Laser-modified luminescence for optical data storage

The yearly growing quantities of dataflow create a desired requirement for advanced data storage methods. Luminescent materials, which possess adjustable parameters such as intensity, emission center, lifetime, polarization, etc., can be used to enable multi-dimensional optical data storage (ODS) with higher capacity, longer lifetime and lower energy consumption. Multiplexed storage based on luminescent materials can be easily manipulated by lasers, and has been considered as a feasible option to break through the limits of ODS density. Substantial progresses in laser-modified luminescence based ODS have been made during the past decade. In this review, we recapitulated recent advancements in laser-modified luminescence based ODS, focusing on the defect-related regulation, nucleation, dissociation, photoreduction, ablation, etc. We conclude by discussing the current challenges in laser-modified luminescence based ODS and proposing the perspectives for future development.