The effects of track width in magnetic recording

The effects of track width on various performance characteristics have been measured over a wide range of widths. Signal level, noise, and signal-to-noise ratio were determined for track widths from 1.1 mils to 92 mils. The effects of crosstalk, actual recorded track width vs head width, and tape guiding, are described. The experimental data are in good agreement with theory, and no serious practical limitations on the use of very narrow tracks were discovered. High-density audio and pulse recordings were made without difficulty. Digital bit densities of one million per square inch and above are shown to be possible.