Scientists claim super iPod could be created
Wednesday, 16 Apr 2008 14:49
A super iPod with greater storage space could be created, researchers say
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A super iPod with a storage capacity 150,000 times greater than the current space available could be created, scientists claim.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow say they have created a molecule-sized switch that can dramatically increase data storage without the need to increase the size of devices.
The current limit for space is about 3.3 gigabytes but their device would result in 500,000 gigabytes located on one square inch.
The researchers claim that their development could see the number of transistors per chip rising from the current limit of 200 million to well over one billion.
Professor Lee Cronin said the research potentially increases data storage capabilities in a "radical way".
"The key advantage of the molecule-sized switch is information/transistor density in traditional semi-conductors. Molecule-sized switches would lead to increasing data storage to say four Petabits per square inch," he added.
"This breakthrough shows conceptually that this is possible (showing the bulk effect) but we are yet to solve the fabrication and addressing problems.
"The fact these switches work on carbon means that they could be embedded in plastic chips so silicon is not needed and the system becomes much more flexible both physically and technologically."
The research is published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
