Ahead of the SPIE Optics + Photonics 2014 conference, Akonia Holographics announced that it has demonstrated a storage density of 1.35 Terabits per square inch using its holographic drive architecture and photopolymer media.
For more information visit: www.akoniaholographics.com
Unedited press release follows:
Akonia Holographics Data Storage Technology Will Soon Bring an End to the Tape-Based Archival Era
Holographic data storage brings the benefits of high-density random access optical media to the archive market
LONGMONT, Colo., Aug. 15, 2014 — Akonia Holographics has demonstrated world-record data storage density of 1.35 Terabits per square inch using a state-of-the-art holographic drive architecture with its new cutting edge photopolymer media. “This milestone is the first in a series of demonstrations we have targeted with our newest technology platform,” says CEO Ken Anderson.
From compliance requirements to data mining, archival data storage needs are expanding massively. The most practical and cost-effective method for storing archival data today is tape, but with its sequential read/write and rigid environmental requirements, a replacement technology is desperately needed. Much like the cassette tape migrating to the CD and VHS tape being usurped by the DVD, digital tape will soon be replaced by Akonia’s more robust and random access holographic storage technology without any cost penalty.
Akonia’s holographic storage is an archive solution with all of the benefits of tape along with the added benefit of random access. As a removable optical media, it provides a use-case that is as easy and familiar as a DVD. Holographic storage also offers a much smaller footprint, lower-cost, and low energy consumption.
Unlike incremental approaches such as using Blu-ray disks for archiving, holographically reading and recording data involves transferring millions of bits in parallel. This enables 10X faster transfer rates along with enormous storage density (one holographic disc stores more data than 54 Blu-ray discs), both of which are required for ever-growing world data volumes. Additionally, the media can be produced at low cost since it is plastic and doesn’t suffer from the complexity of multiple layers.
Holographic data storage can easily follow Moore’s law for many years to come since it is a 3D storage technology. “Every other storage technology is struggling to take advantage of the 3rd dimension by adding layers or stacks of disks. Holographic storage does this inherently. We are just scratching the surface of what this technology can accomplish. Initially, we will enjoy a 2x to 4x advantage over LTO tape in dollars per TB and volumetric density. This gap will grow even larger in future product generations,” says Anderson.
If you’re interested in learning more about this data storage revolution please see our website at www.akoniaholographics.com. Specific details of Akonia’s new holographic drive and actual performance data will be shared at the SPIE Optics+Photonics conference in San Diego, Aug. 17-21, 2014.
About Akonia:
Akonia Holographics is the world leader in systems and materials for holography. The Akonia holographic data storage prototype has already demonstrated digital data storage densities exceeding those of any other commercial technology, and the Akonia technology roadmap identifies a series of breakthroughs that will sustain Moore’s-Law growth for years to come.