Scaling in magnetic recording

In magnetic recording and, indeed, common usage, the term scaling has a particular and precise meaning. Scaling means that all the relevant physical dimensions are changed together in the same proportion. Familiar examples of scaling occur, for example, in scale models and scale diagrams. In magnetic recording studies, scaling is arguably one of the most important principles used in predicting future advances of the technology. Clearly, the concept of scaling guides much of the current activity, both theoretical and experimental, which is directed to the development of 1.6 Gb/cm² (10 Gb/in² ) areal recording densities. The author reviews fundamental ideas of scaling in both writing and reading processes in magnetic recording