Innovative Storage Technologies Scaling DNA-Based Data Storage

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The Belgian research institute Imec and Atlas Data Storage, a specialist in production-scale DNA data storage, have joined forces to advance the development of digital data storage using synthetic DNA.

Imec and Atlas aim to scale DNA data storage for high throughput. The partners are combining DNA synthesis, ASIC design and 12 inches chip fabrication to develop a scalable approach for long-term, high-density data storage.

The growing demand for data, not least due to AI applications, is increasing the pressure on existing storage infrastructures. Against this backdrop, Imec and Atlas Data Storage have announced a strategic partnership to advance the development of DNA-based data storage.

The collaboration combines Atlas' ASIC and synthesis expertise with Imec's know-how in chip development, manufacturing and integration. In addition to the technical cooperation, the agreement also includes a shareholding by Imec in Atlas.

DNA data storage is regarded as an approach to archive storage with very high density and long durability. Compared to magnetic storage media such as tape and hard disk, it promises to take up less space and require less energy and maintenance over long periods of time.

One frequently cited advantage is the potential storage density: Up to hundreds of petabytes of digital data could theoretically be encoded in one gram of DNA. In addition, correctly encapsulated DNA can remain stable for a very long time without the need for regular data migrations to new media.

Scaling Up DNA Synthesis on Silicon

At the center of the current development is a control ASIC designed by Atlas, on which Imec has co-developed and monolithically manufactured a high-density nanoscale arrangement of electrochemical cells. The chip is intended to coordinate millions of individual synthesis sites and thus significantly increase the throughput of DNA synthesis.

It is precisely this throughput that is seen as the central hurdle to the commercial use of the technology. According to the partners, synthesis needs to be scaled up by several orders of magnitude compared to current methods in order for DNA-based data storage to become realistic on an industrial scale.

The project relies on CMOS technology and Imec's 12 inches silicon platform for this scaling. The approach aims to harness the integration density of conventional semiconductor processes for a biochemical storage concept.

Manufacturing Issues And Strategic Framework

According to Imec, the technical challenges include etching platinum-based structures in very small dimensions and reducing leakage currents between neighboring components. A customer-specific process sequence was developed to ensure electrical isolation and stable operation across the entire dense array.

The supply chain is also part of the project: IC-Link from Imec is responsible for sourcing customer-specific wafers from Atlas for further post-processing in the Imec line. In this way, the partners are not only addressing component development, but also issues relating to the transfer to reliable production processes.

Beyond the technical level, the cooperation is designed as a long-term development and investment partnership. Atlas will gain access to Imec's R&D infrastructure, nanofabrication processes and the research institute's partner and investor ecosystem.(sg)

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