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Scientists Succeeded in Developing 0.6 Nanometer Material for Data Storage
Chinese scientists have recently succeeded in developing an organic material of only 0.6 nanometer in thickness with a super-high density for data storage, hitting another new record in the research of nanometer technology, thereby remaining a pacesetter in this aspect of the world as from 1996 onwards.
One nanometer is tantamount to one billionth of a meter and 0.6 nanometer in diameter means that the data storage density can reach 100 trillion bits per square centimeter, i.e. 100-fold higher than the present disc in information storing capacity. According to the density, all the data of the American National Library can be put into a disc only big as a sugar lump.
Data storage, transmission, and processing are a focal point in high-tech competition of the world. Many developed countries have put in a great effort and investment in carrying out the research for materials of super-high density and extra-high speed in data storage technology. Even the best of them has so far achieved only six nanometers in thickness, lagging one digital scale behind China.
What kind of material to be used is a key technology for super-high density data storage. Only after a repeated sifting and experimentation from among dozens of organic materials, has the research group of the Physics Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences with Gao Hongjun at the head succeeded in designing a special medium, an organic molecule system for electric charge transference as data storage. By exploiting its dual static characteristics, which can be used and erased repeatedly, the group has lessened its diameter of data storage dot to one nanometer or so.
"However, it may still take 15 years or so to commercialize and industrialize this technology, and we will make further efforts to seek more suitable materials for it", said Gao Hongjun. As reported the relevant achievements by these scientists are liable to be used in the research of nanometer apparatuses.
By PD Online staff member Li Yan
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