Researchers at Houston’s Rice University have demonstrated a new medium for data storage, which is made out of a mere 10 atom thick layer of graphite. The technology has huge implications not only for advancing the capacities of flash memory, but also for space exploration with its ability to withstand radiation and temperatures of -75 to 200 degrees Celsius, that would destroy modern Solid State Disks.

The team, who published their paper on the technology recently after 18 months of testing, were able to grow graphene (10 layers or less of graphite) on top of silicon and store data. The storage medium uses very little power, generates little heat and is thought to have a lifetime far superior to current flash memory.

Individual bits could apparently be made smaller than 10 nanometers, increasing storage capacity by a factor of five compared to 45-nanometer circuitry in modern drives. Toshiba yesterday announced an SSD developed using 43-nanometer circuitry, but the theoretical limit for the current NAND technology is around 20nm, which is forecast to be reached by 2012.

The researchers also point out another benefit of the technology, that the raw material is easily come by. Those who still use pencils (crossworders) may even have some laying about the house.

Sources:

Rice University Paper and ComputerWorld

Via: Slashdot