Computer modeling of the write process in perpendicular recording

A self-consistent computer simulation model utilizing a ring head and single layer recording medium has been developed to study perpendicular recording. In the model it is assumed that the medium switches uniformly following the volume averaged field. The optimum recording field obtained from the model calculation at various head-medium spacings permits an estimation of head saturation limitations. The roll-off curve, which is the linear superposition of the alternating voltage pulses, is in good agreement with experimental data. The write spacing loss is spacing dependent and is 120d/λ (dB) at contact for a typical recording case. For contact recording the imaging effect is important in the write process. Optimum recording at contact is shown to produce a high overshoot and sharp leading edge in the transition while leaving the magnetization level below the coercivity; this yields an apparent "negative" transition length in terms of the arctangent transition model.