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Scientist Uses Nanodots To Create 4Tb Storage Chip

Posted by samzenpus on from the small-is-the-new-big dept.

arcticstoat writes "Solid state disks could soon catch up with mechanical hard drives in terms of cost and capacity, thanks to a new data-packed chip developed by a scientist at the University of North Carolina. Using a uniform array of 10nm nanodots, each of which represents a single bit, Dr. Jay Narayan created a data density of 1 terabit per square centimeter. The end result was a 4cm2 chip that holds 4Tb of data (512GB), but the university says that the nanodots could have a diameter of just 6nm, enabling an even greater data density. The university explains that the nanodots are 'made of single, defect-free crystals, creating magnetic sensors that are integrated directly into a silicon electronic chip.' Dr. Narayan says he expects the technology overtaking traditional solid state disk technology within the next five years."

4 of 207 comments (clear)

  1. 4tb != 512gb by dch · · Score: 0, Redundant

    It appears that the article does not even say 4tb, just that the device can hold 512gb

    1. Re:4tb != 512gb by Frenchman113 · · Score: 0, Redundant

      4 Tb is 512 GB.

    2. Re:4tb != 512gb by V!NCENT · · Score: 0, Redundant

      Given that one crystal represents one bit, it tells you (as this is research, you know...) that there can be 1.099.511.627.776 crystals per cm (density, much?).

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      Here be signatures
  2. oblig. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Redundant

    http://xkcd.com/678/

    The rest is just business, which is easy right?