HOLOGRAPHIC DATA STORAGE
Abstract:
Holographic data storage is an emerging technology in the area of high-capacity data
storage currently dominated by magnetic and conventional optical data storage. It captures
information using an optical interference pattern within a thick, photosensitive optical material.
This is done by intersecting two coherent laser beams within the storage material. The first,
called the object beam, contains the information to be stored; the second, called the reference
beam, is designed to be simple to reproduce. The resulting optical interference pattern causes
chemical and/or physical changes in the photosensitive medium: A replica of the interference
pattern is stored as a change in the absorption, refractive index, or thickness of the photosensitive
medium. When the stored interference grating is illuminated with one of the two waves that were
used during recording, some of this incident light is diffracted by the stored grating in such a
fashion that the other wave is reconstructed. Illuminating the stored grating with the reference
wave reconstructs the object wave, and vice versa. By adjusting the reference beam angle,
wavelength, or media position, a multitude of holograms (theoretically, several thousand) can be
stored on a single volume. Unlike other technologies that record one data bit at a time,
holography allows a million bits of data to be written and read in parallel with a single flash of
light utilizing light at different angles. This enables transfer rates significantly higher than
current optical storage devices. In addition to high storage density, holographic data storage
promises fast access times. Holographic media makes it possible for millions of pages of
information and high definition images to be held on one small, relatively inexpensive disc.
Manufacturers believe this technology can provide safe storage for content without degradation
for time far exceeding than current data storage options. Even Rewritable holographic storage
can be achieved via the photorefractive effect in crystals . The present paper provides a detailed
description of holographic memory, a three dimensional data storage system which has
fundamental advantages over conventional read/write memory systems. It explains how
holographic memory could revolutionize next generation computers by providing storage for
terabytes of information at access times of gigabits per second. Holographic memory will most
likely be used in next generation super computers where cost is not as much of an issue.
Combining high storage densities and fast transfer rates with durable, reliable, low cost media,
holographic technology is poised to become a compelling choice for next-generation storage and
content distribution needs.
