Emulsion

The oxide coating on magnetic tape, composed of microscopic magnetizable particles suspended on a plastic film base or backing, such as acetate, polyester or mylar. During recording, the particles are re-aligned in correspondence with the input signal, and later during playback, these particles (also called domains) induce a similar current which reproduces the original signal. Tape without emulsion is called leader tape.

See: Bulk Eraser, Degauss, Dropout, Tape Recorder.

The structure of magnetic recording tape.

Realignment of magnetized particles during the recording process.