Can Quartz Crystals Really Store Unlimited Data for an Unlimited Time?

In summary, quartz crystals have the potential to store a vast amount of data for an unlimited amount of time due to their unique physical and chemical properties. This is because quartz is a highly stable material and can hold a charge for a long time without losing its integrity. However, there are limitations to the practicality of using quartz crystals as a storage medium, such as the need for specialized equipment and the potential for data corruption. Further research is needed to fully understand and harness the capabilities of quartz crystal data storage.
  • #36
turbo said:
You do realize that you linked to a woo-woo video about crop circles, aliens, crystal skulls, etc, don't you? That's not a place to find any accurate information on data-storage.

JaredJames said:
So you need a material that is photosensitive and I don't believe crystal is, so it won't do the job. So no, you can't store data in crystals.

Dr Lots-o'watts said:
A quick search with the keywords from that video leads to some guy who both worked on quartz for IBM, and also sold quartz as spiritual items. One of those two jobs is scientific, the other is not. That may be where the confusion comes from.

Reading this thread was great because I learned about two important things. Firstly, that quartz can indeed store data (360 TB... per disk!), as was asserted by the "woo-woo video" and "some guy" who "sold quartz as spiritual items."

The second thing I learned about was the dualistic primitivity and curiosity of human nature - quick to criticize new ideas not contained within the limits of it's own finite reality box, while at the same time challenging the alternatives, on some levels in hopes that they may be wrong.


"5D ‘Superman memory’ crystal could lead to unlimited lifetime data storage

Using nanostructured glass, scientists at the University of Southampton have, for the first time, experimentally demonstrated the recording and retrieval processes of five dimensional digital data by femtosecond laser writing. The storage allows unprecedented parameters including 360 TB/disc data capacity, thermal stability up to 1000°C and practically unlimited lifetime."
[/PLAIN]
http://www.southampton.ac.uk/mediacentre/news/2013/jul/13_131.shtml[/URL]
 
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<h2> What is the concept behind using crystals to store data?</h2><p>The concept behind using crystals to store data is based on the ability of certain crystals to retain information in their molecular structure. This means that data can be written and stored in the crystal lattice and retrieved at a later time.</p><h2> How does the process of storing data in crystals work?</h2><p>The process of storing data in crystals involves using a laser to create tiny patterns on the surface of the crystal. These patterns represent the data and can be read by shining a laser on the crystal and measuring the light reflections.</p><h2> What are the advantages of using crystals to store data?</h2><p>One of the main advantages of using crystals to store data is their durability. Crystals are resistant to heat, moisture, and other environmental factors, making them a reliable long-term storage option. They also have a high storage capacity and can potentially store data for millions of years.</p><h2> Are there any limitations to using crystals for data storage?</h2><p>One limitation of using crystals for data storage is the high cost of the technology. It also requires specialized equipment and processes to read and write data, making it less accessible for everyday use. Additionally, the speed of data retrieval from crystals may be slower compared to other storage methods.</p><h2> How is the use of crystals for data storage being implemented in the real world?</h2><p>Currently, crystals are being used for long-term archival storage of important data, such as historical documents and cultural artifacts. They are also being explored as a potential solution for storing large amounts of data in data centers. However, this technology is still in its early stages and more research and development is needed before it can be widely implemented.</p>

FAQ: Can Quartz Crystals Really Store Unlimited Data for an Unlimited Time?

What is the concept behind using crystals to store data?

The concept behind using crystals to store data is based on the ability of certain crystals to retain information in their molecular structure. This means that data can be written and stored in the crystal lattice and retrieved at a later time.

How does the process of storing data in crystals work?

The process of storing data in crystals involves using a laser to create tiny patterns on the surface of the crystal. These patterns represent the data and can be read by shining a laser on the crystal and measuring the light reflections.

What are the advantages of using crystals to store data?

One of the main advantages of using crystals to store data is their durability. Crystals are resistant to heat, moisture, and other environmental factors, making them a reliable long-term storage option. They also have a high storage capacity and can potentially store data for millions of years.

Are there any limitations to using crystals for data storage?

One limitation of using crystals for data storage is the high cost of the technology. It also requires specialized equipment and processes to read and write data, making it less accessible for everyday use. Additionally, the speed of data retrieval from crystals may be slower compared to other storage methods.

How is the use of crystals for data storage being implemented in the real world?

Currently, crystals are being used for long-term archival storage of important data, such as historical documents and cultural artifacts. They are also being explored as a potential solution for storing large amounts of data in data centers. However, this technology is still in its early stages and more research and development is needed before it can be widely implemented.

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