Materials science and engineering researchers make next-generation optical storage disk possible
After a conversation between two friends, Monash Materials Science and Engineering researchers developed the material that made RMIT University’s next-generation optical storage disk possible.
Lead investigator RMIT University’s Distinguished Professor Min Gu was researching the encoding of data with gold nanorods but needed a matrix material with the right capability. After raising the issue with friend Yi-Bing Cheng, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Monash, Professor Cheng and a colleague at Wuhan University of Technology in China used organic-inorganic hybrid glass composites to create the new type of high-density optical storage disk that can hold data securely for more than 600 years.
Professor Cheng explained, “To have a long-lasting storage option, we need a long-lasting matrix material as well. Glass is the best option and the most stable; for example, glass uncovered from Ancient Egypt is still shiny and strong. Therefore, glass and gold combined would offer the best option for long-term data storage over the long term. However, gold melts at about 1000 degrees Celsius and the gold nanorods would not survive the glass melting temperature, which is usually at 1400 degrees Celsius.”
In response, Professor Cheng and his Wuhan University of Technology colleague developed an organic-inorganic hybrid material that could incorporate the gold particles without destroying the original shape of the nanorods. The material is similar to plastic in its processing, but also resembles glass in its properties. Encoding for high‐density optical storage could then achieved by changing the shape of gold nanorods by laser melting. Thanks to this materials science innovation, the RMIT University researchers now had their long-term storage option material on which to encode high-density data.
“This is a classic story of a cross-discipline and international collaboration and a problem solved with the help of good friends,” said Professor Cheng.