–write characteristics are found to be entirely different from those of longitudinal recording. Recorded magnetization strongly depends on head field strength; the maximum magnetization appears around the head field strength of media coercivity, and beyond this the recorded magnetization decreases abruptly. Spacing loss in the recording process also depends on head field strength and recording density. However, saturation recording can be attained even at an ultrahigh recording density of 600 kFCI with a spacing of 30 nm. Also, a higher signal-to-noise ratio than in longitudinal recording can be obtained by introducing weak intergrain exchange interaction with a relatively large grain size in the media film. This suggests that perpendicular magnetic recording is stable in thermal fluctuation. © 1996 American Institute of Physics.