A Vision toward Self-Renewing Intelligent Thin Film Media and Modular Storage Systems

Scientists in a variety of fields assemble molecules to form new physical structures. Selected molecules can be equipped with memory, responsiveness, and sensory characteristics and designed to engage in constructive pursuits. Investigation and analysis of the potential composition and arrangement of these molecules should reveal their appropriate uses consistent with our understanding of their potential significance. This investigation focuses on storage technologies as they make human knowledge and experience not only accessible, but also repeatable. In the not too distant future, we may employ designer molecules equipped to sense, diagnose, trigger, scavenge, purge, protect, and heal the memory in which they are embedded. We shall briefly consider the enabling technologies and their potential to respond to our growing storage needs while keeping in mind the criteria that inspired current storage system designs, and if they are to be made intelligent, how that might be done.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

2002-05

Content type

Information

DOI

10.5594/J16378