The tribology of linear tape/head interfaces and its impact on signal performance

The main application for data cartridge tape drives is backing-up data and thus it is imperative that the storage capacity of a single tape cartridge is significantly greater than the capacity of the latest rigid disk drives. Many of the recent improvements in capacity and data transfer rate have been achieved through the use of narrower tracks, higher linear densities and continuous servo tracking with multi-channel heads. These changes have made the tribological problems associated with tape storage systems of critical importance and this will continue to be the case as higher storage capacities and faster transfer rates are continually sought. The aim of the work described here was thus to understand the tribological phenomenon in linear tape systems that are responsible for signal loss and error growth in order that projected densities may be achieved in future systems.