Volumetric Holographic Data Storage with HOEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Volumetric holographic data storage devices have not been commercially viable despite their potential for storing large amounts of data effectively, due to limitations in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The use of Holographic Optical Elements (HOEs) such as random phase masks, edge-lit HOEs, beam splitting HOEs, and other types of HOEs to record and read data in volumetric holographic media through methods like wavelength, angular, phase, and spatial multiplexing, along with optical fibers and Spatial Light Modulators, enables efficient data storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional volumetric holographic data storage devices are used, then data storage capacity is limited, but device complexity and cost prevent commercialization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (beam splitting, focusing, Fourier transformation, phase modulation) into single integrated Holographic Optical Elements. This merging reduces the number of separate optical components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the capability to store large amounts of data through volumetric holographic multiplexing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The Holographic Optical Elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - beam splitting, focusing, Fourier transformation, and phase modulation - within single components. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while enabling sophisticated volumetric holographic data storage operations that require multiple optical manipulations.
2Quantity of substance
If data density is increased in volumetric holographic medium, then storage capacity improves, but signal degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wavelength multiplexing, angular multiplexing, phase multiplexing, and spatial multiplexing - changing multiple optical parameters simultaneously to encode data in different dimensions of the volumetric holographic medium. This approach increases data density while the use of HOEs maintains signal integrity by precisely controlling the optical fields involved in each multiplexing dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional optical components with Holographic Optical Elements that use diffractive optics rather than refractive or reflective mechanisms. This substitution enables more precise control over light fields at high data densities, reducing signal degradation through the inherent wavefront control capabilities of HOEs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are used for beam splitting, focusing, and Fourier transformation, then optical functionality is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges beam splitting, focusing, Fourier transformation, and phase modulation functions into single Holographic Optical Elements. This consolidation dramatically reduces the number of separate optical components, simplifying the device structure while maintaining all necessary optical functionalities for volumetric holographic data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D optical component arrangements to 3D volumetric Holographic Optical Elements. This dimensional change enables multiple optical functions to be embedded within single volumetric structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining full optical functionality through the three-dimensional diffractive capabilities of HOEs.
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
HOEs provide a robust, compact, and reliable solution for data storage, allowing for increased data density and reduced signal degradation, enabling the commercialization of volumetric holographic data storage devices by enhancing data storage capacity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The volumetric holographic data storage device is configured to record data in the volumetric holographic medium by diffracting light with the first and/or, if present, the second volumetric holographic optical element and diffracting light with the further volumetric holographic optical element to the volumetric holographic medium
Implementation Method 2
the volumetric holographic data storage device includes at least one optical fibre for carrying a signal beam and/or a reference beam
Implementation Method 3
the volumetric holographic data storage device may further include a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) and/or Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) and the optical fibre may be configured to carry information to or from the SLM and/or DMD
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a volumetric holographic data storage device for recording data in a volumetric holographic medium and/or reading data from a volumetric holographic medium, the volumetric holographic data storage device including at least one volumetric holographic optical element. There is also provided a volumetric holographic data storage device for recording data in a volumetric holographic medium and/or reading data from a volumetric holographic medium, the volumetric holographic data storage device including at least one optical fibre for carrying a signal beam and/or a reference beam. There is also provided use of a Holographic Optical Element in data storage.