This may not be the smallest QR code that it is possible to make, but, importantly, they hit the sweet spot between microscopic size, stability, and durability – according to the collaborative academic and commercial teams. Using this 49nm pixel size, “We have created a tiny, but stable and repeatedly readable QR code,” underlines Prof. Paul Mayrhofer from the Institute of Materials Science and Technology at TU Wien.
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So, what kind of storage density can the world record-breaking advance deliver? Using the new tiniest QR code technology, it would be possible to produce a single-layer film at A4 size with over 2TB of storage .
The researchers and Cerabyte stress that the bacteria-sized QR codes retain several advantages compared to other storage technologies in widespread use today. Milled into a thin ceramic layer, it is claimed that the codes are “indefinitely” durable and require no energy or cooling to be maintained. We even see comparisons between ancient civilizations with stone tablets and trusting the jewels of the information age to advanced new ceramic storage media.
Now that this new QR code record has been verified, the teams are turning to other optimizations – writing speeds and scalable manufacturing. Interestingly, they will also work on developing more complex data structures beyond the confines of QR codes.
In the last year, Cerabyte has been in the Tom’s Hardware headlines for advances in storage density and durability . However, we don’t know the full implications of the new QR code world record on previous claims. There’s definitely some serious work being done behind the eye-catching headlines, though, with WD revealed as a key investor last May.
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/storage/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/storage/data-storage-guinness-world-record-broken-by-qr-code-measuring-just-49nm-pixels-1-98-sq-micrometer-size-is-smaller-than-bacteria-can-only-be-read-with-an-electron-microscope#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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