IBM researchers discover atomic data storage technique

Researchers at IBM have discovered a technique to store one bit of data in just 12 atoms, compared to over one million atoms to store one bit on current hard drives.

Using an unconventional form of magnetism, known as antiferromagnetism, a single letter or number (one byte) can be stored in just 96 atoms. Using this technique, the researchers were able to store the word “THINK” in just 480 magnetised atoms.

However, the researchers have warned that it will be some time before they are used in commercially available products.

The researchers also noted their results were achieved at near absolute zero temperatures and their method was less efficient at room temperature, suggesting that storage devices based on the technique will initially appear in high end data centres ahead of consumer products.