Characterization of a bit-wise volumetric storage medium for a space environment

We report playback performance results of volumetric optical data storage disks that are made from a class of light-absorbing (photo-chromic) compounds. The disks are exposed to a simulated space environment with respect to temperature and radiation. To test for temperature sensitivity, a vacuum oven bakes the disks for certain amount of time at a designated temperature. Radiation exposure includes heavy ions and high energy protons. Disks fail in high temperature and large proton-dose conditions. Heavy ions do not cause significant disk failure. The prevention of disk failure due to harsh space environments is also discussed.