Information Storage and Retrieval using Macromolecules as Storage Media

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of using macromolecules as ultra-high-density storage media, proposing methods to manipulate and encode data at the molecular level with practical density estimates.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to molecular data storage, extending existing biochemical techniques for information encoding in individual molecules.

Findings

Potential volumetric densities over 10^21 bits/cm^3 theoretically

Practical achievable densities around 10^16 bits/cm^3 (petabytes/cm^3)

Focus on storing bits in molecules only a few angstroms in size

Abstract

To store information at extremely high-density and data-rate, we propose to adapt, integrate, and extend the techniques developed by chemists and molecular biologists for the purpose of manipulating biological and other macromolecules. In principle, volumetric densities in excess of 10^21 bits/cm^3 can be achieved when individual molecules having dimensions below a nanometer or so are used to encode the 0's and 1's of a binary string of data. In practice, however, given the limitations of electron-beam lithography, thin film deposition and patterning technologies, molecular manipulation in submicron dimensions, etc., we believe that volumetric storage densities on the order of 10^16 bits/cm^3 (i.e., petabytes per cubic centimeter) should be readily attainable, leaving plenty of room for future growth. The unique feature of the proposed new approach is its focus on the feasibility of storing bits of information in individual molecules, each only a few angstroms in size.