Storage density is running into physical size limitations, as we seek to find ways to store a bit in a smaller area.  Currently a bit on a HDD takes up an area of 10x10nm, depending on the technology used, which may seem tiny but is preventing higher density disks from being developed.  A team of researchers have come up with a new technique which creates stable magnetic spin crossover molecules that can decrease the area of a bit to 1nm2, as well as being able to store up to three states.  There are some major challenges, such as how to mate the molecule to a platter but the research is very interesting.  Drop by EE Times for more information.

"The use of spin crossover molecules as the smallest storage unit would make it possible to further increase the storage density of data carriers. The challenge is to attach these molecules to surfaces without destroying their storage capacity. A research team from the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel (CAU) has now succeeded in doing so."

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