Holographic Storage System Using Orthogonal Phase Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current holographic data storage technologies face limitations in achieving high-density, high-speed data storage in small volumes, particularly in applications requiring advanced onboard data storage for satellites, aircraft, and weapons systems, where existing methods struggle to achieve high capacities and survivability in compact and lightweight formats.
Innovation Solution
The integration of orthogonal functions with two-dimensional holographic recording using 2-dimensional spatial light modulators and cubic beam splitters, combined with image sensors, to achieve 3-dimensional recording and retrieval in a holographic medium, enabling high-capacity data storage with low volume and weight, and utilizing a non-scanning, orthogonal binary phase reference beam for efficient data recording and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional 2-D holographic recording is used, then the system is simple to implement, but the data storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2-D holographic recording to 3-D holographic recording by introducing a spatial light modulator that modulates the reference beam in the third dimension. This allows multiple data pages to be stored at different depths within the holographic medium, dramatically increasing storage capacity from limited 2-D surface storage to volumetric 3-D storage while maintaining system manageability through computational addressing
2Quantity of substance
If high-density holographic storage is implemented, then storage capacity increases, but the volume and weight of the storage system increase
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the third dimension (depth) within the holographic medium for data storage, the system achieves high storage capacity within a compact volumetric format. The 3-D recording capability allows data to be distributed throughout the volume of the medium rather than confined to a 2-D surface, maximizing storage density while keeping the physical system size small and suitable for portable and onboard applications
3Speed
If scanning methods are used for data retrieval, then the system is simpler to construct, but the data retrieval speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning methods with direct optical addressing using spatial light modulators. The system uses computer-generated phase patterns to directly select and retrieve specific data pages from the 3-D holographic medium without physical scanning. This substitution of mechanical motion with optical field control enables rapid parallel access to stored data, dramatically increasing retrieval speed while the computational complexity is managed through software algorithms
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 allows for high-density data storage of up to 16 terabytes or greater in a volume as small as 100 cm cubed, with high survivability and the ability to approach petabyte capacities in a 1 cubic cm recording medium, while maintaining high efficiency and resolution, and enabling rapid data retrieval and storage operations.
Implementation Method 1
The interference between reference beam 107 and object beam 103 results in a pattern of varying intensity that is captured by recording medium 109
Implementation Method 2
Various materials can be used for recording medium 109 including, for example, photographic film, photoresists, photo polymers
Implementation Method 3
a spatial light modulator (SLM) configured to phase modulate the reference beam with an orthogonal binary phase pattern
Implementation Method 4
The collimated laser light beam 102 is provided for the holographic process. This beam can be provided, for example, by a laser light source
Implementation Method 5
The interference between reference beam 107 and object beam 103 results in a pattern of varying intensity
Implementation Method 6
The beam splitter 104 splits the beam into 2 components to achieve an object beam 105 and a reference beam 107
Implementation Method 7
a first image sensor configured to read an image of the modulated object beam; and a second image sensor configured to read an image of the modulated reference beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a holographic storage apparatus comprising a polarizing beam splitter configured to split an incoming beam into an object beam and a reference beam; a first spatial light modulator configured to modulate the object beam with an array of data; a second spatial light modulator configured to phase modulate the reference beam with an orthogonal phase function; a holographic medium configured to record an interference pattern between the modulated object beam and the modulated reference beam; a first image sensor configured to read an image of the modulated object beam; and a second image sensor configured to read an image of the modulated reference beam.