Multimode Waveguide Network for Non-Mechanical Spatial Multiplexing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holographic data storage systems rely on mechanical actuators for spatial multiplexing, limiting speed, scalability, and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A multimode optical waveguide network with active and passive light pipes that enable spatial multiplexing without mechanical movement by using configurable guiding elements to control beam paths within the waveguides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical actuators are used for spatial multiplexing in holographic data storage systems, then the system can achieve data transfer and storage functionality, but the speed, scalability, and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuators with an optical waveguide network that uses total internal reflection and mode coupling to achieve spatial multiplexing. The waveguide network directs optical beams to different regions of the holographic medium through controlled coupling between waveguides, eliminating mechanical moving parts while enabling high-speed data access and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide network acts as an intermediary between the data processing system and the holographic storage medium. It provides a non-mechanical interface for spatial multiplexing by using optical mode coupling and beam directing capabilities to access different storage regions, thereby improving speed and reliability without mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical actuators are used for spatial multiplexing, then data transfer functionality is achieved, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple waveguides that can be independently configured and controlled. Each waveguide can be coupled to different regions of the holographic medium, allowing the system to scale by adding more waveguides without requiring complex mechanical actuator systems. This modular optical architecture enables flexible expansion of storage capacity and access capability.
3Reliability
If mechanical actuators are used for spatial multiplexing, then data storage functionality is achieved, but reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical actuators entirely, replacing them with a static waveguide network that uses optical principles (total internal reflection, mode coupling) to achieve spatial multiplexing. This substitution removes mechanical failure modes such as wear, friction, and mechanical fatigue, thereby significantly improving system reliability while maintaining data storage and retrieval functionality.
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
Facilitates high-speed, scalable, and reliable data transfer and storage by simultaneously reading/writing entire images without mechanical actuators, enhancing bandwidth through angular and spatial diversity.
Implementation Method 1
An optical waveguide is a form of optical component that can guide beams via total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
each of the second surface regions of the parent waveguide being optically coupled to the first surface region of a corresponding one of the child waveguides
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode optical waveguide network comprises a parent waveguide and a plurality of child waveguides. Each waveguide is a multimode optical waveguide having a first surface region, multiple second surface regions, and at least one guiding element attached to a surface of the waveguide or embedded within the waveguide, each second surface region of the parent waveguide optically coupled to the first surface region of a corresponding child waveguide. The guiding element(s) of the parent waveguide is arranged to guide a beam, from or to its first surface region, to or from any selected second surface region of its multiple second surface regions. The guiding element(s) of each of the waveguides is configurable for selecting the second surface region of that waveguide and/or responsive to at least one beam characteristic for selecting the second surface region of that waveguide via modulation of the at least one beam characteristic.