5D optical data storage

5D optical data storage (also branded as Superman memory crystal,[1] a reference to the Kryptonian memory crystals from the Superman franchise) is an experimental nanostructured glass for permanently recording digital data using a femtosecond laser writing process.[2] Discs using this technology could be capable of storing up to 360 terabytes worth of data[3][4] for billions of years.[5][6][7][8] The concept was experimentally demonstrated in 2013.[9][10][11] Hitachi and Microsoft have researched glass-based optical storage techniques, the latter under the name Project Silica.[12][13]

The "5-dimensional" descriptor is for marketing purposes, since the device has 3 physical dimensions and no exotic higher dimensional properties. The fractal/holographic nature of its data storage is also purely 3-dimensional. The size, orientation and three-dimensional position of the nanostructures make up the claimed five dimensions.[3]

  1. ^ Kazansky, P.; et al. (11 March 2016). "Eternal 5D data storage via ultrafast-laser writing in glass". SPIE Newsroom.
  2. ^ ""Cristais de memória do Superman" armazenam até 360TB por 1 milhão de anos". Terra. 11 November 2013. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Eternal 5D data storage could record the history of humankind". University of Southampton. 18 February 2016.
  4. ^ Huebler, Kevin (20 February 2016). "Superman memory crystal lets you store 360TB worth of data". CNBC.
  5. ^ "5D nanostructured quartz glass optical memory could provide 'unlimited' data storage for a million years". kurzweilai.net. 10 July 2013.
  6. ^ Borghino, Dario (11 July 2013). ""Superman memory crystal" could store hundreds of terabytes indefinitely". New Atlas.
  7. ^ Mullen, Jethro (17 February 2016). "New 'Superman' crystals can store data for billions of years". CNN-Tech.
  8. ^ Kazansky, Peter (11 March 2016). "Nanostructures in glass will store data for billions of years". SPIE Newsroom. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  9. ^ "5D 'Superman memory' crystal could lead to unlimited lifetime data storage". University of Southampton. 9 July 2013.
  10. ^ Zhang, Jingyu; Gecevičius, Mindaugas; Beresna, Martynas; Kazansky, Peter G. (2013). "5D Data Storage by Ultrafast Laser Nanostructuring in Glass" (PDF). CLEO: 2013 Postdeadline (PDF). pp. CTh5D.9. doi:10.1364/CLEO_SI.2013.CTh5D.9. ISBN 978-1-55752-973-2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2014.
  11. ^ "New nanostructured glass for imaging and recording developed". Phys.org. 15 August 2011.
  12. ^ "Project Silica". Microsoft.
  13. ^ Welch, Chris (27 September 2012). "Hitachi invents quartz glass storage capable of preserving data for millions of years". The Verge.