Cross-recording reduction by trial recording on a magneto-optical disk

A technique for reducing cross-recording on data storage media with high track density is described. In order to detect cross-recording sensitively, an inverted mark pattern was first recorded on adjacent tracks and then synchronized with a normal recorded mark pattern on the central track. These patterns were repeatedly recorded as the recording power was increased. Readout signals of the recorded mark pattern were evaluated on the central track in each condition, and an optimum recording power was precisely determined from the maximum amplitude of the signals. When this new technique was applied to a magneto-optical disk, the bit error rate was reduced to less than 10/sup -4/. This is the first technique to reduce cross-recording by laser power only.