Abstract: An optical data storage tape includes more than one segment, with each segment divided into multiple zones, which include multiple data tracks. The layout of the logical zones in one segment is in a different order than those of another segment. In an example, the tape includes at least N physical segments, at least M physical zones in each segment, at least M logical zones assigned to the M physical zones, and wherein logical zones of adjacent physical segments are in a different order than an adjacent physical segment.

Abstract: A method of making stamper plates for an embossing drum for embossing tape media is provided. The method includes forming one or more first stamper plates using a master template, and forming a second stamper plate from one of the one or more first stamper plates such that the second stamper plate and the one first stamper plate have inverse land and groove patterns. Furthermore, the second stamper plate and the one first stamper plate or another of the one or more first stamper plates are useable on the drum to emboss tape media.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master, bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein, creating a replica of the bonded replica structure and electroforming a metallic layer onto the bonded replica structure replica to create a single, one piece, metallic shim which can be used to create a weld-less embosser drum.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master, bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein, creating a replica of the bonded replica structure and electroforming a metallic layer onto the bonded replica structure replica to create a single, one piece, metallic shim which can be used to create a weld-less embosser drum.

Abstract: Amplitude or phase modulated un-compensated wobble patterns representing address patterns for track addresses of optical media are generated. A filter is applied to the un-compensated wobble patterns to pre-compensate the un-compensated wobble patterns. When an inverse of the filter is applied to a signal representing the pre-compensated wobble patterns in the presence of noise, the noise is suppressed and the un-compensated wobble patterns are substantially recovered.

Abstract: A recording head unit is described that can use a pulsed drive signal. The head unit can include a recording head to interact with a storage media, an actuator connected to the recording head and configured to move the recording head relative to the storage media, and control circuitry to send a control signal to the actuator, wherein the control circuitry includes a pulse driven switching circuitry to control current flow to the actuator. An H-bridge can be used to drive the actuator and move the read head.

Abstract: A method for providing tracking error signals in an optical data storage system includes a step of receiving a wobble signal having a first frequency from the wobble detection system. The wobble detection system includes an optical pick up unit that detects positions of the head relative to lands and grooves. Characteristically, the wobble signal is amplitude modulated for positions intermediate between the land and the groove. The method further includes a step of receiving a primary tracking error signal from the wobble detection system. The wobble signal is multiplied with a synchronous signal to about a product signal. The product signal is positive for a first direction of motion and negative for a second direction of motion that is opposite that of the first direction. The product signal is integrated to obtain a quadrature track error signal.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter includes a feedback loop that receives a wobble signal having a wobble signal frequency. The feedback loop includes a comparator that receives the wobble signal through a first resistive component at a first comparator input and outputs a first output signal having either a high output or a low output. The feedback loop also includes a sampling component that samples the first output signal at a sampling frequency and outputs a second output signal and a first integrator component that receives the second output signal and outputs a third output signal. The third output signal tracks the wobble signal due to feedback action in the feedback loop. Finally, the analog-to-digital converter further includes a final discrete integrator component that integrates the second output signal to provide a digital representation of the wobble signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master and bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein and a surface area that is approximately the same as an outer embossing surface of the embosser drum to be formed. Advantageously, a single, one-piece metallic shim can subsequently be generated, appropriately shaped and welded at a single seam to form the embosser drum outer embossing surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master, bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein, creating a replica of the bonded replica structure and electroforming a metallic layer onto the bonded replica structure replica to create a single, one piece, metallic shim which can be used to create a weld-less embosser drum.

Abstract: In an optical tape drive having optical heads for writing data in tracks on an optical tape, each track having an off-track threshold, a system and method are disclosed for off-track write prevention. The system includes multiple actuators, each actuator configured to control a position of an associated optical heads. The system also includes a controller configured to determine a position of each of the optical heads relative to an associated track on the optical tape and to prevent, in response to an event causing an optical heads to have a position outside the off-track threshold of the associated track, only that optical head from writing data to the optical tape and to buffer a stream of data for that optical head for later processing.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master and bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein and a surface area that is approximately the same as an outer embossing surface of the embosser drum to be formed. Advantageously, a single, one-piece metallic shim can subsequently be generated, appropriately shaped and welded at a single seam to form the embosser drum outer embossing surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master, bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein, creating a replica of the bonded replica structure and electroforming a metallic layer onto the bonded replica structure replica to create a single, one piece, metallic shim which can be used to create a weld-less embosser drum.

Abstract: A tape edge sensor system for detecting lateral movement of a storage tape includes a first photo-emitter, a first photo-detector positioned to receive a first light signal from the first photo-emitter, a first aperture disposed between the first photo-emitter and the first photo-detector, and a feedback system connected to the first photo-emitter and the first photo-detector. The first aperture defines a first region at a first tape edge through which the first light signal is received by the first photo-detector with the storage tape blocking a portion of the first light signal. The feedback system determines the first photo-detector's signal amplitude and adjusts the first light signal such that the first photo-detector signal amplitude is within a first average amplitude range. A tape edge sensor system using compensating photo-interrupters is also provided.

Abstract: A nano-imprinting system may be configured to at least one of transport, emboss, coat and slit an optical media according to operational parameters. A control system may be configured to detect one or more attributes of the optical media that result from at least one of the embossing and coating of the optical media, and to adjust at least one of the operational parameters based on the detected one or more attributes.

Abstract: Amplitude or phase modulated un-compensated wobble patterns representing address patterns for track addresses of optical media are generated. A filter is applied to the un-compensated wobble patterns to pre-compensate the un-compensated wobble patterns. When an inverse of the filter is applied to a signal representing the pre-compensated wobble patterns in the presence of noise, the noise is suppressed and the un-compensated wobble patterns are substantially recovered.

Abstract: In an optical tape drive having optical heads for writing data in tracks on an optical tape, each track having an off-track threshold, a system and method are disclosed for off-track write prevention. The system includes multiple actuators, each actuator configured to control a position of an associated optical heads. The system also includes a controller configured to determine a position of each of the optical heads relative to an associated track on the optical tape and to prevent, in response to an event causing an optical heads to have a position outside the off-track threshold of the associated track, only that optical head from writing data to the optical tape and to buffer a stream of data for that optical head for later processing.

Abstract: A nano-imprinting system may be configured to at least one of transport, emboss, coat and slit an optical media according to operational parameters. A control system may be configured to detect one or more attributes of the optical media that result from at least one of the embossing and coating of the optical media, and to adjust at least one of the operational parameters based on the detected one or more attributes.

Abstract: A tape edge sensor system for detecting lateral movement of a storage tape includes a first photo-emitter, a first photo-detector positioned to receive a first light signal from the first photo-emitter, a first aperture disposed between the first photo-emitter and the first photo-detector, and a feedback system connected to the first photo-emitter and the first photo-detector. The first aperture defines a first region at a first tape edge through which the first light signal is received by the first photo-detector with the storage tape blocking a portion of the first light signal. The feedback system determines the first photo-detector's signal amplitude and adjusts the first light signal such that the first photo-detector signal amplitude is within a first average amplitude range. A tape edge sensor system using compensating photo-interrupters is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of optical tape technology, tape manufacturing, and tape usage. Methods and systems of tape technology disclose optical tape media including: configurations, formulations, markings, and structure; optical tape manufacturing methods, systems, and apparatus methods and systems including: curing processes, coating methods, embossing, drums, testing, tracking alignment stamper strip; optical tape methods and systems including: pick up head adapted for the disclosed optical tape; and optical tape uses including optical storage media devices for multimedia applications.