Data storage medium and method for scanning a storage medium

A method of scanning a data storage medium with a probe array comprising:

• determining a target data field out of a plurality of data fields on the data storage medium, wherein each data field is an area of the storage medium which is scanned by an associated probe of the probe array;
• Selecting from a plurality of operational data clusters, an operational data cluster closest to the target data field, each operational data cluster comprising a plurality of adjacent data fields having operational data stored therein at least one of which comprises a servo data field having servo data stored therein, wherein each cluster comprises two timing data fields, having a clock mark pattern and calibration data respectively stored therein, for adjusting a clock used to read/write data, and at least one of which comprises a timing data field having timing data stored therein;
• controlling positioning of die probe array during scanning using the servo data;
• and controlling timing of read and/or write pulses during scanning using the timing data.

A method of scanning a data storage medium with a probe array comprising:

• determining a target data field out of a plurality of data fields on the data storage medium, wherein each data field is an area of the storage medium which is scanned by an associated probe of the probe array;
• selecting from a plurality of operational data clusters, an operational data cluster closest to the target data field, each operational data cluster comprising a plurality of adjacent data fields having operational data stored therein at least one of which comprises a servo data field having servo data stored therein, and at least one of which comprises a timing data field having timing data stored therein, and wherein each cluster comprises at least four servo data fields;
• controlling positioning of die probe array during scanning using the servo data;
• and controlling timing of read and/or write pulses during scanning using the timing data.