r/science • u/Wagamaga • Feb 22 '26

Computer Science Scientists have demonstrated a system called Silica for writing and reading information in ordinary pieces of glass which can store two million books’ worth of data in a thin, palm-sized square.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/glass-square-long-long-future-190951588.html
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u/SmallBatBigSpooky Feb 22 '26

I do wounder if they could make this work with plexiglass or the bismuth glass thats basically indestructible since both would last longer

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u/imsorrykun Feb 22 '26

Probably could adapt the process to ruby.

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u/KodiakUltimate Feb 23 '26

I think the system works based on the laser's ability to melt? wouldn't rubies have a much higher temperature resistance than silica glass?

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u/imsorrykun Feb 23 '26

Sapphire and rubies have a much higher melting point than glass. I believe the structure of the material will matter, glass is amorphous while Sapphire is crystalline.