Single Atom Data Storage

The headline you saw likely refers to research, primarily by IBM, that demonstrated the ability to store data on individual atoms. Here’s a breakdown of the technology:

• The Basic Principle: The research involves using the magnetic properties of individual atoms to represent bits of data (1s and 0s). The direction of the atom’s magnetic pole (north or south) represents the bit value [1][2].
• The Material: IBM’s researchers used atoms of the rare-earth element holmium [2]. These atoms are attached to a surface of magnesium oxide, which holds them in place [2].
• Writing the Data: A specialized microscope called a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is used. The needle tip of the STM passes an electrical current through the holmium atom. This current causes the atom’s north and south poles to “flip,” writing the data (either a 1 or a 0) [1][2].
• Reading the Data: The same STM is used to measure the magnetism of the atom. By detecting the orientation of the atom’s magnetic pole, the system can read the stored bit (1 or 0) [1][2]. IBM used a single iron atom to measure the magnetic field of the holmium atoms [2].
• Extreme Miniaturization: This method is far more compact than traditional data storage. Standard hard drives use about 100,000 atoms to store a single bit. This technology stores a bit on a single atom [2]. One research team has discovered a way to arrange individual atoms to store and rewrite data 500 times more efficiently than the best hard drives on the market [3].
• Challenges:
  • Temperature: The technology currently requires extremely cold temperatures (around 5 Kelvin, or -450°F) to function reliably [2][4]. This limits its practical applications for now.
  • Speed: The writing and reading processes are relatively slow compared to modern storage technologies.
  • Scalability: Building a practical, large-scale storage system based on this technology would be a significant engineering challenge.
• Potential: If the challenges can be overcome, atomic storage could revolutionize data storage, allowing for incredibly dense storage devices. One estimate suggested that the entire U.S. Library of Congress could be stored in a cube 100 micrometers wide [4].

In summary, while still in the experimental stage, storing data on individual atoms is a promising area of research that could lead to ultra-high-density data storage in the future.

Learn more:

1. The Future Of Data Storage Is Atomic – Asian Scientist Magazine
2. IBM has figured out how to store data on a single atom – Quartz
3. Writing data onto single atoms, scientists store the longest text yet | Wisconsin Energy Institute
4. Researchers have found a way to write and retrieve data at the atomic level