New York: So 12 dozen atoms would store a byte? Yes. Mind-blowing. Eight atoms per bit. Totally binary but nano-level storage medium that will explode the amount of storage drives you find practical and affordable.
Atomic computing began for real today, too. Atomic computing. It’s a funny word, but don’t laugh until you see this short IBM research video.
This video, courtesy The New Scientist, shows IBM researchers explaining this new method of data storage. It uses antiferromagnetism, just the opposite spin on the iron electrons that current ferromagnetic tech employs.
Imagine storing every video you own on a thumb drive. Or every video there is, period.
Courtesy: New Scientist
Talk about doing more with less. A dozen atoms have been made to store ONE bit of data magnetically — a feat normally performed by a million atoms. The work could one day help shrink the devices that store computer data.
