Automated 2-D Scanning Setup on Spinstand for Evaluation of Ultra-High-Density Recording Data

In this paper, we present an automated technique of extracting the two-dimensional (2-D) readback waveforms from the spinstand for evaluation of the written data. Our setup is tested with commercial media mounted on a Guzik spinstand. The raw readback data are acquired, averaged, and aligned to obtain an image of the 2-D readback. The 2-D readback waveform captured from the setup has application in servo pattern performance analysis as well as channel data analysis and detection. As compared to magnetic force microscopy, this is a nondestructive method, larger area signals can be acquired more quickly, and, conveniently, a higher signal-to-noise ratio can be obtained. In addition, the developed setup will facilitate studies of the new 2-D magnetic recording scheme towards 10 Tbit/in(2).