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Diamonds Are Forever: The Glittering Future of Data Storage
When it comes to long-term data storage, most of us think of cold storage facilities or archival formats like PDF-A. But what if we told you that your precious family photos or company records could outlast civilizations, stored in the world’s most glamorous gemstone? Recent research has shown that diamonds could be the ultimate data vault, capable of preserving information for millions of years.
Scientists at China’s University of Science and Technology in Hefei have achieved a record-breaking diamond storage density of 1.85 terabytes per cubic centimeter. To put this in perspective, a diamond optical disc could store the same amount of information as roughly 2,000 same-sized Blu-rays. But why would anyone want to store data on a diamond, aside from the bragging rights?
The answer lies in the diamond’s unparalleled durability. As study co-author Ya Wang explains, “Once the internal data storage structures are stabilised using our technology, diamond can achieve extraordinary longevity—data retention for millions of years at room temperature—without requiring any maintenance”. This makes diamonds an attractive option for preserving crucial information for posterity, whether it’s government archives, historical records, or the complete works of Shakespeare (just in case).
But how does one actually read data from a diamond? The researchers used ultrafast laser pulses to shift carbon atoms in the diamond, creating tiny hollow spaces that can be arranged to influence brightness. These microscopic areas can then be read using specialized equipment. While it’s not as simple as popping a disc into your laptop, it’s a small price to pay for million-year data retention.
Is this technology practical for everyday use? Probably not. The current system is expensive and requires complex lasers and imaging equipment. However, the researchers believe future advancements could shrink the entire diamond data-writing system to the size of a microwave oven.
While we may not be storing our cat videos on diamonds anytime soon, this glittering technology offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of long-term data preservation. Who knows? In a few million years, alien archaeologists might discover our civilization’s legacy, neatly packaged in a dazzling diamond disc.
