Scientists from the University of Hamburg in Germany have reportedly discovered a new particle that could make computer hard drives physically smaller, with the same storage capacity. Scientists from the University of Hamburg in Germany have reportedly discovered a new particle that could make computer hard drives physically smaller, with the same storage capacity. Named after Tony Skyrme, the man who theorized their existence back in 1962, skyrmions could decrease the size of a portable device like a smartphone or laptop, because it uses less power and is more stable than other magnetic storage systems that are currently being used. According to the study, the magnetic fields on current hard drive storage systems use 100 thousand times more energy than skyrmions and generate more heat, which can be problematic. A press release from the University of Hamburg says: "Whether skyrmions will be used as data storage units in our computers, tablets, or smartphones, is not foreseeable. The experimentally accomplished writing and deleting of skyrmions, however, has demonstrated the feasibility of this technology and paved the way towards a realization of such devices." The scientists have shown that data storage on skyrmions is possible, so the next step is to continue developing the technology. What do you think? How will skyrmions change electronic data storage?

• published: 12 Aug 2013
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