Research is currently ongoing into a concept of 3D data storage and is intended to replace current mechanical methods of storing data. The ole spindle and platter may become an artifact in the Smithsonian next to the phonograph.
The entire concept centers on holographic principles. Under this theory data is stored when concentric propagating spherical waveforms collide forming a constructive / destructive wave pattern that is then ‘gathered’ and imprinted on a recording surface. Typically in this process highly polarized light (laser) is split into a reference beam and a data beam. The data beam is reflected off of some object then joined with the reference beam causing the interference pattern that is recorded.
If developed it may be possible when combined with asynchronous processing that highly intelligent synthetic life may come to fruition.
Currently, I am trying to visualize how this data is stored in the interference pattern. Does anyone have a good explanation?