The endless demand for data storage continues to drive innovation in materials science. Chemists from the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Manchester have recently introduced a breakthrough, centering around a novel magnetic molecule that could pave the way for stamp-sized drives capable of holding 100 times more data than current technology allows.
The core of this innovation lies in the concept of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). While current hard drives that magnetize small regions of a material, SMMs store data individually at the molecular level. This approach opens significantly higher data densities, potentially achieving terabytes per square centimeter.
To put this into perspective, a hard drive the size of a postage stamp could hold approximately half a million TikTok videos.
The challenge in utilizing SMMs lies in maintaining their magnetic direction, or their “memory”, across a practical range of temperatures. Existing SMMs, particularly those based on the metallic element Dysprosium, tend to lose their magnetic memory above approximately 80 Kelvin (-193 °C or -315 °F). This limitation hinders their applicability in real-world scenarios.
To address this challenge, the researchers designed and synthesized a new Dysprosium molecule, named 1-Dy. The new molecule maintains magnetic hysteresis, the ability to retain its magnetic memory, up to 100 Kelvin (-173 °C or -279 °F).
According to Professor David Mills, although it’s still a cryogenic temperature, it represents a significant improvement that could be possible in huge data centers like those used by Google.
In addition to the increased operating temperature, 1-Dy is also said to be more stable. The molecule can withstand a higher energy barrier to magnetic reversal, meaning it requires more energy to flip its magnetic state by accident. This enhanced stability can ensure greater data integrity and reliability.
The unique molecular structure of 1-Dy is key to its improved performance. The Dysprosium atom is located between two nitrogen atoms, held in place by an alkene bonded to the Dysprosium. This specific configuration contributes to the molecule’s superior magnetic properties.
Additionally, the team’s breakthrough is not only the creation of 1-Dy but also the development of improved models for understanding the magnetic behavior of these molecules. This understanding will guide the design of even more advanced SMMs capable of holding their memory at higher temperatures.
Image & article source by Australian National University (ANU)
