Optimum media thickness for digital recording

Thinner media yield narrower output pulses, and in many low density digital recorders this leads to better performance. In high density applications, however, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is of greater importance than pulsewidth. The SNR depends on both the write process and the origin of the dominant noises. Several types of media noise, reproduce head, and electronic noises are discussed. A method of determining the media thickness yielding the highest SNR is outlined. The results are dependent upon the noise sources and we conclude that a generally valid rule cannot be given. In some cases a thicker medium may be preferable to a thinner one and vice versa.