Chinese 'Super Disk' shrinks data centre storage capacity into DVD-sized

For data centers that manage large volumes of information in AI era, optical discs remain an indispensable storage medium.

"Disc" may evoke a sense of nostalgia as optical drives and CDs gradually fade from daily use. In an era where digital data accumulation is skyrocketing, traditional data storage solutions like hard drives and cloud services have largely overshadowed optical disks such as CDs and DVDs in everyday use. Yet, for data centers that manage large volumes of information, optical discs remain an indispensable storage medium. Traditional optical data storage is cost-efficient and durable, while it has been limited to single-layer data storage, significantly capping its capacity. Recognize this; a Chinese team has led to a groundbreaking development in optical storage technology—a transparent "Super Disc" capable of storing data equivalent to 100 commercial hard drives, with a lifespan of at least 40 years.