New stamp-sized hard disk made from novel molecule can store 500,000 TikTok videos

Magnetic materials are the method of choice for data storage, where tiny regions of multiple atoms are magnetized to perform memory-related tasks. Single-molecule magnets work the same way but occupy a fraction of space, since they do not rely on other molecules to offer the same function. 

Single-molecule magnets for data storage

Single-molecule magnets work individually, unlike other magnetic materials that work in tandem with a neighboring group of atoms. The space saved in the approach makes them ideal for ultra-high-density storage applications.

However, the molecules need ultra-low temperatures to operate. At about 80 Kelvin (-193 degrees Celsius), this is akin to temperatures on the dark side of the Moon. 

Previous work in this area has focused on using the rare-earth element dysprosium. When bound to nitrogen atoms, the element forms molecules of irregular shapes, which can store data in large amounts. 

However, researchers at ANU and the University of Manchester found that arranging the three atoms in a straight line can significantly improve the storage capacities of the molecule. To achieve this straight-line configuration, the researchers added a chemical group called an alkene that acts like a molecular pin that holds the atoms in their place. 

Massive data storage

The molecule developed by the researchers can retain its magnetic memory even at 100 Kelvin (-173 degrees Celsius). “This is a significant advancement from the previous record of 80 Kelvin, which is around minus 193 degrees Celsius,” said an ANU Research School of Chemistry professor, Nicholas Chilton. “If perfected, these molecules could pack large amounts of information into tiny spaces.”

The researchers added that the approach could allow them to store three terabytes of data in a drive that occupies no more than 0.155 square inches (one square centimeter) area. 

“That’s equivalent to around 40,000 CD copies of The Dark Side of the Moon album squeezed into a hard drive the size of a postage stamp or around half a million TikTok videos,” added Chilton in the press release. 

While the cooling temperatures aren’t close to what can be achieved in a freezer, they can be reached with a coolant like liquid nitrogen, which can cool to 77 Kelvin (-196 degrees Celsius). 

“This molecule will now serve as a blueprint moving forward to guide the design of even better molecular magnets that can retain their data at even higher temperatures,” the researcher concluded. 

The research findings were published in Nature.