New Crystals That Can Store Data for Billions of Years

Researchers in the UK have created crystals that can store 360 terabytes of data, which is equivalent to the storage of 22,500 basic iPhones. They take the shape of small glass discs which encodes information using a sophisticated laser in the nano structures inside fused quartz. The data is stored in 5D, as the information is translated into the height, length, width, position, and orientation (five dimensions) of the nano structures. The data can be read by special optical devices, as the structures alter the way that light travels through the glass.
They have already used these crystals to store historic documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Bible. By using this technology, we ensure that the evidence of our civilization and all that we have learned will not be forgotten. The scientists who are presenting this research are looking for industry partners so that they can further develop and commercialize their technology. 
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