Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptive read and read-after-write for carbon nanotube recorders is described. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus, utilizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to read and write data, and deflecting the emissions of such CNTs precisely in the process. In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of locating CNTs for purposes of reading and writing data on a disk, using a rough location and feedback to refine the location into a precise location for the track, both for a group of heads and for individual heads within the group. Location may include both physical movement of the heads and deflection of emissions of the heads.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an optical component is provided. The optical component includes a first polarizing prism having a first face, a second face and a third face. The light beam may be received incident on the first face. Light having a first polarization may be output through a second face and light having a second polarization may be output through a third face. The optical component further includes a half-wave plate fastened to the second face of the first polarizing prism. The optical component further includes a first reflecting prism connected to the third face of the first polarizing prism. The first reflecting prism has a first face and a second face, the first face connected to the third face of the first polarizing prism. The optical component further includes a second reflecting prism connected to the half-wave plate and to the second face of the first reflecting prism. The second reflecting prism has a first face, a second face and a third face.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an optical component is provided. The optical component includes a first polarizing prism having a first face, a second face and a third face. The light beam may be received incident on the first face. Light having a first polarization may be output through a second face and light having a second polarization may be output through a third face. The optical component further includes a half-wave plate fastened to the second face of the first polarizing prism. The optical component further includes a first reflecting prism connected to the third face of the first polarizing prism. The first reflecting prism has a first face and a second face, the first face connected to the third face of the first polarizing prism. The optical component further includes a second reflecting prism connected to the half-wave plate and to the second face of the first reflecting prism. The second reflecting prism has a first face, a second face and a third face.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for aligning multiple image frames in an LCoS projector is provided. The system includes a plurality of detectors aligned with a desired projection image of a projector. The plurality of detectors is coupled to the projector. Each detector of the plurality of detectors is aligned with an edge of the desired projection image. The plurality of detectors may be coupled to a screen distant from the projector, or part of a calibration unit associated more directly with the projector. The system may further include calibration logic in the projector. The calibration logic is to receive data from the plurality of detectors and to adjust an image of the projectors responsive to the data from the plurality of detectors.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first polarizing beam splitter to receive light from an input source and provide a first output with a first polarization and a second output with a second polarization. The apparatus further includes a half-wave plate arranged to receive the first output of the first polarizing beam splitter and provide a half-wave plate output having the second polarization. The apparatus also includes a mirror arranged to receive the second output beam of the first polarizing beam splitter and provide a mirror output having the second polarization. The apparatus may further include a second polarizing beam splitter to receive the half-wave plate output and the mirror output and transmit the half-wave plate output and the mirror output to an external reflective component. The second polarizing beam splitter is further to receive reflected light from the reflective component and to transmit the light from the reflective component as an external output beam.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes an array of a first plurality of narrowband light sources. The system also includes a first beam collecting component arranged to receive light from the first plurality of narrowband light sources and arranged to output light including light from each light source of the first plurality of narrowband light sources. In one embodiment, the light sources are laser diodes. In another embodiment, the light sources are light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a housing. The system also includes a light source coupled to the housing. The system further includes a light transmission modulating element coupled to the housing and arranged to receive light from the light source. The system also includes an image modulating subsystem arranged to receive light form the light transmission modulating element and coupled to the housing. The system further includes Output focusing optics arranged to receive light from the image modulating subsystem and coupled to the housing.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a housing. The system further includes a first LCoS assembly coupled to the housing. The system also includes a second LCoS assembly coupled to the housing. The system further includes a third LCoS assembly coupled to the housing. Additionally, the system includes a first beam splitter and a second beam splitter both coupled to the housing. The first beam splitter is arranged to split incoming light between the first LCoS assembly and the second beam splitter. The second beam splitter is arranged to split incoming light between the second LCoS assembly and the third LCoS assembly. The system also includes a first beam recombiner and a second beam recombiner both coupled to the housing. The first beam recombiner is arranged to receive light from the first LCoS assembly and the second LCoS assembly. The second beam recombiner is arranged to receive light from the first beam recombiner and from the third LCoS assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a recording medium is described. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a substrate. The apparatus also includes a phase change layer disposed on the substrate. The phase change layer has a first phase with a first secondary emission ratio and a second phase with a second secondary emission ratio.

Abstract: A multi-beam optical recording system having an array of light sources, such as Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSEL), oriented to the direction of motion of an optically sensitive recording medium such that each light source forms a separate written track. In another embodiment, a multi-beam optical recording system having a first array and a second array of light sources, such as VCSELs, oriented so that an objective lens focuses the output from each of the arrays in the direction of an optically sensitive recording medium. In a further embodiment, the first array of light sources may be an optical recording array, and the second array of light source may be an optical playback array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical tracking in an edge-guided tape recorder is provided. In one embodiment, an optical tape guiding system for use in an optical tape drive which may write to optical tape is provided. The optical tape has a first edge and is disposed to be transported through the optical tape drive, and the optical tape exhibits transverse motion during transport through the optical tape drive. The system includes a curved edge guide disposed to maintain contact with the first edge of the optical tape during transport through the optical tape drive. The system may further include a mirror galvanometer disposed to direct a record beam of the optical tape system to the optical tape.

Abstract: Tapes (13), such as magnetic, optic and other recording tapes, and many other kinds of tapes having opposite edges (14,15), are wound into an increasing tape pack (16) about an axis of rotation (18) by floating substantially each newly arriving tape winding (113) on a fluid film (19) on the increasing tape pack. Opposite edges of substantially each new winding of the tape are continuously aligned for a number of turns (23) with corresponding edges of substantially all preceding windings of tape in the increasing tape pack with the aid of that fluid film. Increments of that fluid film between the turns are gradually diminished to zero until each leading turn of such number of turns has become locked to a remainder of the tape pack. Resulting packs (16) of wound tape are substantially fluid-free and co-planar along opposite radial planes (21,22) of the tape pack.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a two dimensional array of modulated light beams. A laser and a collimator are used to generate a single collimated light beam. This collimated light beam is passed through a two dimensional holographic beam splitter. Thereupon, the holographic beam splitter produces a two dimensional divergent array of diffraction limited collimated light beams. These light beams are then independently modulated by a two dimensional modulator array.

Abstract: Micro fabricated arrays of optical modulators of both a surface electrode and machined mesa nature where the small structure size and low capacitance electrical connections permit each modulator element to be individually electrically addressed thus providing modulator optical rise and fall response times in the low and sub nanosecond range. Both sparsely spaced and closely packed arrays are achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical tracking in an edge-guided tape recorder is provided. In one embodiment, an optical tape guiding system for use in an optical tape drive which may write to optical tape is provided. The optical tape has a first edge and is disposed to be transported through the optical tape drive, and the optical tape exhibits transverse motion during transport through the optical tape drive. The system includes a curved edge guide disposed to maintain contact with the first edge of the optical tape during transport through the optical tape drive. The system may further include a mirror galvanometer disposed to direct a record beam of the optical tape system to the optical tape.

Abstract: A read-after-write system for optical recording systems includes a mirror used to direct read beams to a desired position on a recording medium relative to write beams impinging on the recording medium. The mirror may be adjustable to direct the read beams through a range of possible positions.

Abstract: In an optical storage system, an apparatus for focussing a light beam onto a recording medium. A light source generates a light beam which is modulated by a thin-film PLZT modulator array. A beamsplitter is used to direct the modulated light beam to an objective lens which focuses the modulated light beam onto the recording medium. The light reflected back from the recording medium is directed by the beamsplitter to a focus detector which generates an electrical signal corresponding to a degree of focus of the modulated light beam in reference to the recording medium. A focus actuator is placed in close proximity to the modulator, wherein the focus actuator has a mirrored surface for reflecting the light beam to the beamsplitter. By moving the focus actuator in an optical axis according to the electrical signal generated by the focus detector, a high bandwidth servo loop can be closed about the focal position.

Abstract: A two-dimensional modulator array for modulating a plurality of light beams. The modulator array is comprised of a plurality of stacked wafer layers. Each of the wafer layers have a linear array of transversely driven Pockels modulators. The Pockels modulators are formed by placing a plurality of electrodes over a top surface of an optical material and extending the electrodes over a beveled edge of the optical material. A ground plane resides on the bottom surface of the optical material. Conductive end reflectors are associated with each of the modulator electrodes. These end reflectors reflect the light beams back through the wafer. Electrical attachments are connected to the ends of each electrode for controlling the modulation for each electrode. Thereby, separate light beams can be individually modulated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically recording information on a media. The present invention comprises an optical tape recording system for recording digital information. In the present invention, a Bragg cell, comprising an acousto-optic crystal and a transducer, is used to effect the scanning of a light beam on the media for purposes of recording or reading digital information. Further, position information is recorded on the media to allow accurate tracking of the position of the media under a read/write head of the present invention. In addition, the present invention discloses means for focussing a radiant energy beam on the media comprising a read/write head coupled with a transducer. The read/write head includes a piezoelectric layer which may effect the focussing of the read/write head under the control of a servo mechanism.

Abstract: A wide band demodulator of phase modulated radio frequency signals is disclosed, wherein first and second sets of sonic waves are generated within a Bragg cell, one set being phase shifted with respect to the other set, together with means for directing a linear diffraction pattern of the light output of the Bragg cell at first and second phase displaced correlation masks, together with a first and second array of photodetectors which receive the integral of the light passing through associated masks, thereby to enable the simultaneous detection of a very large number of phase modulated signals on a real time basis, and wherein there is virtually no interference between channels and the need for a very large number of local oscillators is eliminated.