The Hyper CD-ROM is an optical data storage device similar to the CD-ROM with a multilayer 3D structure, invented by Romanian scientist Dr. Eugen Pavel. The technology is similar to FMD discs. The bit of data being held as a change in fluorescence characteristics once irradiated with one or two lasers. The target is irradiated with a pulse of laser(s) then a CCD or photodiode wait for an emitted light by the medium due to the Fluorescence effect (bit value set to "1" if emitted, else "0"). Characteristics The disc has a height of 1.2 mm and a diameter of 120 mm and can be produced with existing technology. The storage capacity of one such disk is as storage occurs on levels layered inside the glass body of the disk. It uses fluorescent photosensitive material (glass enhanced with rare earth or vitroceramic enhanced with photosensitizing metals) as storage medium. Capacity: 1 PB (with possibility of extension up to 100 EB) Medium transfer rate: 300 Mbit/s (may be more) Hard drive dimensions: 80 x 150 x 300 mm Disk dimensions: 1.2 mm ø 120 mm Temperature resistance: up to 550 °C High reliability Maximum usage period: 5 000 years In November 1999, the disk was presented at EUREKA "48th World exhibition of Innovation and New Technology" in Brussels. The technology has gained recognition in 21 countries including the U.S., the EU, Canada, Japan and Israel. There has not been any large-scale production of the Hyper CD-ROM, although several firms like IBM, Compaq, Philips and other Hollywood businesses have taken an interest in this form of data storage. References External links Storex Technologies, the Company producing the disc. Press Release, about 1PB optical disc. Video storage Vaporware Audio storage 120 mm discs Rotating disc computer storage media Romanian inventions