High Density Data Storage: 

Magneto-Optical Storage

What is High-Density Magneto-Optical Disk Storage?

          Magneto-Optical devices employ both magnetic and optical technologies to obtain ultra-high data density. A typical MO diskette is slightly larger than the conventional 3.5-inch magnetic diskettes we are used to. Although they both look alike, the older, conventional type of magnetic diskette can store only 1.44 megabytes (MB) of data, while an MO diskette can store many times that amount, ranging from 100 MB up to several gigabytes (GB).

    Magneto-Optical storage achieves its high data density by using a laser and a magnetic read/write head in combination. Both the laser and the magnet are used to write data onto the diskette. The laser heats up the diskette surface so it can be easily magnetized, and also to allow the region of magnetization to be precisely located and confined. A less intense laser is used to read data from the diskette. Data can be erased and/or overwritten an unlimited number of times, as with a conventional 3.5-inch diskette.  The only restrictions on this technology are the low risk of data loss as a result of high temperature.  Not to worry, however, as the temperature range these disks loose their vitality ranges from 200-300 degrees Celsius!

NOTE: ISTF Project # 04-962 was developed in response to the 2004-2005 Internet Science and Technology Fair.

http://www.usbyte.com/common/history_of_storage.htm - History of Data Storage

http://www.usbyte.com/common/White papers/MO_WP.htm - Advancement of Knowledge

http://www.fujitsu.com/sg/services/computing/storage/mo/about/history - History of Fujitsu

http://www.usbyte.com/common/MOsystems.htm - Basics of MO Storage