Magnetic Boost Helps to Squeeze More Data Onto Computer Hard Disks

A short-term technology developed by researchers at Japan’s Toshiba may help clear a path toward next-generation computer hard disks by utilizing microwaves with existing platter material.

Next-generation disks are expected to have higher data-storage capacity as a result of microwave-assisted switching, and Toshiba's Hirofumi Suto and colleagues' approach works by amplifying the magnetic field from the read/write head.

The team used this method to fabricate a commercial hard disk in a helium-filled container that is being sold in capacities of up to 18 terabytes.

Siva Sivaram at hard-disk manufacturer Western Digital said future disks will utilize heat as a long-term measure for boosting data storage, "[b]ut it adds a lot of cost and complexity and reliability issues."

From New Scientist
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