Tribology in ultra-high density tape drive systems: State of the art and future challenges

Advanced ultra-high density tape drives require ever increasing volumetric recording densities which places a premium on the tribology of the head-to-tape interface. For these drives, ultrathin smooth tapes would be in contact or near contact with the recording head at high relative velocities. Minimum friction, near zero wear with stable magnetic performance over a wide range of operating conditions is required for adequate performance. There are considerable tribological challenges related to both recording heads and media to be used in these systems. Some of the many challenges in the design of these drives are: attaining low air bearing surface wear, attaining and maintaining low pole tip recession, developing durable tape media, and developing dimensionally stable substrates with high modulus for ultra-thin tapes.