Storing light for later use is a fascinating concept, but in the traditional sense, it is not possible to store light like you would store physical objects. Light is a form of energy that travels in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles called photons.
However, there are methods to manipulate and control light in certain materials and structures to delay its propagation or temporarily store its energy. One such method is known as "slow light" or "light storage" in which light pulses are slowed down significantly as they pass through specially engineered materials. These materials, often referred to as "optical storage media," can temporarily retain the information carried by light pulses.
One practical application of storing light is found in fiber optic communication systems, where light signals are sent over long distances through optical fibers. These signals can be temporarily stored and manipulated using techniques such as buffering, which helps regulate the flow of information in the system.
It's important to note that in these cases, we are not actually storing photons themselves, but rather manipulating the properties of light waves or encoding information onto light pulses for transmission and subsequent retrieval. The ability to store light in a conventional sense, where it can be released at will, is not yet achievable with current technology.