'Universal memory' breakthrough brings the next generation of computers 1 step closer to major speed boost
Universal computer memory that's both super-fast and energy efficient is one step closer to reality after scientists built an "extremely" stable prototype using a completely new material. The new material, dubbed "GST467," which contains germanium, antimony and terbium, was used as one repeating layer in a stacked-layer structure, known as a superlattice, and could pave the way for universal memory that can replace both short- and long-term storage. It can also be faster, cheaper and less power-intensive, scientists said in a study published Jan. 22 in the journal Nature Communications . Computers today use short-term memory, like random access memory (RAM) and long-term flash memory — such as solid-state drives (SSDs) or hard drives — for different purposes. RAM is fast but needs a significant amount of physical space and a constant power supply, meaning its data vanishes when the computer has been turned off. Flash memory, on the other hand, retains d...