This technology combines magnetic and optical principles for data storage. A laser beam heats a small area on a specially coated disk, allowing a magnetic field to write data. The data is then read by detecting the polarization of reflected light from the disk surface. Think of it as a blend of hard drive stability with optical media’s portability, though with lower capacity than modern alternatives.
Offering a unique balance of removability, rewritability, and long-term archival stability, this approach addressed the limitations of earlier technologies. Its resistance to environmental factors made it valuable for applications requiring robust and reliable data preservation. While eventually superseded by flash memory and cloud storage for most consumer uses, its legacy remains significant in professional archiving and specific industrial contexts.
