Unless you happen to be a molecular physicist, molecular physics just got interesting. Especially to IT providers in all locales, new, specially designed molecules now hold a significant key to unlocking ultra-efficient data storage. Soon, data center managers will be able to store insane amounts of data in specialized layers of molecules. The concept might defy belief, but it won’t be long before data storage manufacturers are taking serious note of the new technology. Dubbed “molecular memory,” in a decade’s time it could mean that IT reps will be storing as much as 1,000TB of data in as little as a square inch of space. Hopefully the final outcome will be more energy- and space-efficient data centers worldwide.

The technology is exciting, especially when you consider that the discovery of molecular memory will only accelerate the search for more, improved alternatives to traditional data storage. The molecule used in the research, which was conducted in an MIT lab, was first developed and produced in India by chemists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER).

How the Science Behind it Works

By controling the magnetic conductivity of the molecules, researchers replicated binary 1s and 0s in accordance with the state of the molecules’ magnetism. This creates molecular memory, which allows us to store even more data in a miniscule amount of space.

How It’s Done

Previous versions of the new tech needed two ferromagnetic electrodes, but the recent discovery of a new type of molecule allowed the use of one ferromagnetic electrode and a single layer of molecules. Before, many layers were required in a working device. The most recent improvements to the technology would cut down manufacturing costs in the event that the product is mass produced in the future. Other discoveries made during research also suggest that with further development, the devices will be better equipped for utilization in data centers, which will prove to be a definite boon to IT professionals who are constantly managing temperatures within their facilities.

What Does it Mean?

Jagadeesh Moodera led the research team at MIT and anticipates that workable storage devices modeled after “molecular memory” will be available as alternative options to traditional SSD systems by 2023 or within the next decade. Consequent benefits of the technology will be a better use of the energy to power and cool the devices in data center facilities as well as a more efficient use of hard drive space.

As the technology is adopted by data center technicians in numerous quarters, their goals for better performing hardware and more efficient usage of resources are sure to be reached. Additionally, Moodera is hopeful that his research will promote a sustained interest in memory solutions like this one.

Source: http://www.cio.com/article/727287/New_Molecules_Could_Bring_Super_dense_Solid_state_Hard_Disk_Alternatives