The most dense solid-state memory ever created could soon exceed the capabilities of current computer storage devices by 1,000 times, thanks to a new technique scientists at the University of Alberta have perfected.
“Essentially, you can take all 45 million songs on iTunes and store them on the surface of one quarter,” said Roshan Achal, PhD student in Department of Physics and lead author on the new research. “Five years ago, this wasn’t even something we thought possible.”
The scientists used the same technology they developed to manufacture atomic-scale circuits, which allows for quickly removing or replacing single hydrogen atoms. The technology enables the memory to be rewritable, meaning it could lead to far more efficient types of solid-state drives for computers.
Ready for real-world use
Previous discoveries of atomic-scale computer storage were stable only at extremely low temperatures, but the new memory works at real-world temperatures and can withstand normal use.
“What is often overlooked in the nanofabrication business is actual transportation to an end-user, which simply was not possible until now given temperature restrictions,” noted Achal. “Our memory is stable well above room temperature and precise down to the atom.”
Achal explained the technology has immediate applications for archiving data. Next steps will include increasing read and write speeds for even more flexible applications.
More memory, less space
Achal works with U of A physics professor Robert Wolkow, a pioneer in the field of atomic-scale physics. Wolkow perfected the nanotip technology that allows scientists to manipulate single atoms on a silicon chip—a technology he said has now reached a tipping point.
“With this last piece of the puzzle now in hand, atom-scale fabrication will become a commercial reality in the very near future,” said Wolkow. His spinoff company, Quantum Silicon Inc., is working on commercializing atom-scale fabrication for use in all areas of the technology sector.
To demonstrate the new memory, Achal, Wolkow and their fellow scientists encoded the entire alphabet at a density of 138 terabytes per square inch, roughly equivalent to writing 350,000 letters across a grain of rice. For a playful twist, Achal also encoded music reminiscent of video game soundtracks from the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Learn more: Scientists perfect technique to boost capacity of computer storage a thousandfold
The Latest on: Solid-state memory
[google_news title=”” keyword=”solid-state memory” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Solid-state memory
- Lenovo ThinkPad deals: Save over $1,000 on the classic laptopon May 9, 2024 at 7:55 am
It also comes with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of solid state storage capacity, so it’s a machine to consider if you do heavier lifting like photo work or need enough room to house some media libraries.
- National Labs Guide Critical AI, Energy Storage, And Grid Researchon May 9, 2024 at 6:00 am
Artificial intelligence and other technologies will take energy production and deliverty to a new level, helping increase reliability, reduce emissions, and cut costs.
- SanDisk redefines high-capacity desktop storageon May 7, 2024 at 2:10 pm
Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration ...
- ION Storage Systems to open nation’s largest solid-state battery facility in Beltsvilleon May 6, 2024 at 11:01 am
Listen to this article Solid-state battery manufacturer ION Storage Systems announced it will open the nation’s largest manufacturing facilities next to its headquarters in Beltsville. The battery ...
- ScaleFlux's Solid-State Drives Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in the New AI Cultureon May 6, 2024 at 5:10 am
Improving the pipeline between storage, memory, and GPUs with solutions like solid-state drives (SSDs) enhanced with computational storage capabilities is critical in enabling companies to achieve ...
- Southern Company invests in solid-state battery companyon May 3, 2024 at 4:41 pm
Southern Company, through a subsidiary, has made an early-stage investment in Johnson Energy Storage (JES), an Atlanta-based solid-state battery company.
- When flash storage makes senseon May 1, 2024 at 5:40 pm
There is a revolution happening in the storage space, and it can improve business technology performance, writes MALCOLM TILEY, technology specialist at Sithabile.
- The Best SSD and Hard Drive Deals for May 2024on May 1, 2024 at 5:00 pm
No matter how many files you keep in the cloud, you need to also have local storage. Your options are more extensive than ever, with both hard disk and solid-state memory-based peripherals ...
- The best cheap SSD deals and prices for May 2024on May 1, 2024 at 8:44 am
While there are plenty of expensive solid state drives on the market as well, the top cheap SSDs can keep up when it comes to performance, though they might not offer the same amount of storage.
via Bing News