- Chinese researchers strive to develop high -capacity molecular hard drives
- Disks use organometallic molecules to increase the density and efficiency of the data
- A conductive atomic force microscope reads and writes molecular data
Chinese researchers explore the potential of organic matter to develop a new type of hard drive that could potentially store the amount of data compared to current mechanical models.
Traditional hard drives store binary data, based on magnetized regions to represent those, which limits storage capacity. Molecular hard drives surmount this using self-assembled single-taught monochings of complex organometallic molecules, like RuXLPH, to considerably increase data density while maintaining ultra-basic energy consumption, measured at only 2.94 Picowatts per bit.
A key component of the functioning of molecular hard drives is the tip of the microscope by conductive atomic force (C-AFM), which serves as mechanical programming and reading head. The tip applies tensions located in the self-assembly monocouche, triggering redox reactions in the RUXLPH molecules. The resolution at the nanometric scale of the tip allows precise control over the molecular conductance states, allowing multi-bit storage in an exceptionally low impression.
Molecular encryption
Another advantage of molecular hard drives is the improved safety they offer. Unlike traditional discs that require separate encryption mechanisms, molecular hard drives have xor in situ encryption at the molecular level. This capacity allows a coding and recovery of secure data without additional equipment, reducing the vulnerability to cyberrenchers.
The researchers demonstrated this by coding and encrypting a 128×128 pixel image, proving the system’s capacity to store and safely recover data.
Research was published in Nature communications. The authors say that future work will focus on improving miniaturization, the increase in conductance states and the fight against environmental sensitivity.
Blocks and files However, makes an interesting point. “The lifespan of a atomic force microscope is currently measured at 50-200 hours in touch mode (tapping) against 5 to 50 hours in continuous touch-up mode. Unless and until a long-term C-AFM point can be created, this seems to be a fatal defect in their molecular hard drive concept. A second point is that the device has an “ultra-zero-landing energy consumption of the PW / bit beach”, but it is for reading and writing, not the disc, which would take more power. »»
