For years, 5D glass storage sounded more like a laboratory curiosity than a practical solution. However, that perception is now changing. UK-based startup SPhotonix says its glass-based “memory crystal” technology has moved beyond controlled experiments and is ready for real-world pilots.
Founded in 2024 and spun out of research at the University of Southampton, the company plans to test its glass storage systems in data center environments over the next two years. As a result, what once existed mainly as a scientific proof of concept is now approaching operational validation.
How 5D glass storage actually works
At the heart of 5D glass storage lies fused silica glass, a material chosen for its extreme stability. Instead of storing data magnetically or electrically, the system uses a femtosecond laser to write information directly into the glass.
The technology encodes data across five dimensions. Three dimensions describe spatial positioning, while two additional dimensions capture the orientation and intensity of nanoscale structures. Later, optical readers retrieve the data using polarized light.
Because the information exists as permanent physical changes within the glass, it avoids many of the degradation risks associated with traditional storage media.
5D glass storage achieves extreme density in a small glass disc
One of the most compelling aspects of 5D glass storage is its storage density. According to SPhotonix, a single 5-inch glass disc can hold up to 360 terabytes of data.
Although this capacity does not target high-performance workloads, it fits squarely within the needs of cold data archives. Organizations that rarely access large datasets but must retain them for decades or longer stand to benefit the most.
Therefore, the technology focuses on long-term preservation rather than speed.
5D glass storage promises data longevity measured in billions of years
Longevity represents the boldest claim behind 5D glass storage. SPhotonix states that its fused silica media can remain stable for up to 13.8 billion years, roughly matching the estimated age of the universe.
Unlike magnetic tape or solid-state storage, the glass requires no power to preserve data. Moreover, it remains inherently air-gapped, which significantly reduces exposure to cyber threats. As long as the disc avoids physical damage, the stored information should remain intact.
For institutions prioritizing permanence, this durability changes the economics of archival storage.
Current performance limits of 5D glass storage and future targets
Despite its advantages, 5D glass storage still faces performance challenges. Current prototypes deliver write speeds of around 4 MB per second and read speeds of roughly 30 MB per second.
While these numbers lag behind existing archival technologies, SPhotonix has published a roadmap aiming for sustained read and write speeds of about 500 MB per second within the next few years. If achieved, those improvements would significantly narrow the performance gap.
Consequently, future iterations may become far more attractive to large-scale archive operators.
Cost and deployment realities of 5D glass storage systems
Early deployments of 5D glass storage will require meaningful investment. SPhotonix estimates initial costs of roughly $30,000 for a writer and about $6,000 for a reader.
However, the company expects costs to decline as production scales. In addition, it plans to release a field-deployable reader within the next 18 months. For now, the system suits environments where access delays of ten seconds or more remain acceptable.
How 5D glass storage compares to other non-magnetic archive technologies
SPhotonix is not alone in exploring alternatives to magnetic storage. Microsoft has publicly tested glass-based media through its Project Silica initiative. Meanwhile, other startups are promoting ceramic-based solutions designed for robotic library systems.
What differentiates 5D glass storage is its deployment strategy. Rather than building a full end-to-end service, SPhotonix intends to license its media and optical platform into existing data center architectures. This approach could lower integration barriers for operators.
Can 5D glass storage scale beyond pilot deployments?
The next major hurdle for 5D glass storage involves scalability. SPhotonix is currently moving from Technology Readiness Level 5 to Level 6, which requires validation in real operational environments rather than laboratories.
If pilots succeed, the technology could transition from niche experimentation to a viable archival option. However, performance improvements, cost reductions, and ecosystem support will ultimately determine adoption.
Why 5D glass storage matters for long-term data archives
As global data volumes continue to grow, long-term preservation has become a strategic challenge. Power-free, ultra-durable media could dramatically reduce energy use and operational costs for cold storage.
In this context, 5D glass storage represents more than a novel idea. It signals a shift toward storage systems designed for centuries rather than refresh cycles. Whether it becomes mainstream or remains specialized, the technology is already influencing how the industry thinks about digital preservation.
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