Data storage at molecular level!

© naftemporiki.gr Storage of data on a molecular level

The pursuit of increasing data storage capabilities is a key feature of the evolution of electronic devices – from smartphones to supercomputers – and scientists at the University of Manchester made a significant step, demonstrating how data storage with a class of molecules known as “monomolecular magnets” is much more sustainable as a choice than has been believed so far.

The research was conducted by scientists headed by David Mills and Nicholas Chilton, and published in Nature. As it turns out, magnetic lagging, which is a prerequisite for data storage, is possible in individual molecules at -213 degrees Celsius, near the liquid nitrogen temperature. This in turn means that the storage of data on individual molecules could become a reality, as the data servers could be cooled by the use of relatively cheap liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius instead of the more expensive liquid helium (-269 ). Research shows that such technologies will become possible in the near future.

The capabilities of molecular data storage are enormous: By way of example, it could allow storage of more than 200 terabytes of data per square inch -that means 25,000 GB of data stored on a coin- while the storage space of Apple’s most sophisticated iPhone 7 can only “reach” up to 256 GB. Generally, the result will be much smaller hard drives, requiring far less power, meaning data centers around the world would be much more efficient and cost-effective.

Source: www.naftemporiki.gr