New Molecular Magnet Sets Record for High-Density Data Storage at Elevated Cryogenic Temperatures

A research team from the University of Manchester and the Australian National University has developed a novel molecular magnet capable of storing data at the ultra-low temperature of 100 Kelvin (–173°C), marking a breakthrough in high-density information storage. The findings have been published in Nature.

This single-molecule magnet retains its magnetic memory at 100 K, significantly surpassing the previous record of 80 K. If further developed, the technology could enable storage devices the size of a postage stamp to hold 100 times more data than current methods—up to 3 terabytes per square centimeter, equivalent to about 40,000 CDs or 500,000 TikTok videos.

As global data volumes surge, traditional hard drives—dependent on the collective magnetization of many atoms—are nearing their density limits. In contrast, single-molecule magnets store information at the molecular level, offering a path toward vastly increased storage capacity. Until now, their practical use has been hindered by the requirement for extremely low operating temperatures.

While the new molecule still requires –173°C to function, this temperature is above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen (–196°C), potentially enabling integration into large-scale data centers.

This advancement not only sets a new temperature benchmark but also lays the foundation for designing molecular magnets operable at even higher temperatures—paving the way for future innovations in data storage technologies.