Modeling and design of discrete track recording media

A simple model is developed to study discrete track recording media. In this model, it is assumed the media consists of "ideal" circular lands of width l, and recessed grooves of width w/sub g/ and depth d. The recording head will write transitions on both the land and groove, however the magnetic spacing for writing on the groove is an amount d larger than for land. Groove widths and depths are then calculated by requiring the signal from the land to be 30 dB larger than the signal from the groove or from the adjacent tracks. Signal to media noise (SNR/sub m/) improvements for discrete track design over conventional media are calculated.