Access to and smart uses of information are key drivers in today's world - underpinning competitiveness and quality of life. Increasingly, data storage is essential in portable products where very high-density, low energy consumption and low production cost are requirements. Continued growth of storage densities in the presence of instability of recorded data against thermal decay, often called the 'superparamagnetic effect' [1], requires major breakthroughs in the recording system in general, and the recording media, in particular. To overcome the "superparamagnetic limit" the use of discrete media, in which information is stored in single nanostructures will become mandatory, as well as the introduction of high anisotropy magnetic materials [1]. Simultaneous perusal of the magnetic recording and semiconductors roadmaps indicates that the lithography tools will not provide the needed performance in time. Magnetic recording media are hence likely the first technology, where nanotechnology along with self-organisation processes will have to be introduced.
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