Phase-change memory (PCM) is a type of computer memory which exploits the unique behavior of chalcogenide glass; with the application of heat produced by the passage of an electric current, this material can be ‘switched’ between two states, crystalline and amorphous.
Recent versions can achieve two additional distinct states, effectively doubling its storage capacity. PCM is one of a number of new memory technologies competing in the non-volatile role with the almost universal flash memory, but is faster and uses far less power than the latter. Samsung last year announced a 512Mbit PCM RAM chip for use in mobile handsets.
The Daily Omnivore 
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