Abstract: A system and method for forming a model of an underground geological formation is disclosed wherein a quantity of non-solid material of the type which solidifies at volumetric positions impinged upon by preselected incident energy as used. Memory means are provided which have uniquely addressable location for storing data indicative of the desired and actual material states at respective volumetric positions. Means are additionally for scanning the data and sequentially directing the energy at supported, non-blocking, volumetric positions in the medium volume.

Abstract: A block oriented solid state optical memory having a distributed data storage architecture comprises a lens array including a plurality of laterally separated lenslets which have numerical apertures selected to cause them to focus essentially diffraction limited images of a photoemitter array in parallel onto laterally displaced sections of a data mask, so that the images optically align with respective photosensors. The lenslets are formed on the first surface of the lens array, and the data mask is supported on or very close to the last surface of the lens array to minimize the scattering of reflected light. An opaque light shield on the first surface of the lens array optically masks the area between the lenslets to eliminate unwanted stray light. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments of the invention, the light shield extends into the apertures of the lenslets to stop them down sufficiently to obtain substantially diffraction limited performance.

Abstract: An optical file system in which a command to store data results in a write operation in the next available storage position. A single optical path is used for both reading and writing. By dividing the detector in two equal parts along the direction of relative movement, it is possible to determine whether data has been written at a position which is in advance of the center of the area viewed by the detector. The write operation is conditioned on the output of the first part of the detector. Since the first part of the detector gives advance warning on the status of the oncoming data position, it is possible to switch from reading to writing without the requirement for a wasted revolution or wasted space. By dividing the signal resulting from a change of reflectance sensed during a write operation by a measure of the intensity of the write laser a read signal free of the write modulation is obtained.

Abstract: A memory comprises a multilayer film (1) in which each layer (2) is capable of carrying a charge, built up by successive deposition of a plurality of monomolecular layers (2), at least one of which has been deposited by a process of chemisorption and a photo-injector layer (D) is located on one side of the film for introducing charges into the film in a time sequence which corresponds to the information to be carried. Means (6) are provided for applying a voltage between the faces of the film to cause the charge carried by any layer to be transferred to the adjacent layer. The sequence of charges carried by the film may be read out by a photon-emitting electron arrival detector (F) on the opposite side of the film, or by a method of current differentiation. The film (1) is preferably formed of a polydiacetylene.

Abstract: A random access memory device is disclosed which utilizes phase change materials. The memory device includes two overlapping films of a phase change material which exhibits an optically discernible phase change at any portion thereof which is subjected to a selected external stimulus and which exhibits a hysteresis effect such that any such portion is substantially unchanged after the external stimulus is removed. Various phase change materials are disclosed which respond to changes in pressure, temperature or electric field intensities to vary the transmission characteristics of a selected portion of a film of such material from substantially opaque to translucent. One of the two overlapping films is then utilized to record digital data by changing the phase of the material at selected portions thereof.

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: An information storage and retrieval system has a storage medium, a read device and a write device. The system uses light to transmit signals between the storage medium and the read, the write devices. And it is capable of both read and write operations. The storage medium has a substrate with a number of cells of empty spaces in it. The cell has an ablative material deposited on its wall. The pattern of distribution determines the information stored. To read an information, a light beam is directed towards a cell and the transmitted light is detected by a sensor. To write an information, the ablative material is vaporized and redistributed inside the cell by high intensity light beam. The storage medium can also be used to store visual images directly by having cells and pigment plates arranged regularly in a substrate.

Abstract: Methods and active media for controlled production and optical access of data in the form of physio-chemical inhomogeneities, such as controlled differences in absorption characteristics of molecules at selected regions. The methods involve use of at least two intersecting beams of radiation which are matched to selected optical properties of the active media.

Abstract: Method and active media for controlled production of physical and refractive index inhomogenetics in a volume of a suspension medium by use of at least two intersecting beams of electromagnetic radiation matched to the excited state properties of molecules in the media. In addition, complex three-dimensional physical and chemical structures are produced by selective excitation of different types of molecules in the media and by employing transportive capabilities of liquid or gaseous support medium.

Abstract: An improved reflective silver laser recording and data storage medium for direct read after writing, having a protective gold plating on the silver particles of the reflective surface. The gold plating increases the recording sensitivity resulting in higher contrast ratios for the recorded data. Increased contrast ratios between recorded and non-recorded reflective areas are obtained by the gold plating allowing lower laser energy for readout of recorded data. The reflective silver surface is plated with gold by an electroless ion displacement procedure.

Abstract: The invention is a matrixing system, involving optical fibers, for accessing data encoded on an optical disk. Illustratively, a plurality of first fiber bundles couples optical sources to disk locations along angular coordinates, and a plurality of second fiber bundles couples disk locations along radial coordinates to optical detectors. Selective activation of a particular source and particular detector enables a predetermined disk location to be read. The system is characterized by a random access time on the order of 100 .mu.s or less.

Abstract: An optical information processing apparatus comprises an information recording medium, a semiconductor laser diode for issuing a laser beam and an optical system adapted to direct the issued laser beam from the semiconductor laser diode toward the information recording medium and then return the reflected laser beam from the medium to the diode and provided with means capable of rotating the plane of polarization of the reflected laser beam from the medium by 90.degree. relative to the plane of polarization of the issued laser beam.

Abstract: An optical memory with a storage plate and an optical write/read unit, with which during a relative movement the storage plate is illuminated pointwise for writing and reading of information, the storage plate and the optical write/read unit each being positioned in a coordinate with the aid of electromagnetic mechanical positioning means for addressing storage elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for preformatting each track of an optical disk with spaced header patterns using a plurality of overlapping, individually modulated writing laser beams arranged in a line perpendicular to the track. All of the writing laser beams are derived from a single multi-line laser so as to provide high positioning stability, and adjacent beams are chosen to have different wavelengths in order to prevent the deleterious effects of coherent interference between the overlapping beams. A specific header pattern is provided on a single pass by turning on different ones of the writing beams during specific time periods as each header recording area is traversed. A laser read-after-write beam is additionally provided to permit immediate verification of the recorded header pattern.

Abstract: The invention is a recording medium wherein the light absorptive layer is a granular material comprising domains of a light sensitive material embedded in a dielectric matrix. The domains comprise a material which can be reversibly switched from a first state to a second state having different optical properties by the absorption of light. The matrix is composed of a material which is effective for inhibiting the formation of an irreversible change in the optical properties of the absorptive layer. The invention further comprises this optical recording medium having an information track recorded therein as a series of regions in the absorptive layer wherein the domains have been reversibly switched to a second state having different optical properties.

Abstract: A process employing bodies that are fabricated to have a specific configuration are useful for the storage of information such as digital data. In one embodiment a material, such as germanium, is etched to produce a structure having a multiplicity of columnar or conical features. By providing a sufficient number of these features per unit area, it is possible to store at a relatively high density a variety of information. This information storage is accomplished by melting the columns or cones in a localized area. If these structures are of the appropriate size and spacing, they appear optically absorbing before melting and a reflective region appears in the treated area. In this manner archival storage of densely packed information is possible.

Abstract: The invention is an improved optical recording medium and information record where information is recorded in the form of one or more bubbles in a light absorptive layer and a reinforcement layer which preferentially adheres to a light absorptive layer during the formation of the bubble. The reinforcement layer provides a path for heat to diffuse away from the bubble, thereby desensitizing the recording process and increasing the range of incident light powers over which a bubble is formed.

Abstract: Thermo-optic writing on an information support in which an organic sublayer covered by a metal layer is deposited on a substrate. A plastic deformation due to the thrust exerted by the localized swelling of the sub-layer is created in the metal layer to produce a relief impression without piercing of the metal layer.

Abstract: A preformatted optical recording disk for use in an optical data storage system in which a laser beam of predetermined frequency is focused on the disk. The disk comprises a substrate having reflective, dielectric and absorbing layers deposited in a manner so as to establish an anti-reflection condition for an incident laser beam. The disk is preformatted by recording optical holes in the absorbing layer so as to form one or more tracks wherein each track includes a plurality of headers positioned at predetermined locations along the track. Each header comprises a plurality of optical holes constructed and arranged so as to constitute predetermined embedded timing, track following and focusing data on the disk for use by an optical data storage system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing and retrieving information using the phenomenon of dielectrophoresis. First and second materials are contained within a housing, and a non-uniform electrical field is applied to the materials. The materials have different dielectric constants, and relative movement of the materials occurs as a result of dielectrophoretic forces resulting from the applied non-uniform field. Different positions of one of the materials within the housing correspond to stored information and varying the applied non-uniform field varies the position of the one material to change the corresponding information. A detector is provided to locate the position of the one material in the housing corresponding to the stored information to retrieve the information represented by that position.

Abstract: An optical memory for storing human readable pictorial information and machine readable digital information within the same format together with a method and apparatus for recording such information. In accordance with the invention, information is formatted as human readable imagery with the machine readable digital data being stored as picture elements of the image.In accordance with a presently most preferred embodiment, each of the many picture elements (pixels), which together comprise the image, are formulated as a plurality of spots, the modulation level of each of which are independently controllable among several levels for recording information digitally within the picture elements, while at the same time, providing the picture elements with the proper optical density values to provide a visual analog presentation of the image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of optical storage of a numerical image and to methods of analog read-out and numerical processing of an image thus stored as well as to systems which make use of said method.All the digits of a given rank of the numbers constituting the numerical image are recorded on the same medium consisting of a film, for example, in the form of juxtaposed surface elements which, in a given example, are made conventionally opaque to light when the corresponding digit is either 1 or 0 and only in this case in order to constitute a sub-image. A surface element associated with one digit occupies a position within the sub-image which is similar to the position occupied by the number containing said digit in the numerical image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a permanent memory structure supported by a moving substrate.This substrate is formed by two metal layers (9, 10) vacuum-deposited on the relatively inexpansible substrate (1). One of the two metal layers is very expansible (9), while the other layer (10) is relatively inexpansible, but ductile. During inscription by the laser beam, the beam energy absorbed by the layers (9, 10) produces an elongation of the expansible layer (9), which deforms the ductile layer (10) by stretching it beyond the elastic limit. There is a permanent deformation of the two-layer assembly, without perforation.Particular application to optical disks.

Abstract: Method and active media for controlled production of physical and refractive index inhomogeneities in a volume of a suspension medium by use of at least two intersecting beams of electromagnetic radiation matched to the excited state properties of molecules in the media. In addition, complex three-dimensional physical and chemical structures are produced by selective excitation of different types of molecules in the media and by employing transportive capabilities of liquid or gaseous support medium.

Abstract: A microfilm system stores document on film for compact and secure filing. Full-size paper copies may be made of any document in the file. A single, attractively styled, compact housing contains a preferably manually fed camera, with an electrophotographic 16 mm roll film packaged in a cassette for easy film loading and unloading. The film is processed immediately after each image is recorded so that it is ready for instant retrieval. A bar code is recorded adjacent each image, responsive to a keyboard operation. During retrieval, a high-speed film transport searches for a designated bar code. Once an image is found, it may be projected on either a screen or paper in a printing system.

Abstract: A Chinese typewriter comprising a keyboard for the input of numerical and command signals, a control circuit for control of the system, a rotating drum carrying a film strip on which are optically stored a plurality of Chinese characters, a CRT display for verifying the desired character, and a printer.

Abstract: A multiple beam or "multiphoton" absorption effect is used for creating three-dimensioal sensible objects including optical elements and three-dimensional computer-type data storage and retrieval systems. The objects and systems are made according to the invention by at least two beams of optical electromagnetic radiation having a spectral characteristic matched to the excited state properties of active media molecules, wherein the beams are simultaneously or sequentially directed to a common target location to effect a desired photochemical reaction. The first beam effects excitation of the molecule of the active media at the target locations such that the coincidence of the second beam and absorption thereof by the individual molecules at the target location effects a controlled chemical reaction causing a change in physical or refractive index characteristics, or in other words, production of physical or refractive index inhomogeneities.

Abstract: An optical information recording material comprising a thin film of a suboxide of a metal or semimetal of Group IIIB, IVB, VB or VIB, e.g. TeO.sub.x where x<2.0 or BiO.sub.x where x<1.5, added with up to 50 mole % of S and/or Se. When irradiated with light of relatively low energy density, the thin film exhibits such changes in optical density that information can be optically recorded on this material with high contrast ratio. Recorded information can be reproduced by either transmitted light or reflected light and, when desired, can be erased by light irradiation of adequate energy density.

Abstract: Electron beam-sensitive films containing silver chloride, cadmium chloride and tin oxide, and the use of such films to provide optical masks by selective film darkening with an electron beam, are described.

Abstract: Multi-layered optical data records and playback apparatus are described in which a plurality of optical data layers are provided on at least one side of a record substrate and the playback apparatus scans data tracks on such layers with a light beam to produce an electrical readout signal corresponding to the data in the scanned tracks. The playback apparatus includes selection means for selectively playing back data tracks on different ones of the data layers. The data track may be formed by lines of data spots of binary coded digital information or such spots may be frequency modulated or pulse length modulated analog information which are photographically recorded at extremely high data density so that they may be used to record audio or video signals including television signals.

Abstract: A mass archival optical recording and reproduction system includes a recording light source such as a laser beam focussed and directed upon an acousto-optic linear modulator array (or page composer) that receives parallel blocks of data converted from a serial stream of digital data to be stored. The page composer imparts to the laser beam modulation representative of a plurality of parallel channels of data and through focussing optics downstream of the page composer parallel arrays of optical spots are recorded upon a suitable recording medium such as a photographic film floppy disc. The recording medium may be substantially frictionlessly and stably positioned for recording at a record/read station by an air-bearing platen arrangement which is preferably thermodynamically non-throttling so that the recording film may be positioned in the path of the information-carrying light beam in a static or dynamic mode.

Abstract: A mass data storage arrangement such as for books, is provided, by recording the data in the form of one micron pits in radial rows within spiral grooves of a disc. A reading element comprises a CRT providing a light beam output, which is focused down to one micron in size. The spot output of the CRT is scanned across each row having the presence or absence of pits. The light reflected from the disc is modulated by the presence or absence of pits and is reflected to a photomultiplier. The output of the photomultiplier is decoded and then displayed in human language form.

Abstract: An optical storage medium in which the effect of optical interference is utilized to provide information storage. Heating of selected portions of the optical storage medium causes a permanent change in the wavelength and intensity of the interference fringes of the optical storage medium, and those changes give rise to large changes in light reflectivity at the initial interference fringe wavelengths, and hence gives rise to an optical pattern that is readily detectable. Preferred storage medium materials include alloys of the Ge-Se-S-Te group overlaying a metallic layer.

Abstract: A verification system utilizing a holographic memory defined by a multiplicity of individual holograms on a photographic strip arranged side by side in elongate, parallel, hologram channels of substantially equal length. A holographic index on the strip identifies the information stored in each channel. The memory is a holographic record of binary spot patterns of multi-digit numbers which are sequentially recorded. The spot pattern for any given number may extend over one or more holograms to fully utilize the available recording space. Data compression is employed to reduce or eliminate the recordation of digits which are identical to corresponding digits of a preceding number to thereby reduce the memory bulk. A given number to be verified is entered in a keyboard and stored, the index is searched and the appropriate memory channel is then searched for a match of the given number with a number in the memory by producing and detecting images from the recorded holograms.

Abstract: An image storage-reproduction recording element comprises a thin ceramic plate 2 in which adjacent ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases can coexist, a first transparent electrode 6 overlying one surface of the plate, and, in order, a non-conductive mirror layer 3, a photoconductive layer 4, and a periodically striped second transparent electrode 5 overlying the other surface of the plate. The striping produces a correspondingly striped ferroelectric and antiferroelectric pattern in the plate during recording in those areas of the plate exposed to the image, which reduces the reflected light and improves the image contrast during readout.

Abstract: An error checking method and apparatus for recording digital data in an optical recording medium. Digital data are written onto the medium by a modulated laser whose beam is detected by a first photodetector means which measures laser output directed toward the recording medium. A second photodetector means measures light scattering from the medium, while a third photodetector detects and measures light transmitted through the recording layer of the medium serving to confirm recording of the data. Amounts of transmitted light or scattered light from the medium are correlated to the laser output and to expected values of light for detecting errors in recording immediately after the time of recording. Reversal processing of the recording medium eliminates a large fraction of potential errors.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inverting the polarity of an input image formed on a surface of an image recording device which deforms when illuminated in the presence of an electrostatic field applied thereacross. The image recording device, comprising a layered structure consisting of a conductive transparent substrate, a photoconductive layer, a deformable elastomer layer and a deformable, reflective layer is raster scanned by information containing light through the photoconductor layer with voltage applied between the conductive electrodes, the elastomer and deformable electrode being deformed in accordance with the input information. The image projected from the surface of the deformable electrode is positive, light characters on a dark background. In order to project a negative image (dark characters on a light background), the device is initially flooded with light through the photoconductor layer with voltage applied between the conductive electrodes.

Abstract: A scanner for reading binary digit spots on a transparent film includes a laser light beam which is directed through a beam splitter and through the film to a mirror, from which it is reflected back through the film to illuminate a small area on the film. Light which is not blocked by a recorded spot on the film continues back to the beam splitter, from which the beam is directed to a photodetector. The photodetector is positioned to receive light from solely a portion of the illuminated area of the film, to provide high definition scanning not adversely affected by distortion of the illuminating light beam by imperfections in the film and mirror.

Abstract: Multi-layered optical data records and playback apparatus are described in which a plurality of optical data layers are provided on at least one side of a record substrate and the playback apparatus scans data tracks on such layers with a light beam to produce an electrical readout signal corresponding to the data in the scanned tracks. The playback apparatus includes selection means for selectively playing back data tracks on different ones of the data layers. The data track may be formed by lines of data spots of binary coded digital information or such spots may be frequency modulated or pulse length modulated analog information which are photographically recorded at extremely high data density so that they may be used to record audio or video signals including television signals.

Abstract: The practice of this invention provides display of information which utilizes the inherent characteristic of the displacement by an applied electric field intensity distribution of the interface between two fluid dielectric media which are operationally immiscible in each other and have different total dielectric properties at the interface. In particular, the information handling and display in the practice of this invention are with an optical display device in which the two dielectric media are immiscible liquids, e.g., oil and water. The local displacement of the interface therebetween is accomplished by the local application of an electric field which effects movement of the interface by electrohydrodynamic interaction with the dielectric media at the interface.