Dataset for Eternal 5D data storage by ultrafast laser writing in glass.

Securely storing large amounts of information over relatively short timescales of 100 years, comparable to the span of the human memory, is a challenging problem. Conventional optical data storage technology used in CDs and DVDs has reached capacities of hundreds of gigabits per square inch, but its lifetime is limited to a decade. DNA based data storage can hold hundreds of terabytes per gram, but the durability is limited. The major challenge is the lack of appropriate combination of storage technology and medium possessing the advantages of both high capacity and long lifetime. The recording and retrieval of the digital data with a nearly unlimited lifetime was implemented by femtosecond laser nanostructuring of fused quartz. The storage allows unprecedented properties including hundreds of terabytes per disc data capacity, thermal stability up to 1000 °C, and virtually unlimited lifetime at room temperature opening a new era of eternal data archiving.

在与人类记忆跨度相当的约100年时间尺度内安全存储海量信息，是一项极具挑战性的课题。应用于CD与DVD的传统光数据存储技术，已实现每平方英寸数百吉比特的存储容量，但其使用寿命仅为十年。基于DNA的数据存储（DNA-based data storage）每克可承载数百太字节的数据，但耐用性仍存在局限。当前的核心挑战在于，尚未找到可兼顾高容量与长寿命双重优势的存储技术与存储介质的适配组合。通过对熔融石英（fused quartz）开展飞秒激光纳米结构化（femtosecond laser nanostructuring）处理，研究人员实现了寿命近乎无限的数字数据记录与读取操作。该存储方案具备多项前所未有的性能：单盘存储容量可达数百太字节、热稳定性最高可达1000℃，且室温下理论寿命近乎无限，为永久数据归档领域开启了全新纪元。