Scientists have discovered a new way in which to make platinum atoms magnetic, in a move that could have major benefits for the storage of information.

Physicists in Germany have discovered that platinum atoms can become magnetic when grouped in together in small nanoclusters, meaning that the technology could significantly enhance the way in which electronic information is stored.

Experts at the University of Stuttgart carried out the tests and found that each nanocluster, which contains 13 atoms, has a magnetic moment of as much as 0.65 Bohr magnetons per atom.

Speaking to Nanotechweb, Emil Roduner, who led the team of researchers, explained that the platinum nanoclusters "might be further developed to suit such advanced applications" as information storage or spintronics.

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