Massively multiplexed optical recording with polychromatic DNA frameworks

Abstract

Rapid data growth highlights the increasing demand for high-density storage solutions. Multiplexed optical recording based on synthetic inorganic nanoparticles represents the next generation of data storage. However, diverse photophysical properties of nanoparticles reduce their reliability and information density. Here, we present a highly programmable polychromatic DNA tetrahedral framework (PDTF) that enables precise control over their optical performances. By programming the size of PDTFs, we reduce the feature size of the recording medium to 3.4 nm, which was 41-fold smaller than that of commercially available Blu-ray technology. PDTF chains with up to 47 million distinct color codes further enhance optical storage with higher information capacity. Additionally, nanopatterning technology integrates the PDTFs into on-chip architectures, achieving an impressive density of 25.9 Gb/cm². Finally, the PDTFs demonstrate excellent re-writability and long-term stability (10,826 years at room temperature), exhibiting promising potential in high-density and secure data storage applications.