Wafer Technology
Wafer technology in application consists of two parts; a waferjack, a cybernetic implant with direct access to the sophont's brain, and Wafers which are a data storage crystal specifically designed for holding and implanting a personality.
The Wafer was a specialized Data Crystal used for storage and use of Personalities and Skillsets as Wafer Technology. These data storage devices held an edited personality and computer setup to execute and run this within the waferjack.
There were three types of personality wafers. Entertainment wafers containing an edited version of a span of time, or collections of the same.
Skillset wafers containing an experiential databases, and memory experiences which allowed a user to simulate skill in a field or improve their existing skill level
Emergency overlay personality wafers contain a complete personality, with skills and experiences intact. These usually cost on the order of a million credits, depending on the nature of the personality in the wafer. Some are considered priceless and unique treasures.
Use of a Waferjack was not without risks. Anything that wires directly to the brain can be dangerous, and numerous early adopters suffered extreme brain damage from faulty waferjacks. Mandatory failsafes and feedback protocols were subsequently developed, but there always remained a risk. In addition, extensive use of a waferjack over time would cause personality degradation, and/or other neurological disorders.
None were manufactured after 999 IY.