This text explains how hard disk drives operate, how billions of bytes of digital information are stored and accessed, and where the technology is going. In particular, the book emphasizes the most fundamental principles of magnetic information storage, including in-depth knowledge of both magnetics and signal processing methods. Magnetic Information Storage Technology contains many graphic illustrations and an introduction of alternative storage technologies, such as optic disk recording, holographic recording, semiconductor flash memory, and magnetic random access memory. - Provides the fundamentals of magnetic information storage and contrasts it with a comparison of alternative storage technologies - Addresses the subject at the materials, device and system levels - Addresses the needs of the multi-billion-dollar-a year magnetic recording and information storage industry - Emphasizes both theoretical and experimental concepts - Condenses current knowledge on magnetic information storage technology into one self-contained volume - Suitable for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as seasoned researchers, engineers and professionals in data and information storage fields

Thoroughly updated, the second edition of the Magnetic Recording Handbook incorporates extensive changes ushered in by advances in digital recording

The explosive increase in information and the miniaturization of electronic devices demand new recording technologies and materials that combine high density, fast response, long retention time and rewriting capability. As predicted, the current silicon-based computer circuits are reaching their physical limits. Further miniaturization of the electronic components and increase in data storage density are vital for the next generation of IT equipment such as ultra high-speed mobile computing, communication devices and sophisticated sensors. This original book presents a comprehensive introduction to the significant research achievements on high-density data storage from the aspects of recording mechanisms, materials and fabrication technologies, which are promising for overcoming the physical limits of current data storage systems. The book serves as an useful guide for the development of optimized materials, technologies and device structures for future information storage, and will lead readers to the fascinating world of information technology in the future.

Today magnetic recording is still the leading technology for mass data storage. Its dominant role is being reinforced by the success of cloud computing, which requires storing and managing huge amounts of data on a multitude of servers. Nonetheless, the hard-disk storage industry is presently at a crossroads as the current magnetic recording techno

This volume documents the proceedings of the Symposium on Polymers in Information Storage Technology held as a part of the American Chemical Society meeting in Los Angeles, September 25-30, 1988. It should be recorded here that this symposium was cosponsored by the Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering, and the Division of Polymer Chemistry. Polymers are used for a variety of purposes in both optical and magnetic information storage technologies. For example, polymers find applications as substrate, for storing information directly, as protective coating, as lubricant, and as binder in magnetic media. In the last few years there has been a high tempo of research activity dealing with the many ramifications of polymers in the exciting arena of information storage. Concomitantly, we decided to organize this symposium and I believe this was the premier event on this topic. This symposium was conceived and organized with the following objectives in mind: (1) to bring together those actively involved (polymer chemists, polymer physicists, photochemists, surface and colloid chemists, tribo10gists and so on) in the various facets of this topic; (2) to provide a forum for discussion of latest R&D activity in this technology; (3) to provide an opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas; and (4) to identify and highlight areas, within the broad purview of this topic, which needed intensified or accelerated R&D efforts.

This book will take you from basic academic knowledge about magnetics to a proficient understanding of the most recent advances in the technology. This book offers the latest information about disk technology, including: the fundamentals of magnetics, MIG heads, thin film heads, magnetoresistive heads, thin film media, electrical and mechanical integration of these components into a drive, and how to record writing and reading processes magnetically. You'll also learn about giant magnetoresistance, contact recording, and future disk drive industry developments. MAGNETIC DISK DRIVE TECHNOLOGY is an excellent guide for practitioners, researchers, and recent graduate engineers in the field of magnetics.