Crystals Could Transform Data Storage by Holding Vastly More Information
Eindhoven, Saturday, 22 February 2025.
American scientists have developed a crystal-based data storage method that potentially increases storage capacity thousands of times over traditional methods, paving the way for major advancements in computing.
Breakthrough at University of Chicago
Researchers at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in data storage technology. The team, led by Assistant Professor Tian Zhong and postdoctoral researcher Leonardo França, has developed a method that can pack terabytes of data into a crystal just one millimeter in size [1][2][3]. This quantum-inspired technology manipulates individual atomic defects within crystals to store information, creating approximately one billion memory cells within this tiny space [2][5].
How the Technology Works
The innovation relies on a sophisticated process where rare earth metals, specifically praseodymium ions in yttrium oxide crystals, are used to create memory cells [2][5]. Each memory cell consists of a single atomic defect that can be switched between two states using ultraviolet light, representing the binary ‘on’ or ‘off’ states used in traditional computing [1][3]. This approach marks a significant departure from conventional storage methods, as it operates at the atomic level [1].
From Radiation Detection to Data Storage
Interestingly, this breakthrough emerged from an unexpected source. França initially began this research while studying radiation dosimeters for hospital use during his PhD studies at the University of São Paulo in Brazil [2][3]. The team discovered that the crystals used for radiation detection could be adapted for data storage, leading to this revolutionary development. The findings were published in the scientific journal Nanophotonics on February 14, 2025 [2][5].
Future Implications
This new storage method could revolutionize how we handle and store digital information. With the ability to store terabytes of data in a space smaller than one carat, the technology could dramatically reduce the physical footprint of storage devices while vastly increasing their capacity [5]. The research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science [2], represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for more efficient data storage solutions in our increasingly digital world.