Nonlinear Optical Storage Media for High-Density Holographic Recording
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical data storage media face limitations in storage density, as they typically exhibit a linear response to light, requiring high optical power for 3D recording and are sensitive to temperature, wavelength, and vibration fluctuations, making them inefficient for bit-wise holographic data storage.
Innovation Solution
An optical data storage medium comprising a polymer matrix with a reactant capable of undergoing triplet excitation and a nonlinear sensitizer that absorbs actinic radiation for upper triplet-to-triplet energy transfer, achieving a refractive index change of at least 0.005, enabling a nonlinear response to recording light and supporting high-density micro-holographic data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional linear photosensitive materials are used for 3D holographic recording, then storage capacity can be increased by recording depth-wise, but large optical power is required and recording rate becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the photosensitive material from linear response to nonlinear (threshold) response. This parameter change enables efficient 3D holographic recording with reduced optical power requirements and increased recording speed, while maintaining high storage capacity through depth-wise recording capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite photosensitive materials containing threshold-sensitive components combined with appropriate matrix materials. This composite approach achieves both the desired nonlinear optical response for high-speed recording and the structural properties needed for high-density 3D storage.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional linear photosensitive materials are used, then the media exhibits linear response to light energy, but this requires additional mechanisms to eliminate sensitivity after recording to prevent unintended erasure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear to nonlinear (threshold) photosensitive materials, fundamentally changing the response parameter. This eliminates the need for additional mechanisms to control sensitivity after recording, as the threshold material naturally becomes insensitive below the threshold intensity, simplifying the overall system.
3Quantity of substance
If bit-wise holographic storage is implemented in multiple layers, then data density increases, but adjacent layers are exposed to recording/readout radiation causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses threshold-sensitive photosensitive materials with different threshold characteristics for different layers. This parameter differentiation allows selective recording and reading in specific layers without affecting adjacent layers, enabling high-density multi-layer storage while maintaining data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by giving different layers distinct threshold sensitivity characteristics. This allows each layer to be independently addressed and controlled, preventing cross-layer interference while maximizing data density through multi-layer implementation.
4Quantity of substance
If page-based holographic approach is used, then large volume of media is utilized for storage, but the equipment becomes complex and expensive and reading/writing is sensitive to environmental fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the holographic storage approach into bit-wise or byte-wise recording units rather than requiring full page-based systems. This segmentation enables the use of simpler, more robust equipment while maintaining high storage capacity through efficient multi-layer utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs threshold-sensitive materials that enable more robust recording and reading operations less sensitive to environmental fluctuations. This parameter change in material sensitivity allows for simpler equipment design while achieving the same or better storage capacity.
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 allows for efficient recording and reading of microholograms with increased storage capacity, stability against ambient light, and reduced exposure of adjacent layers during writing and reading, enhancing data density and robustness against environmental variations.
Implementation Method 1
a nonlinear sensitizer capable of absorbing actinic radiation
Implementation Method 2
cause upper triplet-to-triplet energy transfer to said reactant
Implementation Method 3
a reactant capable of undergoing a change upon triplet excitation (Tn; n>1)
Implementation Method 4
wherein the refractive index change (Δn) of the medium is at least about 0.005
Implementation Method 5
enabling a nonlinear response to recording light
Implementation Method 6
The medium comprises a polymer matrix
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided optical data storage media and methods of optical data storage using the same. The optical data storage media comprises a non-linear sensitizer capable of absorbing actinic radiation to cause upper triplet energy transfer to a reactant that undergoes change upon triplet excitation. The refractive index change (Δn) of the medium is at least about 0.005, or even at least about 0.05.