Griffith University expands hard drive capacity

Computer hard drives look set to hold up to 1000 times more data, thanks to research at Griffith University using nanotechnology, the science of miniature machines.

Dr Sverre Myhra from Griffith's School of Science has finalised the development of a hard drive technology enabling manufacturers to use current hard drive construction to store more data. That means the current space it takes to hold 1 MB of data could now hold up to 1 GB. Dr Myhra said current data storage is based on magnetic interactions and this technology is reaching the limit of its development. "This means we are getting close to the limit of size and speeds capable with current hard drives," he said.

"We will be able to revolutionise computer use with this technology. By manipulating thermally grown oxide layers on industry standard silicon wafers, we can enhance the performance of current drives. The technology can also be used for fabrication of the next generation of integrated circuit chips." This technology was developed using the Scanned Probe Microscopy facilities at Griffith's Nathan Campus in Brisbane.