3D Optical Data Storage in Organic Film using Single Photon Absorption

Abstract

Optical data storage is being investigated for use in enterprise archival data storage due to its stability, low energy consumption and low total cost of ownership. Here we present results on a method for manufacturing optical discs with dozens of writable layers using polymer coextrusion. This can greatly increase the capacity with low fabrication cost. Data are written by modulating the fluorescence of an organic dye, and exhibits a threshold dependence on the laser power, allowing the bits to be welllocalized in the intended layers. This is a result of the heat generated from the absorbed laser power, and is realizable with a continuouswave laser.We also discuss the lifetime and photostability of the dyes. These combined results promise a media that is lower in cost and higher in capacity than current commercial options.