Everyone knows that the giant Microsoft has an edge in every area of technology we know. Which is why we like to hear news about each of its variants. Recently, the cloud computing branch presented the Silica project, a new optical storage medium based on resistant silica glasses.
Microsoft introduces the Silica Project
Better defined than optical storage media, these modules are 7.5×7.5x2cm boards that can store information. These optical storage media work with a series of nanometric gratings, in which they store the information of 0’s and 1’s. The data is stored in a nanometer grid. To avoid errors, they contain a type of AI that protects the component from wear. According to Microsoft, however, this was greatly enhanced by the use of quartz crystals in the Silica Project.
A laser encodes data into a glass by generating three-dimensional layers on gratings and nanometric deformations at different depths and angles. Machine learning algorithms read the data by decoding images and patterns created as if they were polarized light sources through the glass.
In addition to these structural innovations, the Silica Project proposes a new standard for data storage.
In the case of Project Silica, this is a system that does not focus on capacity, but on longevity and stability because, according to Microsoft, it is capable of withstanding high temperatures and all kinds of conditions. The company claims that the data stored in a quartz crystal of Project Silica remains legible even after baking, immersion in boiling water and scratches.
Microsoft Project Silica working technology
While a conventional CD will last several centuries if kept in good condition, these memories are meant to withstand further scrutiny. Unlike CDs and Blu-Rays, which can only have up to two layers, Project Silica’s quartz crystals have up to 74 layers and Microsoft is already working to extend this capability.
To access the data, light is sent through the glass and the reflections are analyzed with microscope-like reading devices. The bad news is that there is still no reader for these crystals today.
This would provide us with a secure source capable of storing valuable data as information about global history.
This technology isn’t yet clear what direction it will take, but it’s really impressive.