Abstract: A planar micro-coil is provided for use with an optical head. The optical head is preferably a flying magneto-optical head. The micro-coil cooperates with a yoke assembly so to as to permit an optimal magnetic flux density to be formed at a surface of a magneto-optical storage location.

Abstract: A thin-film coil for use in a flying magneto-optical data storage system is formed on an undercoat layer, and includes an underside and a conductor deposited on the undercoat layer. The conductor is covered by an insulation layer on which a yoke is formed for providing a path to a magnetic field generated by the conductor. The yoke is formed of three sections: an upper section, an intermediate section, and the tip. The yoke tip defines an optical opening and has its underside substantially flush with the underside of the undercoat layer for increasing the density of the magnetic field at a target distance from the coil. The yoke tip underside is defined by an inner edge that delineates the optical opening, and that is formed of two semi-circular sections and two linear sections tangential to the semi-circular sections. The yoke can optionally include an outer section that extends over the peripheral side of the insulation layer and that further extends in an enlarged toe section.

Abstract: A data storage system includes one or more individual ramp faces for each to slidably receive the free end of a tab member connected to one of one or more transducer heads mounted on a head actuator assembly. Each head is disposed to fly in data transfer relationship adjacent to a respective rotating disk surface. Each ramp face is disposed on one of one or more individually adjustable ramp members connected to ramp mounting means. The ramp mounting means, the actuator assembly, heads and the disks are mounted on a rigid base in cooperating relationship. Head actuator assembly positioning means for moving the heads along the disk surfaces positions each head with respect to the corresponding disk surface so the respective tab is in sliding contact with the associated ramp face when the head is to be lifted from the related disk surface.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for high capacity holographic data storage in photorefractive crystals. A doped ferroelectric crystal is used as a data storage medium. Prior to the recording, the crystal is depoled either thermally or electrically. Multiplexed photorefractive holograms are then recorded by illuminating the crystal in such a manner that domain screening of the photorefractive space-charge field occurs. The crystal is then repoled to enable the reading of the holograms stored within the crystal. Finally, any given hologram is readout by illuminating the crystal at the Bragg condition, which typically occurs while illuminating the crystal at the same angle and/or wavelength at which the hologram was recorded.

Abstract: A multiphoton photorefractive holographic recording material includes an electro-optic host material doped with at least one lanthanide.