ND1 centers in diamond for long-term data storage in extreme conditions

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel diamond-based data storage method using ND1 centers that enables high-density, 3D optical storage with exceptional stability under extreme conditions, promising long-term data preservation.

Contribution

Introduces a new approach utilizing ND1 centers in diamonds for durable, high-capacity 3D optical data storage with precise laser writing and robust stability.

Findings

Stable under extreme temperatures and environments

Achieves data reading speeds of 500 MBits/s

Demonstrates potential for long-term data preservation

Abstract

Practically feasible long-term data storage under extreme conditions is an unsolved problem in modern data storage systems. This study introduces a novel approach using ND1 centers in diamonds for high-density, three-dimensional optical data storage. By employing near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses, we demonstrate the creation of sub-micron ND1 defect sites with precise spatial control, enabling efficient data encoding as luminescent ''pits." The ND1 centers exhibit robust photoluminescence in the UV spectrum, driven by three-photon absorption, which intrinsically provides a 3D reading of the data. Remarkably, these centers remain stable under extreme electric and magnetic fields, temperatures ranging from 4 K to 500 K, and corrosive chemical environments, with no degradation observed over extended periods. A reading speed of 500 MBits/s, limited by the lifetime of the photoluminescence, surpasses conventional Blu-ray technology while maintaining compatibility with existing optical data storage infrastructure. Our findings highlight diamond-based ND1 centers as a promising medium for durable, high-capacity data storage, capable of preserving critical information for millions of years, even under harsh conditions.