KEYWORDS: Data storage, Data centers, Data communications, Laser communications, Free space, Patents, Free space optics, Prototyping, Optical communications, Operating systems
The need for data storage is rising exponentially – 90% of the world’s data has been created in the last two years and almost 5% of the world’s electricity consumption is currently devoted to storing this massive amount of data. LyteLoop is developing a disruptive alternative to data storage technology using optical communications to store data in motion between objects with higher security and lower power consumption. The technology relies on a patented method of dramatically extending optical path length called Angle Multiplexing, as well as spatial division multiplexing with orbital angular momentum modes to increase data rate in order to store data in space, in optical fiber, or in free-space vacuum cavities. A free-space prototype is under development, which stores data using a high bit rate signal continuously circulating through an Angle Multiplexing system.
KEYWORDS: Data storage, Mirrors, Laser communications, Multiplexing, Optical engineering, Signal to noise ratio, Free space optics, Free space, Data centers, Signal attenuation
The amount of data in the world is expanding exponentially. About 90% of the world’s data has been created in the last two years, and almost 5% percent of the world’s power is used for data storage and computing. Lyteloop has an approach to data storage that uses optical communications to store data in motion between objects. Since the speed of light is fast, one needs very high data rates and very long paths to store large amounts of data. Data storage of petabytes, and even exabytes, is reasonable with this approach, in a format more compact than traditional data storage methods. LyteLoop has demonstrated an operating system using fiber, and currently has a system operating using free space. The fiber system stores >1 Gbyte, using 2000 km of fiber, and allows us to develop data center-like writing and retrieval experiences. Multiple patents have been filed with some granted. One of the patented concepts is called angle multiplexing, a method of dramatically increasing path length over a free-space path among multiple optical apertures. This has been demonstrated in free space using two different approaches. LyteLoop can store data in fiber, and in free space, either in a vacuum or in space.
LyteLoop is developing data storage in motion using Petabyte per second data rate optical communications in 4 domains: space, fiber, and two free space vacuum cavities. The amount of data in the world is expanding exponentially. 90% of the world’s data has been created in the last 2 years. 4-5% of the world’s power is currently being used by data storage and computing. We need more efficient methods of data storage. Physical sites can be subject to attack, and to local laws. Data storage that avoids these constraints is desirable. This is a revolutionary approach to data storage, using optical communications as a base. Data is not stored in an object. It is stored in motion between objects. The speed of light is fast, so to store data in motion we need very high data rates, and very long paths. LyteLoop has had an operating system using fiber and is currently building a free-space storage prototype. The current fiber system stores > 1 GByte, using 2000 Km of fiber, and is allowing us data center like writing and retrieval experience. Multiple patents have been filed, and some granted. One of the patent-pending concepts is called angle multiplexing, a method of dramatically increasing path length over a free-space path among multiple optical apertures. Another patent pending concept is the savings that will occur because we can have optical loops in a single location.
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