Hewlett-Packard Chip Packs Data Tighter

Hewlett-Packard Co. said it built a tiny molecular memory chip that packs data into a space less than one-tenth the size of today’s semiconductors.

The world’s biggest personal computer maker crafted a 64-bit memory device that fits inside 1 square micron, researcher Stan Williams said in a conference call with reporters. About eight characters of text can fit on each device, and it would take more than 1,000 of them to measure as wide as a human hair.

Scientists are trying to overhaul circuit production with cheaper, faster methods.