Three Dimensional Holographic Archival Memory

72583S03-I Holographic optical memory holds great potential for high-capacity, high-speed storage and access of data, particularly in nuclear research, where a continuous stream of data at a rate of 100¿megabytes per second or more may need to be stored, with a total annual data volume of several hundred terabytes. However, current data storage systems are limited in terms of both storage capacity and access time. This project will develop a novel three-dimensional volume, fast access holographic data storage system. The system will be based on a unique speckle-encoded reference beam that uses a 90-degree, high-speed optical retrieval system along with an innovative two-dimensional, shift-multiplexed reference beam. The system will provide ultrahigh capacity data storage that can be searched without moving the recording medium. Phase I will record and retrieve of holograms in 90 degree geometry with a two-dimensional, shift-multiplexed, speckle-encoded reference beam in a chosen recording medium, and with a minimal reference beam shift on the order of micrometers. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The new high capacity, high speed, holographic memory system should find extensive commercial applications in large- scale data storage, computation, optical communication, and image archiving in libraries and in medical, university, and research facilities.