http://theinquirer.net/?article=14208

Hologram memory prototype has 1GB capacity

Mass production starts next year


By INQUIRER staff: Wednesday 18 February 2004, 14:14

NTT CLAIMS to have made a high capacity memory device using a multi-layered waveguide structure based on thin film lithography.
The device is the size of a postage stamp and made from plastic material, with the prototype having 1GB capacity.

It has also made a prototype drive to read data from what it calls the Info MICA media and is set to commercialise both these ideas, with mass production to start next year.

The media is recyclable, has high memory density, copying of the media is difficult, mass production is relatively inexpensive, while the drive’s power consumption is very small, claimed NTT.

The memory works by encoding digital data as a 2D image, which is then translated into a hologram. The hologram is then recorded as a sub micron concave convex pattern which spans the 100 layers of the memory device. Capacity is increased by adding thin film layers.

The firm reckons that the first application for the technology is as a replacement of semiconductor read only memory, where it offers small sizes and is considerably less expensive.

But future applications could be for the mass distribuition of media as a replacement for paper, with info being distributed as a ticket or as a coupon.

The firm has already shown off the technology to the music industry for distributing music.

I remember talking about this with someone over a year ago, but couldn't find any good links about it. It seems it is actually becoming a reality now. Great find Rick.

The first time I heard about it was 1999. Supposedly, 'terrabyte' and 'bandwidth' will be the buzzwords when this stuff reaches mainstream.

I remember reading a very long time ago that the potential bandwidth can be measured in GBps when the technology matures.

I'm a little disappointed it was mentioned as "read only".