Thermal effects and recording performance at high recording densities

Both dynamic coercivity and thermal decay were quantified by non-destructiv e spinstand measurements. Media composition was found to significantly affe ct the stability factor for films having comparable static magnetic propert ies. Signal decay correlated well with the stability factor as calculated f rom dynamic coercivity measurements. Monitoring the signal from a harmonic- eliminating pattern is seen to be a robust method for measuring decay, Patt ern-dependent amplitude decay leads to enhanced non-linear distortion as th ermal decay occurs in complex data patterns recorded at high densities.