Review of Optical Data Storage

Abstract

As the computer industry grows, so will the requirements for data storage. Magnetic memory has been the most stable method in terms of capacity and recording/reading speed. However, we have reached the point where a substantial increase in the capacity cannot be produced without increasing the size of the system. When compact discs (CDs) were introduced in the 1980s they revolutionized the concept of data storage. Since their inception, the capacity requirements have far exceeded what is available on a compact disc, and they are now following the same path as magnetic memories. Following this trend, it could be assumed that digital versatile discs or digital video discs (DVDs) have a limited lifetime as a storage medium. In fact it has been noted that the maximum capacity of DVDs will be reached in 3-5 years. The question then is what comes next. This chapter aims to illustrate the technology involved in current optical storage methods as well as to introduce several new concepts of optical storage. It is envisaged that a storage system based on either solid immersion lens, holography or three-dimensional bit recording could be the way of the future.