Longevity of Optical Disc Media: Accelerated Ageing Predictions and Natural Ageing Data

Abstract

AbstractA considerable amount of uncertainty exists with respect to the lifetimes of optical disc media. In reports found in the literature, longevity for some discs is stated as less than five years, but for others, it can exceed one hundred years. The variability in the lifetime values has created a general distrust for optical discs as a reliable short or long-term storage option for information. This study was undertaken to provide some clarification about the uncertainty surrounding optical disc longevity. Using the European Computer Manufacturers Association standard ECMA-396, a recordable CD and a recordable DVD were subjected to a variety of elevated temperature and relative humidity conditions over several months. Eyring and Arrhenius predictive methods allowed longevity estimations to be made. It was found that the Arrhenius method produced realistic lifetime predictions for the recordable CD, but neither method produced reasonable figures for the recordable DVD. In addition, an analysis of naturally aged optical discs (up to seventeen years old) provided valuable data on disc lifetimes. This data also helped to validate the Arrhenius results for the recordable CD tested, but contradicted the long and unreasonable lifetime values predicted for the recordable DVD.