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Microsoft's Laser-Tech Promises 10,000-Year Data Storage

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Microsoft researchers have developed a laser-writing method in glass that could store data for more than 10,000 years.
The technique encodes data as tiny deformations in fused silica, enabling 4.84TB in a small piece of fused silica.
The process is fully automated, suited for large cloud providers, not home use.
Experts, including Melissa Terras of the University of Edinburgh, praise the innovation, noting investment and accessibility challenges.

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Story summary

Microsoft researchers have developed a laser-writing method in glass that could store data for more than 10,000 years.
The technique encodes data as tiny deformations in fused silica, enabling 4.84TB in a small piece of fused silica.
The process is fully automated, suited for large cloud providers, not home use.
Experts, including Melissa Terras of the University of Edinburgh, praise the innovation, noting investment and accessibility challenges.