Stamping devices for nanotechnology using metallic glasses

Advances in using amorphous metal alloys may make possible an inexpensive nanotech version of the molding technique used to make DVDs. The pits stamped in DVDs are rectangles 320 by 400 nm, but now amorphous metals have been used to stamp features as small as 13 nm, and the researchers believe that they can further decrease the feature size, perhaps to as small as single atoms. From Yale University, via AAAS EurekAlert “Yale engineers revolutionize nano-device fabrication using amorphous metals“:

Yale engineers have created a process that may revolutionize the manufacture of nano-devices from computer memory to biomedical sensors by exploiting a novel type of metal. The material can be molded like plastics to create features at the nano-scale and yet is more durable and stronger than silicon or steel. The work is reported in the February 12 issue of Nature [abstract].

Quantum holographic storage

An important discovery for the storage industry, concerning nanotechnology, but for the decades to come:

Researchers at Stanford University have demonstrated quantum holographic storage, shattering long-held assumptions about the information limits of matter. Moving into the sub-atomic realm, they permanently stored 35 bits in the quantum space surrounding a single electron.

Moreover, the technique allows holograms to be “stacked” in 3 dimensions. They demonstrated 2 35-bit storage elements in the same space. Encoding data using mere atoms would be less than half as space efficient.

Quote source: ZDNET Quantum holographic storage: it works!

Original Nature Nanotechnology article