An advanced version of the technology used to create DVDs and Blu-rays can store far more data, though it takes a while

A new method of writing data onto glass using lasers could store 500 terabytes on a single optical disc – but it takes so long to create that its applications may be limited.

The technique uses similar technology to existing optical media, but can store 10,000 times more data than Blu-ray discs. It involves a laser that sends out pulses every femtosecond – 1 quadrillionth of a second – to etch minute holes into glass.

Yuhao Lei at the University of Southampton, UK, and his colleagues call the method five-dimensional (5D) optical data storage because it uses two optical dimensions, based on the polarisation and intensity of light, along with the usual three spatial dimensions, to record data.

In tests, the researchers managed to write 6 gigabytes of data onto a 1-inch square of glass. They could read the data back with between 96.3 and 99.5 per cent accuracy, which could be improved to 100 per cent with an error correction algorithm.

source:New Scientist