Eternal 5D storage preserves Magna Carta for all humanity

Researchers from the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) have presented the Magna Carta, preserved on a special glass disc that can survive for eternity, to dignitaries at Salisbury Cathedral.

Professor Sir David Payne, Director of ORC, presenting the Magna Carta on 5d glass to The Very Reverend June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury Cathedral.

Professor Sir David Payne, Director of ORC, presenting the Magna Carta on 5D glass to The Very Reverend June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury Cathedral.

The optical disc, made of nanostructured glass, uses technology that stores vast amounts of data in the volume of nanopatterned glass that is capable of surviving for billions of years.

The presentation was made at Salisbury Cathedral on the 15 June ahead of an event ‘Christian Perspectives on the European Union Debate – how do we decide?’ The event coincides with the very day 801 years ago that Magna Carta was sealed by King John.

Professor Peter Kazansky, from the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), explains the reasons behind the presentation: "A one-inch glass disc is inscribed with Latin and English versions of the Magna Carta. It is thrilling to think that we have created the technology to preserve vital documents and store it for unlimited periods for future generations. This technology archives one of the most significant historical documents known to the human race: all we’ve learnt will not be forgotten."

The Very Reverend June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury said: "We are delighted to receive this gift from the University of Southampton preserving Magna Carta, especially today of all days, its 801st anniversary. This is important new science and we are very excited to be able to share with our thousands of visitors this development, which enables encapsulation of data for all time but also reminds us of the enduring nature of Magna Carta and what is enshrined within it."

Read more about the development of 5D optical data technology.