Miniaturized computers the size of pinhead may soon be on their way. University of New Hampshire researchers have concocted a mixture of materials that presents a stable environment for small, safe data storage.
“We’re really optimistic about the possibilities.There is a push in the computer industry toward smaller and more powerful storage, yet current combinations of materials can create volatile situations, where data can be lost once the device is turned off,” says Jiadong Zang, assistant professor of physics.
“Our research points to this new combination as a much safer option. We’re excited that our findings might have the potential to change the landscape of information technology,” Zang adds.
Specifically, the proposed combination increases the stability of perpendicular anisotropic energy (PMA)—a vital component in random-access memory (RAM). The team used Fe monolayers, which are ultrathin monolayers that were grown atop non-magnetic substances.
The results improved PMA from 1 meV to 50 meV. The 50x increase promotes more data stored in smaller spaces.
“There is a huge movement to switch to magnetic random access memory (MRAM) for storage in computers because it is more stable,” says Zang. “Not only is data storage safer, but there is also less radiation emitted from the device. Our calculations and material combination opens the door to possibilities for much smaller computers for everything from basic data storage to traveling on space missions. Imagine launching a rocket with a computer the size of a pinhead)—it not only saves space but also a lot of fuel.”
The University of Hampshire researchers currently have a provisional patent pending.
