So why are people working on creating such a large capacity optical disc technology (among other potential uses)?

FORBES: What is the Future of Optical Disc Technology and who will Use It?

Nitride semiconductors have attracted attention for their potential applications in highly efficient optical and power devices for energy saving.

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Optical computing has been touted as a potential future for information processing, by using packets of light instead of electrons as the information carrier.

BBC: Quantum computer slips onto chips

Though not directly affected by the Thai flooding, the company cautioned that they could be affected by potential shortages of non-optical components used in customer systems, like hard disk drives.

FORBES: Finisar's Disappointing Outlook Sinks Optical Stocks

The optical door flips open when the eject button is pressed to protect the drive from dust and potential damage when not in use.

ENGADGET: Acer unveils space-saving ME mini tower and XC desktops for (low) power users