Nanodots to launch large memories

Arrays of 7-nanometer magnetic nickel nanodots, assembled by researchers at the National Science Foundation's Center for Advanced Materials and Smart Structures (CAMSS), aim at a 500x increase in memory density, to 10 trillion bits per square inch.

At such densities, coin-sized chips holding 5 terabits each could pack the entire Library of Congress into "a pocket full of change," said Jagdish Narayan, professor of materials science and engineering at North Carolina State University and CAMSS director at the university. Narayan performed the work with research associate Ashutosh Tiwari.

The technique, which uses pulsed-laser ablation to make nanodots that are said to be 10 times smaller than previously possible, can also be used to make more-efficient LEDs, single-electron transistors, spin transistors, hybrid devices, superhard coatings and novel biomaterials.

More info at EE Times