Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FASTCOMET (Future Data Storage Using Colloidal Memory Technology)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-11-01 al 2024-10-31
Data is being generated at ever-increasing rates with the widespread digital transformation in businesses and society. The continually increasing demand for affordable data storage puts tremendous pressure on storage technologies. New
concepts for low-cost, high-storage-density memories are urgently needed to keep storage capabilities in line with the growing demand. FastComet is a colloidal memory concept in which colloidal nanoparticles are considered data carriers. The memory consists of a large array of nanocapillaries in which two types of nanoparticles with antagonistic electrophoresis (DEP) properties can be selectively inserted into the capillary by DEP forces. Data can be stored as the specific stacking sequence of the different particle types. A CMOS circuit at the periphery of the array addresses and controls the electrodes. The long-term aim is to develop an integrated device that is able to store data using nanoparticles smaller than 15 nm. This would ultimately result in ultra-high bit densities exceeding 100 Gbit per square millimeter and potentially reaching 1 Tbit square millimeter at a lower cost than existing data storage technologies. In the FastComet project, we aim to establish a proof-of-concept for colloidal memory by identifying suitable nanoparticles, developing nanofabricated test structures, using advanced nanoscopy imaging techniques to demonstrate the selective manipulation of nanoparticles into passive nanocapillary arrays, and establishing a modeling framework for future technology development.
concepts for low-cost, high-storage-density memories are urgently needed to keep storage capabilities in line with the growing demand. FastComet is a colloidal memory concept in which colloidal nanoparticles are considered data carriers. The memory consists of a large array of nanocapillaries in which two types of nanoparticles with antagonistic electrophoresis (DEP) properties can be selectively inserted into the capillary by DEP forces. Data can be stored as the specific stacking sequence of the different particle types. A CMOS circuit at the periphery of the array addresses and controls the electrodes. The long-term aim is to develop an integrated device that is able to store data using nanoparticles smaller than 15 nm. This would ultimately result in ultra-high bit densities exceeding 100 Gbit per square millimeter and potentially reaching 1 Tbit square millimeter at a lower cost than existing data storage technologies. In the FastComet project, we aim to establish a proof-of-concept for colloidal memory by identifying suitable nanoparticles, developing nanofabricated test structures, using advanced nanoscopy imaging techniques to demonstrate the selective manipulation of nanoparticles into passive nanocapillary arrays, and establishing a modeling framework for future technology development.
The work performed in the first reporting period focused on the development and validation of the microscopy protocol for the 3D imaging of the dielectrophoretic response of nanoparticles. Commercially available fluorescently labelled PS beads as well as bespoke organic and inorganic nanoparticles prepared within the consortium were tested. Using single-particle tracking, this data allows mapping the velocities, which are related to the forces the particles experience. Another important result is the proof-of-concept demonstration of the capturing and trapping mechanism. In parallel the first steps towards meaningful models have been taken, allowing a close comparison between experiment and theory in the next stages of the project. Based on the experience obtained with the currently used microfluidic chips, the design for the next generation chips has been finalised. Additionally, new nanoparticles have been designed and synthesized.
3D imaging of dielectrophoresis is a novel result, as is the present prototype where we demonstrated controlled trapping of a single type of nanoparticle. These achievements are of a primary scientific interest and appropriate for dissemination in scientific publications. Further research is aimed at the development of the colloidal memory concept where the writing of two types of nanoparticles needs to be achieved.
Likewise, the modelling and part of the nanoparticle synthesis goes beyond the state of the art, also in these cases further research is the first step to further uptake.
Likewise, the modelling and part of the nanoparticle synthesis goes beyond the state of the art, also in these cases further research is the first step to further uptake.