Optical Data Storage Using Dual-Beam Super-Resolution Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical data storage systems face limitations in achieving high density due to diffraction limits, slow data throughput, and the need for layered recording structures, which restricts their ability to store data efficiently in large data centers.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a dual-beam optical recording and reading technique using optically active materials that change properties in response to specific optical radiation characteristics, allowing for enhanced resolution and data storage in three dimensions without layering, by spatially superposing a first beam with a central intensity maximum and a second beam with a local intensity minimum to inhibit changes, enabling recording and reading below the diffraction limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical recording methods are used, then data storage is achieved, but resolution is limited by the diffraction limit of light
Solution Approach 1:
The optical field is segmented into multiple independent focal spots arranged in an array pattern. Each focal spot acts as an independent recording element, allowing parallel recording operations and achieving effective resolution beyond the diffraction limit through the spatial separation of focal points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point sequential recording to multi-point parallel recording by introducing a spatial dimension array of focal spots. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous recording at multiple locations, effectively overcoming the diffraction-limited resolution constraint through spatial multiplexing.
2Quantity of substance
If dual-layer DVD and Blu-ray discs are used to increase storage density, then data capacity is improved, but the number of discrete layers is limited by physical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple recording operations are merged into a single bulk recording medium without requiring discrete laminated layers. The optical field array enables simultaneous or sequential recording at different depths within a single continuous medium, combining the functionality of multiple layers into one integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the depth dimension within a single bulk medium for multi-level recording, transitioning from lateral layer stacking to vertical depth-based storage. This allows multiple recording planes at different z-depths within the same physical medium, increasing capacity without adding discrete layers.
3Measurement precision
If far-field super resolution recording methods are used, then resolution is improved, but data throughput is limited due to bit sequential recording
Solution Approach 1:
The optical field is divided into multiple independent focal spots that can operate in parallel. Each focal spot records data independently, enabling simultaneous multi-point recording operations that dramatically increase data throughput while maintaining super-resolution capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous parallel recording operations across multiple focal spots simultaneously, eliminating the sequential bit-by-bit recording process. This continuous multi-point action maintains high resolution while achieving high data throughput through parallelism.
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 achieves higher resolution and data storage density, allowing for increased data capacity and throughput in optical storage systems, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by enabling recording and reading in all three dimensions of a bulk medium.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a region of the recording medium with a first beam of optical radiation having the first characteristic, the beam having a sufficient intensity within a central portion of the irradiated region and being of sufficient duration to cause an optically induced change in properties of the recording medium
Implementation Method 2
simultaneously irradiating the region of the recording medium with a second beam of optical radiation having the second characteristic, the second beam having a local intensity minimum within the central portion of the irradiated region, and a local intensity maximum in at least one portion of the irradiated region adjacent to the central portion which is sufficient to inhibit the optically induced change in properties of the recording medium
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for recording and retrieval of optically readable data employ a recording medium (100) which comprises an optically active material (108) able to induce a change in properties of the medium in the presence of optical radiation having a first characteristic, such as a first optical frequency, and wherein the change in properties can be inhibited by optical radiation having a second characteristic, such as a second optical frequency. During recording, a region of the recording medium (100) is irradiated with a first beam (506) of optical radiation having the first characteristic, the beam having a sufficient intensity within a central portion of the irradiated region and being of sufficient duration to cause an optically induced change in properties of the recording medium. Simultaneously, the region of the recording medium (100) is irradiated with a second beam (508) of optical radiation having the second characteristic, the second beam having a local intensity minimum within the central portion of the irradiated region, and a local intensity maximum in at least one portion of the irradiated region adjacent to the central portion which is sufficient to inhibit the optically induced change in properties of the recording medium.A similar method is employed for retrieval, however the intensity of the first beam (506) is reduced to prevent changes in material properties within the recording medium (100).