Multilayer Optical Storage Film for 3D Data Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical information storage technologies face limitations in scaling up multilayer storage economically and require complex, costly hardware for holographic or multiphoton absorption, leading to noise and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer film with alternating active data storage and buffer layers, fabricated using a polymer extrusion process, allows for three-dimensional data storage compatible with existing optical read/write technology, utilizing photo-sensitive or thermo-sensitive materials to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio and reduced interlayer cross-talk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If holographic storage or multiphoton absorption is used to achieve three-dimensional data storage, then storage capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage medium is divided into multiple discrete layers, with each layer capable of independent data storage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve three-dimensional storage capacity while using simpler optical hardware, as each layer can be addressed separately without requiring complex holographic or multiphoton systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface storage to three-dimensional volumetric storage by adding a depth dimension through multiple stacked layers. This dimensional expansion increases storage capacity while maintaining compatibility with existing optical read/write technology, avoiding the need for complex holographic hardware.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple layers are manufactured in the storage medium to increase capacity, then storage density is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple storage layers are combined into a single integrated multilayer structure that can be manufactured as one piece. This merging approach maintains manufacturing scalability by treating the multilayer system as a unified product rather than assembling individual layers, thereby increasing storage density without proportionally increasing manufacturing difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in material properties and optical parameters across different layers to enable high storage density. By carefully selecting materials and optical characteristics for each layer, the system achieves high density while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for entirely new manufacturing technologies.
3Measurement precision
If thick media are used to achieve large image contrast in holographic stereograms, then image quality is improved, but optical noise and aberration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thick media is segmented into multiple discrete layers, each contributing to the overall image contrast. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high image quality through cumulative effect of multiple thin layers rather than relying on a single thick layer, thereby reducing optical noise and aberration while maintaining image contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
Each layer in the multilayer structure has specific local optical properties optimized for its position and function. This local optimization allows the system to achieve high image contrast through coordinated layer properties while minimizing overall optical noise and aberration, as each layer contributes positively without introducing harmful effects.
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
The solution enables high-density, cost-effective three-dimensional data storage with improved signal-to-noise ratio, compatible with existing optical technology, and supports applications like security tags, 3D image representation, and digital data storage.
Implementation Method 1
The active data storage layers can include a photo-sensitive or thermo-sensitive material that undergoes an optically induced localized change of optical properties when written by the appropriate permanent or reversible one- or multiphoton, linear, non-linear or threshold optical writing process
Implementation Method 2
The active data storage layers can include a photo-sensitive or thermo-sensitive material that undergoes an optically induced localized change of optical properties when written by the appropriate permanent or reversible one- or multiphoton, linear, non-linear or threshold optical writing process
Implementation Method 3
a multilayer film that includes a plurality of extruded alternating active data storage layers and buffer layers
Data Source
AI summary
An optical information storage medium includes a substrate and a multilayer polymeric film. The multilayer polymeric film has a first surface and an opposite second surface that extend the length of the multilayer polymeric film. The second surface is adhered to a surface of the substrate. The multilayer polymeric film includes a plurality of coextruded alternating polymeric active data storage layers and polymeric buffer layers.