Scientists have proposed a new type of data storage device that harnesses the powerful properties of quantum mechanics.
The ultra-high-density optical memory device would consist of numerous memory cells, each containing rare earth elements embedded within a solid material — in this case, magnesium oxide (MgO) crystals. The rare earth elements emit photons, or particles of light, which are absorbed by nearby "quantum defects" — vacancies in the crystal lattice containing unbonded electrons, which become excited by light absorption.
