Your Storage Problems, Solved, Thanks to ‘Superman Memory Crystal'
The "Superman Memory Crystal" represents a major breakthrough in the field of data storage.
For the March issue of Waters, I wrote about advancements in machine learning and how capital markets firms are trying to tap into some of the newer techniques. (The story should be posted on WatersTechnology.com next week.)
One of the main reasons why machine learning is gaining more traction is due to improved capacity for storing data. In order to run a market-timing strategy, for example, using machine-learning techniques: You need to take in a massive amount of data; you have to be able to store that data; and you have to be able to retrieve and then analyze that data.
It can be a daunting, time-consuming process that also requires a hefty price tag. But, advancements are being made. In fact, a HUGE advancement was announced just this week.
Scientists at the University of Southampton in the UK have created a five dimensional (5D) digital data recording and retrieval process using nanostructured glass. They dubbed it the "‘Superman Memory Crystal', as the glass memory has been compared to the memory crystals used in the ‘Superman' films.'"
According to the university, the storage allows for 360 TB/disc data capacity that can remain stable for 13.8 billion years at 190-degrees Celsius. "Now, major documents from human history such as Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Newton's Opticks, Magna Carta and Kings James Bible, have been saved as digital copies that could survive the human race," according to a story published on Southampton's website.
Using femtosecond (one-one quadrillionth of a second) laser writing, the data is recorded via self-assembled nanostructures created in fused quartz, according to the institution:
The information encoding is realised in five dimensions: the size and orientation in addition to the three dimensional position of these nanostructures.
Professor Peter Kazansky, from the ORC, says: "It is thrilling to think that we have created the technology to preserve documents and information and store it in space for future generations. This technology can secure the last evidence of our civilisation: all we've learnt will not be forgotten."
Dueling For Dominance
OK, so great, this breakthrough can record the entirety of human existence. Now we can shoot this chip into outer space so that long after we've been wiped off the face of this planet, aliens can potentially read about how in 2016 Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders and Michael Bloomberg finished in a three-way tie for the presidency that resulted in the greatest quick-draw duel seen since Alexander Hamilton was done in by Aaron Burr. Fantastic.
But what about the capital markets?
Well, right now this milestone doesn't mean much of anything in the near-term, but it's certainly fun to think about and imagine the possibilities. The key takeaway here, though, is the mind-numbing rate of scientific advancement.
Consider that in 2013, which is when this technology was first introduced, researchers were able make a 300 kb digital copy of a text file and successfully record that in 5D ─ 300 kb is 0.000000279, or 3x10^7, terabytes.
When it comes to data storage, or artificial intelligence, or cosmic exploration, the rate of advancement has been incredible. That's why data scientists, quants and various types of engineers are so in demand...and expensive.
So when you hear about how revolutionary blockchain is, it's kind of amusing. Or, maybe I'm just really tired of reading and writing about distributed ledgers and bitcoin.
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@waterstechnology.com or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.waterstechnology.com/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. Printing this content is for the sole use of the Authorised User (named subscriber), as outlined in our terms and conditions - https://www.infopro-insight.com/terms-conditions/insight-subscriptions/
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. Copying this content is for the sole use of the Authorised User (named subscriber), as outlined in our terms and conditions - https://www.infopro-insight.com/terms-conditions/insight-subscriptions/
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
More on Data Management
$135.6m fines prompt Citi to modernize infrastructure, controls
The bank was hit with a combined $135.6 million fine on Wednesday for failing to resolve “longstanding internal controls and risk issues,” amid continued internal work across the enterprise.
SocGen pushes data, analytics use cases for SG Markets
The bank is letting a handful of clients experiment with its proprietary data and models to inform their research.
Finra clears hurdle with CAT launch, but several others remain
Two major components of the consolidated audit trail are now in place. But wrangling over the CAT’s future continues.
Ace high or busted flush? Digital Asset’s mixed fortunes mirror DLT adversity
The vendor hoped to remodel post-trade using blockchain technology—and it still might—but its bumpy progress raises questions over the future of DLT in finance.
The IMD Wrap: It’s the data, Cupid!
As BlackRock buys Preqin, and LSEG strikes a data deal with Dow Jones, Max notes that in data, strange bedfellows breed valuable offspring.
This Week: BlackRock/Preqin, Trading Technologies, FIA Tech and more
A summary of some of the past week’s financial technology news.
US banks seek to open vendors’ black box on green data
Inaugural Fed climate scenario analysis flags lack of transparency around third-party models.
IEX Cloud closure forces fintech clients to seek data alternatives
IEX says it is ditching its unprofitable data arm to focus on its core exchange business, but other vendors believe they can turn a profit from its former client base of fintechs, retail investors and some institutions.