Tight integration between classical and quantum networking requires strict synchronization of events between the classical and quantum portions of the network. Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) as defined by IEEE 802.1Q is limited to accuracy on the order of microseconds due to limitations in time synchronization performance; TSN gate control is thus similarly limited. This work presents a new High-Precision TSN that enables greater accuracy and resolution toward sub-nanosecond TSN gate control and can directly support entanglement distribution, a key component in a software-designed quantum network architecture where classical control can reach deep into the quantum network and directly control time critical operations.

Heat-assisted magnetic recording is a promising approach for enabling large increases in the storage density of hard disk drives. A laser is used to momentarily heat the recording area of the medium to reduce its coercivity below that of the applied magnetic field from the recording head. In such a system, the recording materials have a very high magnetic anisotropy, which is essential for the thermal stability of the magnetization of the extremely small grains in the medium. This technology involves new recording physics, new approaches to near field optics, a recording head that integrates optics and magnetics, new recording materials, lubricants that can withstand extremely high temperatures, and new approaches to the recording channel design. This paper surveys the challenges for this technology and the progress that has been made in addressing them.