Research team saves information on a single molecule
Kiel University
Similar to normal hard drives, these special molecules can save information via their magnetic state. One bit on a hard drive now only requires a space of around 10 by 10 nanometres. The technology that is currently being used to store data on hard drives now reaches the fundamental limits of quantum mechanics due to the size of the bit. Credit: Manuel Gruber The molecule that the research team used can assume two different magnetic states, and when attached to a special surface, it can also change its connection to the surface. We needed to find a way to firmly attach the molecule to the surface without affecting its switching ability, explained Gruber.