Alternative storage technologies

The author examines a promising data storage technology, namely, a combination of removable, reversible optical disks and dynamic RAMs. Semiconductor memories have virtually instantaneous access times to data compared with the times required in a rigid disk for the head arm to move to the correct track, for the vibrations to settle, and for the required record to come around to the head. Thermo-magneto-optical disks achieve equal bit densities but at heights greater by a factor of 10000. They also achieve track densities higher by about ten times. This virtually eliminates the possibility of head crashes and enables disks to be removable thus expanding the storage capability of the drive. The three most common processes for reversible disks are outlined.<>