Advanced optical storage techniques for computers

Polycube optical memory: a 6.5 x 10(7) bit read-write and random access optical store

A random access optical memory for write-read-write operation is proposed. The memory is designed on the basis of a nonvolatile magnetooptic photoconductor sandwich storage material (MOPS) that offers high optical sensitivity. The optical addressing part of the memory consists of an He-Ne laser, digital light deflection combined with passive beam splitting and simple optics. The addressing is organized in blocks of about 10(3) bits. First experimental results measured at a system model being developed in our laboratory are presented, as well as results of storage experiments at a magnetooptic photoconductor sandwich.

Methods for optimizing the beam shape in a focused coherent optical system

A laser beam can be altered in a number of ways to achieve a desired intensity distribution in the focal plane of an optical system. Both active and passive means are discussed. Optimization of the SNR in an optical memory application has been analyzed, and experimental results are presented illustrating the effectiveness of the methods.

Magnetic materials for optical recording

Optical digital data storage using magnetic materials offers the combined advantages of magnetic recording and beam addressable technique. Recent progress in this technology is reviewed.