Abstract: The optical tape recorder of the present invention is capable of archiving data at rates in excess of 400 megabits per second by concurrently writing or reading a plurality data tracks in each data trace. A read-write module outputs an illumination beam comprised of combined multiple write beams (channels), a read beam and an autofocus beam. Optics within the read-write module spatially combine and accurately position the plurality of beams with respect to each other to form the multi-beam illumination beam. A read-write head comprised of a synchronized scanning transmissive polygon and rotating lens wheel scans the multi-beam illumination beam across a recording media to read or write multi-channel data tracks. An autofocus system is also included to ensure that the multi-beam illumination beam is accurately focused on the recording media.

Abstract: A photonic array bus provides a connectorless, computer backplane-like communication systems for advanced data processing and communications systems requiring operation rates exceeding 1 gigahertz. Components of a multiple component advanced data processing or communications system are coupled to pairs of laser transmitters and laser receivers. The laser transmitter and receiver pairs are arrayed in a coplanar circular fashion about a central disperser lens. A laser transmitter emits a laser beam incident on the central disperser lens. The central disperser lens disperses the laser beam into a coplanar array of laser beams illuminating the laser receivers. Multiple channel operation is achieved by "stacking" along the length of the disperser lens coplanar arrays of pairs of laser transmitters and receivers.