MP-4 Rejuvenates A Century-Old Technology…Metal Particulate Tape - Technology Information

Computer Technology Review, May, 2001 by Christine Chudnow

Types Of Particles

Of MP media materials, Metal Particle and Metal Powder are the same thing-metal powder is simply smaller metal particulates. Mike McCorkle, National Technical Support Manager at Fujifilm, says the different names largely describe a familiar "New and Improved!" phenomenon, along the lines of bar soap or laundry detergent. How much improved? It all depends on the tape's intended use. Magnetic recording requires larger particles to handle the longer wavelength signals used for lower density digital recording, while smaller particles better capture short wavelength signals used in higher density digital recording. When combined with a thin layer, the smaller particles create higher capacity media with faster transfer rates. For example, the DLT line uses MP technology. Quantum's SDLT does as well, but Quantum is fond of referring to those particles as Metal Powder.

Another example of an MP product is Fujifilm's ATOMM technology. The acronym stands for Advanced super Thin-layer and high-Output Metal Media, a tongue-twister that makes you understand why they shortened it. This media consists of a high density ultra-thin layer of magnetic material with a very smooth finish. Fujifilm creates the surface by simultaneously coating tiny spherical particles in the lower layer. These particles are about one-sixth the size of magnetic metal particles. DLT4 media, used in DLT 4000, 7000, and 8000, is based on ATOMM technology.

Market Outlook

The MP market is experiencing a tremendous change, or what Quantum physicist Sat Mallick refers to as "a defining moment" Right now, their percentage of the data storage media market is only 15-20%, with the remaining 80% MP products in audiotape and videotape. However, while the former is extremely profitable, the latter two are not. The situation is worsening with audiotapes giving way to CDs, and DVDs supplanting VHS. The manufacturers are therefore concentrating on the surging data storage market, where even a 15-20% share is a good deal. Nevertheless, this profitable market is extremely competitive, and companies will almost certainly fail and/or be acquired over the next few years. This fact in turn spurs continued research and development activities, largely aimed at increasing density. How far can NIP technology go? Mallick believes MP media will eventually support terabytes of information and adds, "We can dream about it."

Physicists like Mallick are doing more than dreaming. MP capacity is not limited due to particulate technology, but unlike ME the particles require a thin magnetic coating layer--the thinner the layer, the better the performance in higher density recording. The size of the particles also impacts density, since advances will need to provide higher bit packing densities and narrower track widths for shorter wavelength recording. In addition, binders must be ruggedized (yes, that is a word). In addition, tape substrates are also a major research area, as unstable substrates are a major impediment to TB-sized areal densities. Physicists at Toray, Teijin-Dupont, Dow, and others are working in this area, joined by university research departments.