Extreme Tech reports researchers at Oregon State University devised a way to use high-frequency sound waves to increase storage density by stretching the magnetic medium itself to allow more data to be written in a given area. Full details over here.
Dubbed acoustic-assisted magnetic recording (AAMR), this process actually stretches the magnetic medium itself to allow more data to be written in a given area. Previous attempts to influence the magnetic material itself have used heat to temporarily soften and expand a specific area. Unfortunately, that method wasn’t precise enough. With AAMR, ultrasonic sound waves are directed at a small section of the magnetic material. This bends the desired area enough so that more data can fit. When the sound waves stop, the material snaps back to its original shape.
Acoustic-assisted magnetic memory Most importantly, this technique seems to be reliable. Unlike the heating method, this allows for exact manipulation of the material without worry about spreading to a larger area. When it comes to data storage, consistency and dependability are vitally important. The process has to work the same way every time, and even small quirks could mean corrupted data. That’s why this ultrasound method is such a big deal. It’s all about precision.
