# The most sophisticated data storage?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-sophisticated-data-storage/90826>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 1, 2001, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-sophisticated-data-storage/90826 "2001-11-01T01:06:47Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![raven02](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e36b37/32.png) [@raven02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raven02)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-sophisticated-data-storage/90826/1 "2001-11-01T01:06:47Z")

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I was always interested in crystals but just a few years ago heard that crystals can be used in data storage.  
Supposedly, there is a way you can store electronic data (bits) in a crystal — a lot of it.  
Does anyone know any web sites that deal with this topic…?  
Think about the advantages – multifast data access - no moving elements — just electrons.

Also, how about storing data in plants or organic matter in general?  
Anyone?  
Thanx  
Raven

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**Author:** ![micco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f8ce5/32.png) [@micco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/micco)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-sophisticated-data-storage/90826/2 "2001-11-01T03:57:27Z")

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[http://www.tweak3d.net/articles/howholo/index.shtml](http://www.tweak3d.net/articles/howholo/index.shtml)

The first page or so is a basic intro to holography, but the article also discusses the specifics of storing holographic data in crystals. You still have moving parts (mirrors, etc.).

I’ve seen several computation schemes that use either DNA or chemical solutions as both storage and computational media. This doesn’t quite fit “storing data in plants”, but it’s along those lines. For example, see the various quantum computing schemes.

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**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2001, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-sophisticated-data-storage/90826/3 "2001-11-01T21:25:29Z")

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The most efficient possible way to store data is in the spin of subatomic particles. Ideally, you could get a bit into every electron and every nucleus, but we’re a long way from that, yet.