Researchers have unveiled a novel method for data storage through 3D printed holographics, as reported in Nature.com’s Scientific Reports. By leveraging commonly available plastics, data can be encoded with keys and addresses up to 576 bits, featuring redundancy.
The process involves utilizing Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) available on Github, combined with 3D printing. Using the right tools, holographic data can be mapped and printed onto regular plastic substrates. However, reading the encoded data requires the use of terahertz waves, which constitute the costliest component of the process.
While traditional holographic storage methods are prohibitively expensive, this approach offers a cost-effective alternative. With access to the necessary resources—such as the research paper, Github repositories, a 3D printer, and requisite computational skills—users can create functional holographic storage media inexpensively.
Evan Constable of TU Wien’s Institute of Solid State Physics highlighted the security and affordability of this technology, noting its potential for securely storing valuable information at minimal cost. Although not poised to replace cutting-edge storage solutions, such as NVMe SSDs, this innovation opens avenues for storing cryptographic keys affordably and securely.
In essence, 3D printed holographic data encoding presents a futuristic yet tangible solution for inexpensive data storage, offering a glimpse into the convergence of science fiction and reality.
You can read the paper titled “Encoding terahertz holographic bits with a computer-generated 3D-printed phase plate.” at this link.
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