TDMR Platform Simulations and Experiments

Two-dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR) is a novel architecture for magnetic recording systems proposed to achieve densities towards 10 Tb/in². TDMR differs from other solutions in that it does not require a complete redesign of the head or medium for its gains, relying instead on powerful 2-D codes and signal processing to reliably store and retrieve the information. To explore the viability of TDMR via simulation, models for the 2-D medium, writing, and readback are needed. In this paper, we propose models for these processes and discuss ongoing progress in 2-D experimental waveform retrieval that will be used to validate the models. We show some initial results achieved using these models which demonstrate the viability of TDMR and that will provide an indication of what densities may be possible with TDMR, when the 2-D codes and detectors are completed.