Nanotechnology researchers at IBM have made a breakthrough in data storage. It's similar to the work of P.h.D. candidate Brent Weber, who, with the help of other researchers, developed a silicon wire only four atoms wide and one atom tall. The IBM researchers have successfully stored one bit of data in 12 atoms. Their research could greatly accelerate advancements in creating smaller computers with higher capabilities. In turn, this could revolutionize how small and midsize businesses (SMBs) work.

Extreme Consolidation

The IBM researchers claim that current technologies allow for roughly one million atoms to hold one bit of data. They scaled that down to 12 antiferromagnetically coupled atoms, which they engineered using a scanning tunneling microscope. They found that one bit of data storage was possible for several hours at 4 degrees Kelvin (-452.2 degrees Fahrenheit). However, they note that there is no time line for when this technology might come to the market, as the researchers have no say whether it will ever come to market, according to CNET. It is also mentioned that if it does makes it, it will likely be several years.

The process resembles the previously mentioned work of Brent Weber. He, his supervisor, and his research team also used a scanning tunneling microscope to produce the silicon wire. He claims this is as small as you can make a wire, or rather, you can't break it down any further than atoms, though smaller particles exists (i.e. quarks). By comparison, the wire is 10,000 times smaller than a strand of hair, as discussed in a previous Infoboom article. The wire also performed exceptionally well, retaining electrical conductivity comparable to normal-sized silicon wires. The development will greatly enhance quantum computers' practicality and will provide innovation for current technologies. Other than the tools used, these are also similar in that they successfully reduced component size without sacrificing performance.

If-Then Statements, Applications

This is a situation where "if-then statements" are key words. For instance, if this research makes it into "marketable technology," then it could revolutionize hard drives. In the tablet market, for example, many products have limited storage capacities because the companies want the devices to be as thin as possible. With atomic data storage, the capacities could be much higher without sacrificing slim designs. Additionally, the researchers note that these innovations could significantly increase energy efficiency and speed, making it all the more desirable to implement.

Many SMBs have already displayed an increased interest in purchasing tablets for business. Since size is the biggest concern in mobility and portability, atomic drives, so to speak, would be well-received in the tablet industry, where the line between the portable and the functional begs to be blurred. Such an advancement could make tablets exponentially more desirable, practical, and perhaps even more cost-effective for businesses.

However, because there is no guarantee that this breakthrough will see the light of day, it's not entirely practical to get your hopes up either. The researchers' claims weren't very optimistic about their work getting into the world. Conversely, just because those in charge of the IBM researchers' work may decide not to market the technology doesn't mean other researchers won't repeat the exercise elsewhere--increasing the entrance probability. The point is that few developments are one-time occurrences. You should keep your eye out for similar work, because the storage industry might see an upgrade sooner than you think.