Scientists from UCLA and Intel have labored for years to perfect a type of semiconductor technology called “magnetic quantum dots,” which can cause electrons in semiconductors to give off photons on command. This breakthrough marks the first time that magnetic quantum dots have been synthesized at operational temperatures.

Advances in this form of magnetic quantum dots can be used in both magnetic and optical applications, meaning that anything using a computer chip or even a laser can benefit from it. Currently, solid-state drives, although lightning quick, are low capacity and high priced. Quantum dots with magnetic properties has the potential to double hard drive storage space and substantially increase efficiency for other magnetic and optical computer hardware.

Source: ABC