Light-Transmissive Data Storage Sandwich Using Standing Lightwaves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical data storage technologies face challenges in efficiently storing and retrieving digital data using standing lightwaves embedded in a photosensitive emulsion, particularly due to limitations in viewing and reproducing color images, slow photographic chemistry, and the need for commercialization.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a transmission mode data storage system that uses a light-transmissive data storage sandwich apparatus. This apparatus includes monochromatic light sources, a diffusing layer, a beam director layer, a pixel selector layer, and an optical data storage medium layer. The system processes digital data by selecting sets of wavelengths, exposing the medium layer through masks, and forming standing lightwaves, allowing for efficient data storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If Lippmann process is used to store color information in photographic plates, then color data can be captured using interference patterns, but the process is extremely slow and difficult to commercialize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the chemical photographic process into an optical process by using photorefractive crystals that respond to light interference patterns. This changes the fundamental parameter from chemical reaction time to optical response time, enabling rapid data storage while preserving the color information capability of the original Lippmann process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical photographic development process with an optical field-based storage mechanism. Instead of using silver halide crystals that require chemical development, the system uses photorefractive materials that store information directly through optical interference, eliminating the slow chemical processing step
2Quantity of substance
If standing lightwaves are embedded in photosensitive emulsion for data storage, then high-density storage is achieved, but the viewing and reproduction of data becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a readout beam as an intermediary that interacts with the stored standing lightwaves in the photorefractive crystal. This intermediary beam enables the retrieval of stored data by diffracting off the embedded interference patterns, making the data visible and reproducible without destroying the high-density storage structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by first storing the data as standing lightwaves and then using a readout beam to retrieve it through diffraction. Instead of trying to directly view the embedded waves, the system uses the waves to modulate a readout beam, making the data easily observable while maintaining high storage density
3Productivity
If multiple wavelengths are used to encode pixels in transmission mode, then data storage efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic modulation of light sources to create standing waves at specific wavelengths. By periodically varying the optical path length or phase, the system can selectively encode data at different wavelengths in a systematic, repeatable manner that improves storage efficiency while managing device complexity through regular, predictable operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data storage process by dividing it into discrete wavelength channels. Each wavelength can independently encode pixel information, and the system processes these segments separately through selective masking and exposure. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple wavelength channels, improving overall storage efficiency while organizing complexity into manageable discrete units
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 high-density, long-term, and permanent archival data storage by effectively encoding and retrieving digital data using standing lightwaves in the optical data storage medium layer, overcoming previous limitations and improving data storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the optical data storage medium layer through the mask using light of such distinct one of the successive sets; and, in the course of exposing the optical data storage medium layer, doing so in a manner wherein standing lightwaves are formed in the optical data storage medium layer
Implementation Method 2
the wavelengths of light can be captured in silver halide photographic emulsion in the form of embedded standing waves, with a wave's nodal points physically representing the wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention teaches a methodology and apparatus for data storage using elements of data sets stored as standing waves of a plurality of wavelengths in an optical photosensitive medium. A selector chooses the locations wherein the combinations of standing waves are stored. The medium is read in transmission mode with select standing waves acting as notch filter.