Perpendicular magnetic recording—Its development and realization

Development of perpendicular magnetic recording is summarized along with learning from the research study. The early stage of perpendicular recording was conducted with the research philosophy of complementarity between perpendicular and horizontal recordings. Although present production of the perpendicular recording HDDs exceeds 600 million per year, development of perpendicular recording experienced the valley of death in the 1990s. The difficult period was overcome by the collaboration system of industrial and academic communities. The research on perpendicular recording brought about development of new research model as well as the historical view of the development of technology and innovation. The huge influence of perpendicular recording on society also taught us the relationship between science and technology with culture and civilization.

Research highlights► Discovery of circular magnetization led to idea of perpendicular recording. ► SPT head and Co–Cr media were realized for practical perpendicular recording. ► The complementarity between perpendicular and in-plane recording helped progress. ► Death valley of research has been overcome by cooperation with potent companies. ► Present mass production of HDDs is making a new civilization of the society.