โ Scribed by W.G.J. Langeveld
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
This report discusses the current status of optical storage technology and the potential for optical data storage as an alternative to magnetic data storage for future experiments in high-energy physics. The industry is currently geared mostly towards small (5~inch) optical disk drives, both in Write Once, Read Multiple (WORM) and in erasable form. These drives present no advantage to the high-energy physics community because of their limited capacity. However, 12 inch optical disk drives are suitable, though not optimal, for large-scale data collection as is common in high-energy physics. These systems are available in single units or in the form of automated juke-boxes. An optimal and relatively cost-effective system is currently in development. It makes use of write-once optical tape. Some disadvantages common to all current optical systems are the general lack of standards and the difficulty in procuring systems and media from different sources.
๐ SIMILAR VOLUMES
The importance of data modelling and data-base design based on software engineering techniques is discussed with particular consideration of applications in high energy physics experiments. As an example, the approach chosen by the ALEPH collaboration is presented in some detail. A survey of data-ba