Characterization of Adjacent-Track Interference Using Repeated-Write THMap for High Track Density in HAMR
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: In heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), adjacent-track interference (ATI) remains a critical challenge that limits the achievable track density. In this study, ATI is evaluated at the drive-level by deriving the optimum track pitch following repeated adjacent-track write operations. The optimum track pitch increases logarithmically with an increasing number of repeated adjacent-track writes, indicating the cumulative nature of ATI. Magnetization switching probability under repeated write conditions is characterized using THMap, which reveals a logarithmic decrease in the average write temperature,${T}_{{w}}$, with increasing write cycles. Track-edge propagation estimated from THMap measurements is consistent with the change in optimum track pitch, suggesting that ATI is primarily governed by track-edge behavior. These results highlight the critical role of the cross-track thermal gradient and the importance of minimizing${\Delta} {T}_{\mathrm{w}}$, defined as the reduction in${T}_{{w}}$induced by repeated writes, to improve ATI tolerance in high track density HAMR systems.
Institution: Western Digital (United States)
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7220849147