A partial response read channel for two dimensional optical data storage

This paper describes an architecture for a read channel which can be used to recover data from a multi-track optical medium. The multi-track format allows for a higher density of data storage as well as a higher data transfer rate for applications such as high density DVDs. The proposed channel is based on a 2D partial response over a hexagonal lattice and employs a 2D nonlinear equalizer and 2D data detection. Bit error measurements based on sampled data from a prototype disc and optics, and offline software read channel are presented and show satisfactory performance.