Atomic Storage: 12 Iron Atoms as Stable Magnetic Bit
IBM Research demonstrated that 12 iron atoms arranged cooperatively can form a stable magnetic unit storing one bit, approaching theoretical minimum storage size.
Bit: Binary Distinction Through Presence and Absence
Machines detect differences most easily through simple binary distinctions—the presence versus absence of some physical property, forming the foundation of digital information storage.
Bit Size Evolution: From Punch Cards to Atoms
The physical size of a single bit has shrunk exponentially from centimeter-scale punch card holes to nanometer-scale magnetic domains, following consistent miniaturization trends.
Computer Memory as Physical Information Storage
Computers require memory functioning as “scrap paper” for storing program data, array values, and instructions—all physical information that occupies real space within machines.
Exponential Growth of Bit Combinations
Bits gain tremendous storage power through exponential growth—the number of unique representable states doubles with each additional bit.
Magnetic Core Memory: Directional Magnetization Storage
Modern data processing systems in the mid-20th century used thousands of magnetic cores—tiny rings of ferromagnetic material replacing vacuum tubes for memory storage.
Magnetic Disk Storage: Microscopic Magnetic Cells
Thin-film magnetic disks evolved from magnetic core memory, shrinking storage cells dramatically while maintaining the bistable magnetic principle for bit representation.
Theoretical Superdrive: 125 Terabytes in Palm-Sized Device
IBM estimates that atomic storage technology could pack approximately one quadrillion bits (125 terabytes) into a handheld device the size of an iPod.