Semiconductors for optical memories

Optical nano-structures can be produced in semiconducting materials by exposure to focused beams of energetic ions. By proper choice of implantation conditions, pixel densities reach ultra-high values of 1010–1012 pix/cm2. Silicon and diamond constitute excellent recording media with practically unlimited life times of the implanted patterns. Thus, ionography with these media provides a perfect tool for safe mass storage of archival data.