Advanced magnetic tape technology for linear tape systems: Barium ferrite technology beyond the limitation of metal particulate media

We surveyed the history of using metal particulate media in linear tape systems to enhance cartridge capacity, discussed the metal particulate media limitations, and introduced advanced barium-ferrite-particulate-media-based magnetic tape technology, focusing on the use of magnetic particles, surface profile design, and particle orientation control. The increase in cartridge capacity has been accelerated by combining barium ferrite particles with ultrathin layer coating technology and by controlling the barium ferrite particle orientation and surface asperities, which reduce the surface frictional force without increasing the head-to-media spacing.