Extensions of perpendicular recording

Gains in storage density in magnetic recording have fundamentally been achieved by scaling-reduced geometrical dimensions under the assumption that the recording physics does not change if all dimensions are scaled appropriately. It is becoming clear that evidence of the breakdown of scaling is now seen. We will here discuss ways to break the constraints on magnetic recording set by scaling. In particular, we will discuss energy-assisted recording, domain-wall-assisted recording, and bit-patterned media, with some emphasis on recording system considerations. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.