Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and apparatus for preparing a femtosecond optical filament interference direct writing volume grating/chirped volume grating. The method is characterized in that optical filaments are formed in glass by using femtosecond pulse laser, and plasma is controlled to quickly scan in the glass and etch a volume grating or chirped volume grating structure by adjusting the focal length of convex lens, laser energy and movement of motor machine. The apparatus includes a femtosecond pulse laser module, a pulse chirp management module, a pulse time domain shaping module, a laser separation and interference module, a glass volume grating processing platform module and a camera online imaging module.

Abstract: A set of two or more block families associated with a bin boundary of a first voltage bin is identified. A determination of at least a first voltage for a first block family of the plurality of block families and a second voltage for a second block family of the plurality of block families based on values of a data state metric for each of the plurality of block families. In response to a determination that a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage satisfies a block family combination criterion, the second block family is merged with the first block family.

Abstract: A system includes a utilization calculation module, a performance calculation module, an input module and an output module. The input module to receive a user-selection of tape drives and time ranges over which to calculate utilization data and calculate performance data. The utilization module to calculate utilization data of the selected tape drives over the selected time ranges. The performance module to calculate performance data of the selected tape drives over the selected time ranges. The output module to generate single data points representing output of utilization data and performance data of the respective selected tape drives, and to analyze the data points to determine whether to highlight the data points in a first user-definable display region representing higher utilization and performance tape drives relative to data points in a second user-definable display region representing lower utilization and performance tape drives.

Abstract: An optical information storage medium includes a multilayer film that includes a plurality of extruded alternating active data storage layers and buffer layers, which separate the active data storage layers. The active data storage layers and buffer layers have thicknesses that allow the active data storage layers to be writable by permanent or reversible one- or multiphoton, linear, nonlinear, or threshold optical writing processes to define data voxels within the active data storage layers that are readable by an optical reading device.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a photovoltaic device 100, includes the steps of providing a glass substrate 102, depositing a molybdenum layer 104 on a surface of the glass substrate, directing light through the glass substrate to the near-substrate region of the molybdenum layer 206, detecting an optical property of the near-substrate region of the molybdenum layer after interaction with the incident light 208 and determining a density of the near-substrate region of the molybdenum layer from the detected optical property 210. A molybdenum deposition parameter may be controlled based upon the determined density of the near-substrate region of the molybdenum layer 218. A non-contact method measures a density of the near-substrate region of a molybdenum layer and a deposition chamber 300.

Abstract: Methods of forming and operating phase change memory devices include adjusting an activation energy barrier between a metastable phase and a stable phase of a phase change material in a memory cell. In some embodiments, the activation energy barrier is adjusted by applying stress to the phase change material in the memory cell. Memory devices include a phase change memory cell and a material, structure, or device for applying stress to the phase change material in the memory cell. In some embodiments, a piezoelectric device may be used to apply stress to the phase change material. In additional embodiments, a material having a thermal expansion coefficient greater than that of the phase change material may be positioned to apply stress to the phase change material.

Abstract: A light emitting device that can radiate heat generated by a semiconductor light emitting element and/or a resin layer at not only a position directly under the light emitting element, but also a position remote from such a position with respect to the main plane direction is provided. In the light emitting device, a light emitting element is carried on a substrate, and a resin covers the light emitting element. An anisotropic heat conduction material showing a heat conductivity for the substrate main plane direction larger than that for the substrate thickness direction is carried on the substrate. A side of the anisotropic heat conduction material contacts with the resin. Thereby, the anisotropic heat conduction material can receive heat of the resin, conduct it along the main plane direction, and radiate it to the substrate at a position remote from the light emitting element and/or the resin.

Abstract: An optically-controlled memory resistor includes (1) a memory resistor having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photo-responsive active layer disposed between the first and second electrodes and (2) a light source in cooperation with the memory resistor. The light source is configured to controllably illuminate the memory resistor for affecting a resistance state exhibited by the memory resistor. Also, a method for operating a memory resistor includes changing a resistance state of the memory resistor in response to an application of photons to the memory resistor.

Abstract: An information memory device using an electromagnetic-wave resonance phenomenon is provided to achieve both high density and long-period storage of stored data. Memory cells are three-dimensionally arranged in the inside of a solid-like medium which is not contacted with a surface of the medium, and the memory cell has resonance characteristics to electromagnetic waves depending on the space coordinates of the memory cell. For the medium, a material is selected so that an electromagnetic wave having the resonance frequency of the memory cell. By observing absorption spectra of the irradiated electromagnetic wave or emission spectra after the absorption, three-dimensional space coordinates of the memory cell are calculated.

Abstract: An information storage element has a carbon storage material including hexagonally bonded carbon and tetrahedrally bonded carbon. The information is formed by a changeable ratio of hexagonally bonded carbon and tetrahedrally bonded carbon.

Abstract: A CD-ROM has an obscurable section wherein exists a photosensitive mask material layer or constituent operative to alter the optical properties of areas subjected to prolonged exposure to the CD-ROM read laser radiation. Digital information stored on a CD-ROM is made accessible by use of a password, which is generated from user machine unique information, and which is written on the CD-ROM via selective exposure of the CD-ROM to the radiation used to read the CD-ROM.

Abstract: Selected domains, normally 2×103×2×103 such domains arrayed in a plane, within a three-dimensional (3-D) volume of radiation-sensitive medium, typically 1 cm3 of spirobenzopyran containing 2×103 such planes, are temporally and spatially simultaneously illuminated by two radiation pulses, normally laser light pulses in various combinations of wavelengths 532 nm and 1024 nm, in order, dependent upon the particular combination of illuminating light, to either write binary data to, or read binary data from, the selected domains by process of two-photon (2-P) interaction/absorption. One laser light pulse is preferably directed to illuminate all domains during its propagation along one directional axis of the volume. The other laser light pulse is first spatially encoded with binary information by 2-D spatial light modulator, and is then (i) directed and (ii) time sequenced to intersection with the other light pulse in a locus of intersection domains.

Abstract: Three-, and four-dimensional (“3-D” and “4-D”) volume radiation memories store multiple binary bits of information—typically about five to ten and more typically eight such bits—in the same physical volumes on several different photochromic chemicals co-located in the volume. Each of the multiple photochromic chemicals is individually selectively written with an individually associated pair of radiation beams of an appropriate combined frequency—i.e., a “color”—and energy by a process of two-photon (“2-P”) absorption. All the multiple information bits that are stored within all the photochromic chemicals in each addressable domain are read in common, and induced to simultaneously fluoresce, again by process of 2-P absorption.

Abstract: It includes: a substrate; a plurality of optical data processing units arranged in an array on the substrate, a super graphite sheet on LEDs of the optical processing units, and a glass substrate on the super graphite sheet. Each optical data processing unit includes an optical signal receiving circuit on the substrate for receiving an optical signal and generating a reception signal; a data processing circuit on the substrate for processing the reception signal and generating resultant data; a drive circuit and an LED on the substrate for emitting an output optical signal and heat in accordance with the resultant data. The super graphite sheet on the LED transmits and radiates the heat from the LEDs. The super graphite film is provided by sintering a high polymer sheet and has a high heat conductivity.

Abstract: A programmable metallization cell ("PMC") comprises a fast ion conductor such as a chalcogenide-metal ion and a plurality of electrodes (e.g., an anode and a cathode) disposed at the surface of the fast ion conductor and spaced a set distance apart from each other. Preferably, the fast ion conductor comprises a chalcogenide with Group IB or Group IIB metals, the anode comprises silver, and the cathode comprises aluminum or other conductor. When a voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode, a non-volatile metal dendrite grows from the cathode along the surface of the fast ion conductor towards the anode. The growth rate of the dendrite is a function of the applied voltage and time. The growth of the dendrite may be stopped by removing the voltage and the dendrite may be retracted by reversing the voltage polarity at the anode and cathode. Changes in the length of the dendrite affect the resistance and capacitance of the PMC.

Abstract: A compact optical memory is disclosed in which data are stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data are illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface diffractive imaging lenslets which cause a data image to be projected onto an array of light sensors by reflecting, hence folding the image rays, by means of a Mangin mirror that both reflects and optically modifies the light rays to redirect them onto the sensor array located substantially coplanar with the data layer. Data are organized into an annular array of patches (called pages). By selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets images the selected data page onto a central image plane where the sensor array is located. Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors, thereby outputting a pattern of binary bits in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: Provided are a self-aligned semiconductor fuse structure, a method of making such a fuse structure, and apparatuses incorporating such a fuse structure. The fuse break point, that point at which the electrical link of which the fuse is part is severed by a laser beam, is self-aligned by the use of photolithography and an anti-reflective coating. The self-alignment allows the size and location of the break point to be less sensitive to the laser beam size and alignment. This has several advantages, including allowing photolithographic control and effective size reduction of the laser spot irradiating the fuse material and surrounding structure. This permits reduced fuse pitch, increasing density and the efficiency of use of chip area, and results in reduced thermal exposure, which causes less damage to chip. In addition, laser alignment is less critical and therefore less time-consuming, which increases throughput in fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention stores and retrieves digital information by altering the phase transmission characteristics of a multiple layer phase recording by modulating the carrier frequency and the carrier frequency angle. These layers are organized into several regions, called page areas, which contain an array of juxtaposed encoded digital information data. Each page area may have several pages of digital information; each recorded with a different carrier frequency and carrier angle. The data layers are stacked together and aligned such that the page areas and encoded digital information on them are also aligned with each other into books. When one of these books is selectively illuminated by a controllable light source, a lenslet aligned with that book projects the transformed images of the data pages within that book, through a shutter array, and a reimaging lens onto a photosensor detector array.

Abstract: An optical memory (10) is disclosed in which data is stored in an optical data layer (19) capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources (15) and an array of multi-surface imaging lenslets (21) project the image onto a common array of light sensors (27). Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) and by selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets (21) images the selected data page onto the light sensors (27). Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors (27), thereby outputting a pattern of binary bits in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: In a system (apparatus and method) which employs a light absorbent material surrounded by an optically transparent matrix as a recording medium and in which the presence or absence of emission light of a specific wavelength from unity of the light absorbent material is used for optical writing and reading, the light emitted in response to reading light is condensed and spectrally diffracted and the light intensity is detected for each specific wavelength and related to recorded information.

Abstract: Sub-micron-scale, micron-scale and greater than micron-scale, crack-free and regularly-shaped structures of high-contrast refractive index are provided in transparent storage media by controllably focusing ultrashort laser pulses in the bulk of virtually any transparent medium respectively during operation in a "low energy," a "high energy", and a "third" operating regime. In any operating regime, the crack-free and regularly-shaped structures of high-contrast refractive index may be controllably patterned in 2-D or 3-D so as to permanently store both digital and non-digital information in the bulk of the transparent storage medium. For digital-type information, greater than one (1) Terabit, and up to one hundred (100) Terabit, digital information storage capacity in a CD-ROM sized disc is provided.

Abstract: An optical memory (10) is disclosed in which data is stored in an optical data layer (19) capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources (15) and an array of multi-surface imaging lenslets (21) project the image onto a common array of light sensors (27). Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) and by selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets (21) images the selected data page onto the light sensors (27). Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors (27), thereby outputting a pattern of binary bits in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: A reversible thermosensitive recording medium having a support, a reversible thermosensitive recording layer formed thereon which contains a matrix resin and an organic low-molecular-weight material dispersed in the matrix resin, capable of reversibly assuming a transparent state and a white opaque state depending on the temperature thereof, and a magnetic recording layer formed on the reversible thermosensitive recording layer, and optionally, an anchor layer, which is provided on the reversible thermosensitive recording layer. The magnetic recording layer is integrally provided in a part of the reversible thermosensitive recording layer or the anchor layer by a step of fusion-bonding, applying, or transferring.

Abstract: A device for optically storing and retrieving information incorporating a cadmium fluoride crystal. Using focused ionizing radiation, patterns can be formed in the crystal by the creation of color centers and/or intrinsic luminescence quenched areas. The stored information can then be retrieved by irradiating the crystal with visible light, ultraviolet light, ionizing radiation or combinations thereof. The device and the storage technique allows the storage of various different levels of information, the different levels being retrievable by using different irradiating media and magnifications of the retrieved information. The device and technique also allows the information to be stored for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An optical disk drive with a multiple data layer optical disk uses computed axial velocity values of the data layers to optimize the interlayer transition of the focused light beam. In the preferred embodiment, the axial velocities of the data layers are computed for a set of radial and angular positions on the data layer surfaces using one of several techniques. The data layer axial velocity values are computed from the measured current values to the voice coil motor focus actuator or from the output of the detector that generates the focus error signal (FES). A routine is run at disk drive startup, or at various times during disk drive operation, to measure the coil current or FES at different radial and angular positions and compute the axial velocity values. The computed axial velocity values are then mapped into memory storage according to addresses corresponding to their radial and angular positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing data is provided incorporating an amorphous solid having covalent bonds and a first index of refraction and an energy source for thermally heating selected areas of the amorphous solid to change the index of refraction without melting or substantially crystallizing the amorphous solid. The invention overcomes the problem of corrosion, moisture, or microbial attack resulting in deterioration of the storage medium over time, i.e., 100 years.

Abstract: An associative memory apparatus having a 2f Fourier transform optical correlation configuration wherein the correlation spots produced in the correlation plane are projected back by a mirror through the inverse Fourier transform lens and a phase correction reference image filter to produce the output image representing the best match between the input image and the associative memory reference images. A 4f Fourier transform embodiment projects the correlation spots forward through a second filter and transform means and the output image can be fed back to the input image display SLM to enhance the output image.

Abstract: Selected domains, normally 10.sup.3 .times.10.sup.3 such domains arrayed in a plane, within a three-dimensional (3-D) volume of active medium, typically 1 cm.sup.3 of spirobenzopyran containing 10.sup.2 such planes, are temporally and spatially simultaneously illuminated by two radiation beams, normally laser light beams in various combinations of wavelengths 532nm and 1024nm, in order, dependent upon the particular combination of illuminating light, to either write binary data to, or read binary data from, the selected domains by process of two-photon (2-P) absorption. One laser light beam is preferably directed to illuminate all domains of the selected plane in and by a one-dimensional spatial light modular (1-D SLM). The other laser light beam is first spatially encoded with binary information by 2-D SLM, and is then also directed to illuminate the domains of the selected plane.

Abstract: In a method of high density (>10.sup.12 bits/cc) optical recording of information in a three-dimensional multilayered format, information is written in a photopolymer as submicron volume elements of altered index of refraction. The index change results from alteration of the photopolymer induced by two-photon excitation of the photo-sensitizer at the waist of a highly focused beam from a subpicosecond colliding pulse modelocked laser. Quadratic dependence of two-photon excitation on incident instantaneous intensity serves to confine crosslinking of the polymer to the focal volume; hence, bit array layers may be written with thicknesses on the order of the confocal parameter. As an example, eight well resolved bit planes can be written in a olymer film about 30 microns thick. Information written in this manner may be read with sufficient axial resolution by differential interference contrast (DIC) or confocal microscopy.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical information recording apparatus for recording optical information in a phase change type optical recording medium and a method therefor. The order of the atomic arrangement of the optical recording medium is capable of changing between a first state of order thereof and a second state of order thereof higher than the first state. A first light source generates a first light including the optical information and projecting the generated first light on the optical recording medium so as to change the order of the atomic arrangement of the optical recording medium from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state, mainly by heating the optical recording medium.

Abstract: A photorefractive device is disclosed capable of optically coupling intersecting beams of electromagnetic radiation comprised of first and second electrodes for establishing a potential gradient between first and second spaced locations and, interposed between the electrodes, a photorefractive medium comprised of a homogeneous charge neutral organic photoconductor containing organic noncentrosymmetric molecular dipoles capable of imparting to the photorefractive medium a second order polarization susceptibility of greater than 10.sup.-9 esu, the molecular dipoles each containing an electron donor moiety linked through a conjugated .pi. bonding system to an electron acceptor moiety.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an optical memory device, which includes supplying rolls for continuously supplying a sheet-like substrate, a masking endless belt having a plurality of windows of size corresponding to the optical memory device, rolls for moving the sheet-like substrate and the masking endless belt in the same direction and at the same speed, a recording portion forming device for forming recording portions on the substrate through the masking endless belt, a guide track providing device for providing along the substrate guide tracks for guiding a light beam, and a cutting device for cutting the substrate to a predetermined size.

Abstract: An optical memory includes a storage for optical data carriers, a means for transferring data carriers from the storage to one or several stations for data recording or reading, a modulated electromagnetic radiation source and photodetectors which are optically connected to the carriers, and a switching unit for switching the modulated electromagnetic radiation from the source to the optical carriers and from the carriers to the photodetectors in accordance with the address of the station where a respective carrier is disposed.

Abstract: A photorefractive device is disclosed comprised of a first and second electrodes for establishing a potential gradient between first and second spaced locations and, interposed between the first and second electrodes, intermediate means capable of producing in a readout beam of electromagnetic radiation an image pattern corresponding to that present in a spatially intersecting writing beam of electromagnetic radiation when a potential gradient is applied to the intermediate means by said first and second electrodes. The intermediate means consists of a photorefractive layer capable of internally storing the image pattern of the writing beam created by its interference with an intersecting reference beam of electromagnetic radiation, the photorefractive layer being comprised of a homogeneous organic photoconductor containing organic noncentrosymmetric molecular dipoles capable of imparting to the photorefractive layer a second order polarization susceptibility of greater than 10.sup.-9 esu.

Abstract: In an optical information storage apparatus including an optical information storing medium having a retrieval index storing area and an information storing area, the apparatus comprises an optical head for recording and reading information on and from the optical information storing medium and a signal generator for generating a delete signal to the optical head in order to directly or perfectly delete (destroy) information recorded on the information area of the storing medium, in addition to the indirect deletion of a retrieval index. Further, the above direct and indirect deletions can be selected by the operator. The above apparatus is useful in particular to delete confidential documents stored in a picture information filing system, for instance.

Abstract: A photographic contact printing process is disclosed having application in the mass production of replicate video discs from a master disc, and other applications wherein it is desired to replicate micro-detail over a relatively large area. A problem with conventional contact printing from a mask to a photographic medium is one of maintaining intimate contact over a relatively large area since dust, dirt, etc., are almost impossible to completely eliminate in any practical manner. In accordance with the present invention, a contact printing process is provided wherein intimate contact is not necessary for making high quality contact prints. The present invention recognizes that in contact printing information from a master disc to a replicate disc, the contact printing process is significantly less sensitive to imperfect contact between the master disc and the replicate disc if one employs a replicate disc comprising a photosensitive material having a certain optical properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing information from records made by an optical-wavelength-multiplexing method which includes a first medium acting as a data carrier which data can be recorded on and reproduced from by the optical-wavelength-multiplexing method and which further includes a second medium having the same characteristic as that of the first medium on which no records have been made, wherein components of light reflected or transmitted by the first and second mediums are then detected by a first and second photodetectors, respectively, and wherein the outputs of the first and second photodetectors are further processed so that a ground level of the "reproduced signal" is adjusted to substantially constant value.

Abstract: In a reversible memory system, a pulsed laser beam generated from a laser unit is directed to a recording layer formed on a substrate 1. The recording layer essentially consists of a recording medium, for example, an iron-nickel alloy containing iron as a major component and 27 to 30 atomic % of nickel, which undergoes martensite transformation from a low-temperature phase to a high-temperature phase at a predetermined temperature Af and which undergoes a stress-induced transformation at a characteristic temperature Md. When a region of the recording layer is irradiated with the laser beam having a predetermined intensity, the region undergoes a stress-induced transformation so that the region is changed from the high temperature phase to the low temperature phase.

Abstract: This device is an all-optical digital architecture for carrying out compuions. Residue number system addition and multiplication tables are produced on an optically-addressable plane composed of optically bistable material. The plane of optically bistable material devices represents a residue number system addition or multiplication tables and is addressed by two intersecting signal beams from the top and a bias beam from the bottom. A combination of two signal beams exceeds the material transmission threshold in the intersection region letting bias light emerge as a position encoded signal beam.

Abstract: A pre-formatted optical data storage member is described in which format zones are generated by the provision in the surface of the optical medium of a "moth-eye" structure, i.e. regular surface pattern in the form of an arrangement of grooves or protuberances. The pitch and depth of the pattern is such that when irradiated with illumination of predetermined optical characteristics, the format zones display a reflectivity substantially lower than that of the remainder of the optical storage member. Methods of producing optical data storage members with such pre-formatting are also described.

Abstract: A polymer and dye combination suitable for use in optically recording information. The present invention includes a material which may exhibit the property of birefringence under selected conditions such as when stretched. This birefringence can be relaxed in localized areas by heating the localized areas. Incorporated within the material is a dye. The dye is selected so that it has a high optical density, or absorption maximum, in a specific range. This range may cover, for example, the wavelength of a gallium arsenide laser. Radiation with a wavelength within the selected range is the directed into the material at selected locations. This radiation is converted to heat, which in turn relaxes the birefringence in the localized areas or may cause other physical or chemical changes within the polymer. The localized relaxation of birefringence or other change can then be detected or "read." This allows information to be optically recorded on the polymer and subsequently detected and used.

Abstract: An optical memory comprising a doping modulated multilayer made of amorphous semiconductor, and at least two electrodes, one of the electrodes being transparent and the multilayer being sandwiched between two electrodes. Data is written by increasing the electrical conductance of the amorphous semiconductor by irradiating it with light. Data is erased by the application of a bias voltage to the electrodes and also by irradiating the amorphous semiconductor with light having photon energy of approximately half or less of the optical energy band gap of the amorphous semiconductor. The memory effect can be maintained for a week or longer, and the memory can be erased without heating the memory device, whereby the lifetime of the device is lengthened.

Abstract: A rewritable information recording medium which has a recording layer containing a Group I transition element and a Group IV representative elements of the Periodic Table as two principal element and a support substrate for physically supporting the recording layer, and an information-write, -read, and erase method using this recording medium. When the recording layer is immediately cooled after it is heated up to near a eutectic temperature of the two principal elements, two metastable phases having different energy levels appear. A state in the first metastable phase of the higher energy level has a reflectivity sufficiently higher than that of a state of a mixed phase including the second metastable phase of the lower energy level, or that of the equilibrium state. The state in the first metastable phase can be obtained by heating a recording layer in another state by light beam irradiation.

Abstract: In an optical information storage apparatus including an optical information storing medium having a retrieval index storing area and an information storing area, the apparatus comprises an optical head for recording and reading information on and from the optical information storing medium and a signal generator for generating a delete signal to th eoptical head in order to directly or perfectly delete (destroy) information recorded on the information area of the storing medium, in addition to the indirect deletion of a retrieval index. Further, the above direct and indirect deletions can be selected by the operator. The above apparatus is useful in particular to delete confidential documents stored in a picture information filing system, for instance.

Abstract: A memory medium for information storage and reproduction and an apparatus for reading information from the memory medium are set forth herein. The memory medium includes a solid storage layer formed of a pyroelectric and electro-optic material, and information is stored in the medium through local residual polarization of the layer owing to the pyroelectrical property of the material.

Abstract: A portion of a chalcogenide transformation film in a less reflective phase responds to a low energy laser beam writing pulse by transforming to a crystalline phase. A marmem alloy, secured to the bottom side of the film, responds to a longer erasing pulse of a lower energy laser beam at the same portion by physically stressing the film only at that same portion. The film portion responds to the physical stress by transforming back to a less reflective phase. An optical reader interprets the crystalline phase as a digital logic "1", and the less reflective phase as a digital logic "0".

Abstract: An optical memory system for storage and retrieval of digital data using a source of writing light in the visible light range and a separate source of near infrared, polarized reading light. The writing light is amplitude modulated by a signal containing the digital data to be stored. Horizontal and vertical deflectors deflect the beams to scan horizontally and vertically in response to control signals. The scanning beams are focused to a focal point to impinge upon a stationary medium manufactured of a dry film having submicron electrically photosensitive particles embedded in a thermoplastic layer mounted on a substantially transparent electrically conductive substrate. The particles are insensitive to light at the reading light wavelength. The particles are initially uncharged and the film is sensitive to light after receiving an initial surface charge.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical data storage device and system, and a method of doing one or more of entering data into, reading data out of, or erasing data from the device. The optical data storage device is characterized by an encapsulated structure including an optically non-transmissive, chalcogenide, phase changeable layer. The phase changeable layer is sufficiently thick such that the impinging vitrifiying energy pulse does not vitrify all the way through the layer.

Abstract: Optical devices using an organic charge transfer salt as the switching and storage media are disclosed. Generally, a light beam of a given intensity directed to a film of certain organic charge transfer salts causes the illuminated area to change from a first to a second state. This electrochemical process is reversible with heat energy transforming the illuminated area back into the first state. The first and second states have identifiably different optical and electrical properties. The organic charge transfer salt is used to fabricate an erasable or permanent optical memory and a threshold on bistable optoelectronic switch.

Abstract: Reversible phase change storage material is thermally isolated in a storage medium by means of grooves in the substrate and at least one layer of a thermally conductive dielectric material.