Affordable Petabyte Storage for Scientific Data Distribution & Archiving

The data storage market constitutes a sizeable and rapidly growing facet of the world economy, and worldwide data storage needs are growing at an unprecedented rate. New technologies are needed to keep up with the demand for affordable, efficient, and permanent (archival) digital storage. This project will develop a new type of data storage system that uses very thin layers of material to permanently store digital information in a very small volume. The hardware to record and read back the data will be based on components already developed for DVD and CD products. During Phase I, all of the key elements of the novel data storage technology were demonstrated, including the most critical aspect, the production of nanometer-sized features over large areas on an ultra-thin support film. The ability to coat the material, in order to make it recordable, was demonstrated. The ability to permanently record data structures on the material also was demonstrated. Based on these results, the possibility of storing a petabyte of data in a relatively small volume was confirmed. During Phase II, a continuous roll-to-roll pilot fabrication process, capable of manufacturing consistent 6-in wide quantities of TLO media, will be demonstrated. In addition, a media formatter/reader/writer will be developed to address several specific sub-features of any ultimate system. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new data storage technology should address the explosive growth in digital data that is being driven by the internet and other factors. Areas of application include satellite weather imaging, digital and motion picture imaging, surveillance, and security, to name a few.