Rotary Head Data Storage and Retrieval System and Method for Data Erasure

A data storage and retrieval system comprising:

• a head carriage unit having a plurality of heads disposed at a working surface, the head carriage unit adapted for rotational motion about a point and each of the plurality of heads configured for radial movement at the working surface relative to the point;
• and
• a tape drive unit configured to move a tape media past the working surface of the head carriage unit, the tape media having a width approximately equal to a width of the working surface of the head carriage unit;
• wherein, when the head carriage unit rotates and the tape moves past the working surface, a first one of the plurality of heads is configured to overwrite a data track on the tape and a second one of the plurality of heads is configured to thereafter read the data track, wherein data read by the second head is used in verifying data erasure and each of the plurality of heads is configured for radial movement at the working surface relative to the point.

A data storage and retrieval method comprising:

• rotating a head carriage unit about a point, the head carriage unit having a plurality of optical heads disposed at a working surface;
• moving the tape past the working surface of the head carriage unit;
• writing a data track on an optical tape media using a first one of the plurality of optical heads as the head carriage unit rotates and the tape moves past the working surface;
• and
• reading the data track using a second one of the plurality of optical heads as the head carriage unit rotates and the tape moves past the working surface, wherein data read by the second optical head is for use used in data erasure verification, and wherein reading and/or writing comprises radially moving an optical head relative to the point.