3D optical data storage

3D optical data storage is any form of <a href="/facts/Optical_data_storage/D2rM4VkH">optical data storage</a> in which information can be recorded or read with <a href="/facts/Three-dimensional_space/KAqKWUbS">three-dimensional</a> <a href="/facts/Optical_resolution/TcLkPYFw">resolution</a> (as opposed to the <a href="/facts/Two-dimensional/f4b397W8">two-dimensional</a> resolution afforded, for example, by <a href="/facts/CD/0IntaWNj">CD</a>).
This innovation has the potential to provide <a href="/facts/Petabyte/BNHUp9Qq">petabyte</a>-level <a href="/facts/Mass_storage/p4DHVtbY">mass storage</a> on <a href="/facts/DVD/7fJsHJrN">DVD</a>-sized discs (120 mm). Data recording and readback are achieved by focusing <a href="/facts/Lasers/jk6PTvvT">lasers</a> within the medium. However, because of the volumetric nature of the data structure, the laser light must travel through other data points before it reaches the point where reading or recording is desired. Therefore, some kind of <a href="/facts/Nonlinearity/4aYItALC">nonlinearity</a> is required to ensure that these other data points do not interfere with the addressing of the desired point.
No commercial product based on 3D optical data storage has yet arrived on the mass market, although several companies[which?] are actively developing the technology and claim that it may become available 'soon'.

3D optical data storage open-in-new

3D optical data storage