Optical interconnection for holographic memories and method for using the same
US6172777A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C13/042
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical interface of a holographic memory system electrically selects one of several optical pathways to store or retrieve an image from a holographic memory by activating liquid crystal polarization rotators and novel liquid crystal gratings. In a preferred embodiment a spatial light modulator, a pixelized readout device (i.e., focal-plane array), a series of polarizing optical components, liquid-crystal polarization rotators, liquid-crystal beam-steering devices, and interconnecting and imaging optics are provided. The parallel interconnection accepts a laser-beam input, divides the beam among multiple paths, imparts a data-bearing spatial signature on a signal beam by means of a spatial light modulator, steers a reference beam by means of liquid-crystal beam-steering devices, and directs the appropriate beams into the recording medium. The interconnection functions are realized within a solid-optical assembly requiring no air-glass interfaces, and the beam-steering functions for the reference beam are accomplished by non-mechanical means using liquid-crystal devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.