World's smallest QR code, smaller than bacteria, earns Guinness record

A research team from TU Wien and Cerabyte has created the world's smallest QR code, measuring just 1.98 square micrometers—smaller than most bacteria—and verified by the Guinness Book of Records. This code is so tiny that it can only be seen with an electron microscope, with each pixel about 49 nanometers wide, far below the wavelength of visible light. Unlike previous attempts at nanoscale data storage, the team achieved remarkable stability by engraving the code onto thin ceramic films using focused ion beams. These ceramic materials, known for their durability under extreme heat and pressure, ensure the QR code remains stable and readable for centuries, overcoming the common issue of atomic diffusion that typically degrades nanoscale data. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in data storage technology, offering a high-density, low-energy alternative to conventional electronic media, which often fail within a few years and require constant power and cooling. The ceramic storage method could theoretically store over 2 terabytes of data on a single A4