With increasing demands for data storage, especially in video and imaging applications, new technology is required to obtain higher data-storage capacity. One approach to achieving this objective is three-dimensional optical data storage -- significantly increasing data capacity per disk by means of storage in multilayer media. The ability to read or write from a small volume without interference from the rest of the material, referred to as crosstalk, sets a limit on the possible density of data storage. Two-photon absorption effects offer a way of alleviating this crosstalk and have recently been investigated in so-called photochromic materials as they offer data-storage applications both high resolution and sensitivity.
Now, C. C. Corredor and colleagues have fabricated a two-photon three-dimensional optical data system using a photochromic polymer. They show that the system is suitable for recording data in thick storage media and for providing a readout method that does not erase existing stored information -- they perform 10,000 readout cycles with only a small reduction in contrast. Also, contrary to other techniques, this method allows reading and writing of data at the same wavelength, which is achieved by changing the intensity of the laser light. Although the authors used a relatively expensive femtosecond Ti-sapphire laser to both read and write the information, they suggest that the data could be read using cheaper nanosecond laser diodes with comparable laser intensity, making this high density data-storage system more cost effective.
... using shuttles to carry landers and transit craft (Bigelow inflatable?) into orbit, assembling them there, shooting off to the moon, returning to Earth orbit, and linking back up with a shuttle for the ride back down?
No need for a new launch system (NASA plans 2!), no need for a new launch complex, etc. Just build a couple of new shuttles to keep it going. If you're afraid to carry the lunar transit fuel cells up in the shuttle bay, use a few Deltas to get those up to orbit.
Seems like this would be a lot cheaper and faster. The only significant development is the new lander (which we need anyway), the transit craft is just a big air bubble with an engine on the end for geting to and away from the moon.
I completely agree!
Look, you can use something like e-ink to make the display cheap. It doesn't have to be backlit. And who needs a hard drive when we have 1GB SD cards for $59 at Best Buy? It should run on a couple of AAs for about a month in average use. A cheap touchgrid laid on top will let you 'highlight' stuff for later review. It should work with a low-power, purpose-built processor with DRM on-board and NOT run Windows.
Silent, cool, light, cheap, rain- and spill-proof, and fairly unbreakable; these are the requirements.
And we can save a few trees in the process.
Why can't this work?
Yeah, but nerves send data in both directions. You get feedback from the vocal cords when they're working (as well as all the other tissue around them). It just seems like 'mouthing' words would exclude a lot of data from those neural pathways vs. actually saying them...
OK, so even if this thing plops onto terra firma it probably won't lead to human extinction...
... but is it possible that since the Moon's mass is so much less than Earth that this thing could slam it with enough force to change its orbit, wreaking havoc on the Earth by proxy?
I know the odds of this thing striking the moon are lower since the moon is smaller and quickly looping around us, but could the effect be more severe if the impact were to happen there?
This asteroid weighs 83 billion Kg (and it could be as much as three times this mass) and is moving about 12,600 m/s. Has anyone done the calculations to see what kind of effect this 'mass exchange' might have on the moon's angular velocity if it struck there?
A classic bean counter. Did he ever believe in space exploration? Shouldn't NASA have a leader that believes in its mission?
People should consider not only that space exploration generates a lot of valuable discoveries (useful on Earth as well as in space), but also that every dollar spent on NASA recycles through the US economy many times over.
The immediate focus of NASA should be on cheap, reliable transit to orbit followed closely by on-orbit construction of nuclear-powered space exploration vehicles. Let's hope the next administrator can get focused on these goals.
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From nature.com:
With increasing demands for data storage, especially in video and imaging applications, new technology is required to obtain higher data-storage capacity. One approach to achieving this objective is three-dimensional optical data storage -- significantly increasing data capacity per disk by means of storage in multilayer media. The ability to read or write from a small volume without interference from the rest of the material, referred to as crosstalk, sets a limit on the possible density of data storage. Two-photon absorption effects offer a way of alleviating this crosstalk and have recently been investigated in so-called photochromic materials as they offer data-storage applications both high resolution and sensitivity.
Now, C. C. Corredor and colleagues have fabricated a two-photon three-dimensional optical data system using a photochromic polymer. They show that the system is suitable for recording data in thick storage media and for providing a readout method that does not erase existing stored information -- they perform 10,000 readout cycles with only a small reduction in contrast. Also, contrary to other techniques, this method allows reading and writing of data at the same wavelength, which is achieved by changing the intensity of the laser light. Although the authors used a relatively expensive femtosecond Ti-sapphire laser to both read and write the information, they suggest that the data could be read using cheaper nanosecond laser diodes with comparable laser intensity, making this high density data-storage system more cost effective.
... using shuttles to carry landers and transit craft (Bigelow inflatable?) into orbit, assembling them there, shooting off to the moon, returning to Earth orbit, and linking back up with a shuttle for the ride back down?
No need for a new launch system (NASA plans 2!), no need for a new launch complex, etc. Just build a couple of new shuttles to keep it going. If you're afraid to carry the lunar transit fuel cells up in the shuttle bay, use a few Deltas to get those up to orbit.
Seems like this would be a lot cheaper and faster. The only significant development is the new lander (which we need anyway), the transit craft is just a big air bubble with an engine on the end for geting to and away from the moon.
... according to their usage policies for UMTS and EvDO service. Read the fine print.
I completely agree! Look, you can use something like e-ink to make the display cheap. It doesn't have to be backlit. And who needs a hard drive when we have 1GB SD cards for $59 at Best Buy? It should run on a couple of AAs for about a month in average use. A cheap touchgrid laid on top will let you 'highlight' stuff for later review. It should work with a low-power, purpose-built processor with DRM on-board and NOT run Windows. Silent, cool, light, cheap, rain- and spill-proof, and fairly unbreakable; these are the requirements. And we can save a few trees in the process. Why can't this work?
Yeah, but nerves send data in both directions. You get feedback from the vocal cords when they're working (as well as all the other tissue around them). It just seems like 'mouthing' words would exclude a lot of data from those neural pathways vs. actually saying them...
How do you get the same nerve impulses in your neck if your vocal cords are not vibrating?
Makes me think of the eternal question raised by They Might Be Giants:
Particle man, particle man
Doing the things a particle can
What's he like? It's not important
Particle man
Is he a dot, or is he a speck?
When he's underwater does he get wet?
Or does the water get him instead?
Nobody knows, Particle man
OK, so even if this thing plops onto terra firma it probably won't lead to human extinction...
I know the odds of this thing striking the moon are lower since the moon is smaller and quickly looping around us, but could the effect be more severe if the impact were to happen there?
This asteroid weighs 83 billion Kg (and it could be as much as three times this mass) and is moving about 12,600 m/s. Has anyone done the calculations to see what kind of effect this 'mass exchange' might have on the moon's angular velocity if it struck there?
A classic bean counter. Did he ever believe in space exploration? Shouldn't NASA have a leader that believes in its mission?
People should consider not only that space exploration generates a lot of valuable discoveries (useful on Earth as well as in space), but also that every dollar spent on NASA recycles through the US economy many times over.
The immediate focus of NASA should be on cheap, reliable transit to orbit followed closely by on-orbit construction of nuclear-powered space exploration vehicles. Let's hope the next administrator can get focused on these goals.
I agree, using a laptop drive is going to be a pain what with the 'snap-in/snap-out' mechanism. I can see my wife or kids breaking this easily.