Magnetic Information Storage Technology: A Volume in the ELECTROMAGNETISM Series

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

Most of now use magnetic recording and information storage technology one way or another on a daily basis. Billions of bytes of digital information storage space can be accessed at a touch of a fingertip and for very little cost. This feat is made possible by the ingenious creativity and hard work of many scientists and engineers who have devoted themselves to magnetic information technology over the years. The technology involves the interaction of many different scientific disciplines, and is progressing at lightning speed reaching the economic level of billions of dollars in investments and revenues. Moreover, the worldwide economy derived from magnetic and nonmagnetic storage products is global and deepening. As the new millennium approaches and the information industrial revolution continues so does the development of the magnetic recording industry based on information storage technology.Magnetic Information Storage Technology grew out of a need for a text/reference that is self-contained and emphasizes both experimental and theoretical concepts while containing the important developments of the 1990's. Designed to help readers gain an appreciation for the science and technology involved in magnetic information storage, this book aims to provide readers with the ability to solve problems in magnetic recording using the basic techniques and models introduced.Topics include: Fundamentals of inductive magnetic head and medium, read and write processes in magnetic recording, inductive magnetic process, channel coding and error correction, noises, nonlinear distortions, peak detection channel, PRML channel, decision feedbacks channel, off-track performance, head-disk assembly servo, fundamental limitations of magnetic recording, alternative information storage technologies.