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Scientists Create World's Smallest QR Code — Smaller Than a Bacterium
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) and Cerabyte have collaborated to create the world's smallest QR code, smaller than a bacterium, officially recognized by Guinness World Records.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) and Cerabyte have collaborated to create the world's smallest QR code — smaller than a bacterium. Measuring just 1.98 square micrometers, the code has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records. This project is not just about setting a record; it also demonstrates new possibilities for future data storage technology.
The QR code is so tiny it cannot be seen with the naked eye or a regular microscope — only an advanced electron microscope can read it. The code is built with a 29 x 29 module structure, and each pixel is only 49 nanometers wide. That is about one-tenth the wavelength of visible light, demonstrating that data encoding technology has now advanced to the nanoscale.
To create the code, researchers used ion beam technology to engrave patterns onto a thin ceramic plate. Ceramic was chosen for its extreme durability and resistance to harsh environments. Unlike atomic-level structures that can change over time, ceramic keeps information stable and readable for a very long time.
This technology could transform the way data is stored and preserved in the future. Ceramic-based nano-storage systems could preserve critical information for hundreds of thousands of years without requiring electricity, cooling systems, or regular maintenance. Since it requires virtually no energy after writing, it could also reduce the power consumption of data centers and enable a long-term sustainable digital storage system.




