Creating ever-larger optical storage media is both a perpetual goal for technology researchers and an ardent desire of early adopters always eager for the latest and greatest devices. General Electric's Global Research branch revealed this week a "major breakthrough" which the company believes could impact future optical storage development - specifically, the implementation of micro-holographic technology in various consumer electronics.
GE announced on Wednesday that its researchers had finally replicated Blu-ray Disc write speeds in a new micro-holographic material. The company said it had previously used similar material to squeeze 500GBs of data onto a disc the size of a normal DVD. While no specific plans were outlined for exactly how or when such breakthroughs would find their way into consumers' living rooms, the company didn't shy away from speculation.
Peter Lorraine, the Applied Optics Lab Manager at GE Global Research, celebrated the progress and reaffirmed the company's push into holographic storage solutions.
"During the past two years, our research team has been focused on material improvements to increase the recording speed and making other key advances needed to ready GE's micro-holographic technology for market," he said. "With a speed to match Blu-ray's, discs made from GE's advanced micro-holographic materials are an attractive solution for both archival and consumer entertainment systems."
A 500GB holographic disc is just a stepping stone for GE, however; a 1TB disc is its true goal. Of course, that isn't stopping GE from cashing in on current developments. The company says it will begin working on licensing its current technological breakthroughs to other companies through 2011. (via PCWorld)
Can't wait for affordable micro-holographic discs? Satisfied with current options? Let us know where you stand on the upcoming holographic storage revolution in the comment section.
