Technology
How 5D Optical Storage Works
Data is stored using femtosecond laser pulses into fused quartz glass, creating nanoscale structures that store information across five dimensions. Founded on 30+ years of pioneering research at the University of Southampton.
13B+ Years
Data Lifespan
360 TB
Potential Per Disc Capacity
1,000°C
Heat Resistance
$0
Running Storage Costs
Core Technology
The Five Dimensions
5D optical data storage uses a FemtoEtch™ process to store information across five dimensions within the structure of fused quartz glass. Three spatial dimensions (x, y, z layering) define the physical position of each data point within the crystal. Two additional optical dimensions are derived from birefringence — the slow axis orientation and retardance strength of self-assembled nanogratings — enabling vastly greater data density and permanence.
Writing Process
How Data is Written
A femtosecond laser creates self-assembled nanogratings within fused silica glass. Each pit is less than 200nm in size and stores 8 bits (one byte) of data. The ultrashort laser pulses modify the glass at the nanoscale without cracking or damaging the surrounding material, enabling precise, high-density inscription.
- Femtosecond laser inscription
- Sub-200nm nanogratings
- Self-assembled nanostructures
- Data erasable and rewritable
Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability
Global data centres consume 1.5–3% of the world's electricity and generate significant carbon emissions. 5D Memory Crystal™ storage requires zero ongoing energy once data has been written. Write once, store forever — with no cooling infrastructure, no hardware refresh cycles, and no recurring energy cost. A fundamentally more sustainable approach to long-term data preservation.
- Zero energy maintenance
- No cooling infrastructure required
- No hardware refresh cycles
- Reduced carbon footprint vs cloud
Durability
Harsh Environment Resistance
5D Memory Crystal™ survives conditions that destroy conventional storage. The fused quartz substrate is unaffected by ionizing radiation and electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), making it viable for space, near reactor sites, or in the aftermath of grid-scale disruptions. It is chemically inert with a zero water absorption rate, so crystals remain intact in high-humidity environments and can even be stored at the bottom of the ocean without data loss.
- Radiation- and EMP-resistant
- Survives deep-ocean pressure and exposure
- Zero water absorption, fully humidity-resistant
- Chemically inert fused quartz substrate
Get Started
Your First Crystal
Available now for early adopters. Choose a format, upload your files, and receive a crystal that will outlast everything you own.