Ceramic Data Head Using DMD Laser Arrays for Fast Dense Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recording data in ceramic materials are cumbersome, time-consuming, and limited by slow recording processes and low data density.
Innovation Solution
A method using a digital micromirror device (DMD) to selectively illuminate regions of a ceramic material with a picosecond or femtosecond laser, creating well-defined recesses for high-density data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotating disc technology with sequential pit creation is used, then the recording process can be performed with simple equipment, but the recording speed is slow and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recording process into parallel operations by using an array of independently controllable laser beams instead of a single sequential beam. Each beam can create pits simultaneously at different locations on the rotating disc, transforming a sequential process into a parallel one and dramatically increasing recording speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical single-point laser positioning system with an optical array system using multiple laser beams. This substitution allows simultaneous writing of multiple pits across the disc surface, eliminating the time-consuming sequential movement of a single laser spot and significantly improving productivity.
2Quantity of substance
If a single laser beam is used to create pits sequentially, then the equipment structure is simple, but the data density is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential pit creation along a single track to two-dimensional parallel pit creation across multiple tracks simultaneously. The array of laser beams enables writing across the width of the disc surface at once, dramatically increasing the quantity of data that can be recorded per unit time and per unit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the recording task into multiple simultaneous segments by using an array of laser beams, each responsible for creating pits in different regions. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple data streams, increasing overall data density and recording capacity.
3Productivity
If a fixed focal point laser system is used with XY positioning, then the equipment is simple, but the recording process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical XY positioning system with an optical beam steering system using acousto-optic or electro-optic modulators. This substitution allows rapid electronic control of beam positions without mechanical movement, dramatically increasing recording efficiency while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of laser beam positions and intensities through electronic modulation systems. Instead of static fixed focal points requiring mechanical repositioning, the system dynamically adjusts beam locations and parameters in real-time, enabling rapid sequential or parallel writing across the disc surface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables rapid and efficient data recording with significantly increased data density, allowing for the encoding of thousands to millions of pixels in a short time.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of a ceramic material is selectively illuminated with a laser beam using a digital micromirror device (DMD)... to ablate each of the selected regions
Implementation Method 2
A picosecond or femtosecond laser pulse interacts with outer valence electrons responsible for chemical bonding, which valence electrons are thus stripped from the atoms, leaving the latter positively charged. Given a mutually repulsive state between atoms whose chemical bonds are broken, the material 'explodes' into a small plasma cloud of energetic ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for recording data in a layer of a ceramic material and to a device for recording and reading data in a layer of a ceramic material.