Fluorescent Multilayer Disc
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Fluorescent Multilayer Disc, abbreviated as FMD, is a data storage medium that follows the idea previously used in DVDs, making multiple layers to get more data on one disc, but takes the idea to a new level.
Principles
Because the normal reflective layers were too limiting, making it nearly impossible to get more than two layers on a disc, Constellation 3D decided to find a new way to reflect the light that would not interfere with other layers. To do this, they have a different fluorescent material in each layer which reflects a different frequency of light than the other layers, making it possible to shine the light through the disc and read the proper frequency for the expected layer. Because of this, the main limitation on the number of layers, besides how many different materials can be found to be used, would be to keep the disc from being too thick.
A 50 GB prototype disc was demonstrated at the COMDEX industry show in November 2000. First generation FMDs were to have roughly 100 GB per disc.
After the shutting down of Constellation 3D due to a scandal and the company consequently running out of money, a new company called D Data Inc. was formed which acquired the entire patent portfolio of Constellation 3D in 2003. The company is determined to bring multilayer optical disc technology to the market, and so has introduced the technology again under the new name of Digital Multilayer Disk (DMD).
See also Fluorescent Multilayer Card.
External links
- D Data Inc. website. (http://www.ddatainc.com/)
- Constellation 3D web site (was last updated c. June 2002 and has now disappeared). (http://www.c-3d.net/)