Long-term data storage is a challenge that must be faced because hard disk storage cannot last forever and storage on compact discs is destroyed when plastic decomposes in 500 years. Researchers from the University of Science and Technology in Hefei have now found a way to store data using diamonds.
Through this discovery, a disc with a diamond layer can store data with a density of 1.85 TB per cubic centimeter. This means that it has the capacity of 2000 Blu-Ray discs of the same size. More importantly, researchers believe that the stored data can last for millions of years even when stored at room temperature.
Ultra-fast lasers are used to push the position of carbon atoms on the surface of the diamond. This will produce different indications on the diamond surface that represent a certain value for the stored data. In studies conducted, the accuracy of storing and reading data using this technique is around 99%.
This system is still in the testing stage and is expensive because of the laser system required. However, researchers believe that with technological advances, machines the size of microwave ovens could be able to store data in the future.
The discovery is reminiscent of the compact disc system invented by University of Southampton researchers three years ago that can store up to 10,000 times the data of a Blu-Ray. Despite its high capacity, the process of writing 500TB of data takes 60 days, making it impractical.