Storing magnetic data

Magnetic recording data storage innovation and product evolution is arguably higher than it has ever been. For example, the current record in high density recording is 23.8 Gbit/in², which was demonstrated by Seagate Technology. Data is stored by creating a pattern of magnetization in the media using a recording head. Basically, the head is a split ring-shaped core of easily magnetized material wrapped by a few turns of wire. When current flows in the wire, it induces a magnetic flux in the core and a field across the recording gap. Reversing the current's direction changes the direction of the magnetic field. Because the field lines spread out as they bridge the gap, they magnetize the media in a small zone near the gap. Since data is stored as binary digits, a pattern of current reversals can be coded to represent binary digits. For example, “1” might be represented by a magnetization reversal and “0” by the absence of a reversal. Data is read by sensing the fields that arise from the magnetization transition zones in the media. These fields are caused by a concentration of magnetic poles at the ends of each magnetized region. Since these fields point in the opposite direction to the media's magnetization, they are called “demagetizing fields” These fields extend beyond the media's surface. Thus, they can induce responses in a read head if it is brought close to the media