Abstract: A high capacity (1 Gbyte), high throughput (1.1 Gbyte/s) motionless-head parallel-readout optical disk, and a detector array integrated on substrate with an Si/PLZT Exclusive-NOR gate array, implement a fast retrieval (25 ms) associative memory/content addressable memory capable of 10.sup.10 bit-operations per second. The disk stores arrayed 1-D holograms, preferably computer-generated from 128.times.128 pixel images by Fourier transform. Reverse transform upon disk readout is by lenses, preferably by a single hybrid refractive/diffractive lens. The reconstituted 2-D image, or optical word, is detected and compared to an electrical data word in an fast integrated optoelectronic circuit. The circuit permits (i) a variably preset "match" detection threshold, and (ii) dynamically variable, sub-image, field size of the search. In a first mode of operation all images (or sub-images) that are sufficiently close to a preset query threshold are retrieved in one disk rotation.

Abstract: A motionless parallel head reads an optical disk having an active surface encoded with an arrayed multiplicity of one-dimensional holograms. Each 1-D hologram is a computer-encoded representation of, typically, one 128 pixel slice of an image. A group, typically 128, 1-D holograms are positionally distributed, and positionally shifted or staggered one to the next, radially along the disk's active surface so as to fit a complete radius. Typically 14,000 groups are circumferentially-displaced around a 51/4" Compact Disk (CD), forming a herringbone pattern. During readout the encoded CD is simultaneously illuminated along the entirety of one of its radius lines within which a group of holographic data blocks are fitted.