In Brief
400-Fold Data Density
KIT researchers and colleagues have developed a new method for data storage in a model system with two atom layers of iron on a copper substrate. Calculations previously showed that information could be written via the magneto-electric coupling in this system. Using a scanning tunnelling microscope, they were able to map the metallic surfaces and simultaneously, under the fine tip of the scanning tunnelling microscope and using extremely high electrical fields, inscribe the magnetic bits of which the dimensions are one by two nanometres. The data density achieved in this manner is around 400 times higher than with conventional storage methods.
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www.helmholtz.de/kit-datenspeicherung KIT researchers and colleagues have developed a new method for data storage in a model system with two atom layers of iron on a copper substrate. Calculations previously showed that information could be written via the magneto-electric coupling in this system. Using a scanning tunnelling microscope, they were able to map the metallic surfaces and simultaneously, under the fine tip of the scanning tunnelling microscope and using extremely high electrical fields, inscribe the magnetic bits of which the dimensions are one by two nanometres. The data density achieved in this manner is around 400 times higher than with conventional storage methods.
