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Storing Data in 3D Using Light

Published on June 22, 2026, 5:03 p.m.
Storing Data in 3D Using Light

Topic: Technology

Scientists have found a new way to store massive amounts of data using light in three dimensions. This method can store more data than traditional methods and could help solve the growing global demand for data storage.

Researchers at Fujian Normal University in China have developed a new holographic data storage method that records and retrieves information in three dimensions. This approach uses all three properties of light - amplitude, phase, and polarization - to store more data within the same space. Traditional data storage methods write data onto flat surfaces like hard drives or optical discs. In contrast, this new method embeds information throughout the volume of a material using laser light.

The researchers used a deep learning architecture called a convolutional neural network model to enable the use of polarization as an independent information dimension. This allows for more data to be stored while also making it easier to retrieve.

The team created a 3D modulation encoding strategy that adjusts the intensity and phase of two perpendicular polarization states and applies a double-phase hologram technique. They used tensor-polarization holography theory along with the convolutional neural network to recover all three types of data from diffraction intensity images.

Why It Matters

This new method could help solve the growing global demand for data storage, which is especially important in India where data storage needs are increasing rapidly. This technology could also contribute to safer data transmission and advanced imaging techniques.

Key Facts

  • Scientists have developed a new holographic data storage method that records and retrieves information in three dimensions.
  • This method uses all three properties of light - amplitude, phase, and polarization - to store more data within the same space.
  • The researchers used a deep learning architecture called a convolutional neural network model to enable the use of polarization as an independent information dimension.
  • The team created a 3D modulation encoding strategy that adjusts the intensity and phase of two perpendicular polarization states and applies a double-phase hologram technique.
  • This new method could help solve the growing global demand for data storage.

Key Terms

Holographic Data Storage
A method of storing information using laser light patterns in three dimensions.

Implications

This new method could help solve the growing global demand for data storage, which is especially important in India where data storage needs are increasing rapidly. This technology could also contribute to safer data transmission and advanced imaging techniques.


Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328212132.htm

Journal Reference:

  1. Ruixian Chen, Jinyu Wang, Hao Wu, Minghui Song, Yi Yang, Dakui Lin, Xiaodi Tan. Encoding and decoding of multidimensional optical field modulation in holographic data storage. Optica, 2026; 13 (4): 591 DOI: 10.1364/OPTICA.586593

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