Demonstration and characterization of 14 Gb/in/sup 2/ recording systems

We have successfully demonstrated recording at areal densities as high as 14.5 Gb/in/sup 2/ at data rates as high as 195 Mbit/s (24.4 MB/s) and at bit-aspect-ratios (BAR) as high as 14, using merged inductive-write/spin-valve-read heads on low noise thin film disks. Recording at a data rate of 300 Mbit/s (37.5 MB/s) has also been achieved at the corresponding linear density of 356 KBPI. Combining the areal density and data rate capabilities, the feasibility of recording at the capacity of 15.6 GB per 3.5" platter rotating at 5400 RPM, with the average data rate of about 240 Mbit/s (30 MB/s), has thus been demonstrated,.