Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a technique that may revolutionize data storage within a few years. The technology, which involves manipulating charged copper particles is 1,000 times as energy efficient as flash memory and costs 1/10 the current rate to produce.

The technology, called a programmable metallization cell (PMC), could lead to terabyte-sized portable data storage devices, allowing users to store a practically infinite amount of information. The technology is a welcome advance on flash memory, which is approaching its physical limits.

PMC is a radical departure from electronic charge based memory technologies. Instead, in the presence of a negative charge, PMC forms on-demand nanowire pathways from copper atoms to record binary data. A positive charge on the pathways causes them to disassemble and return to their free-state, ready to accept another negative charge.