Abstract: An integrated silicon carbide rectifier circuit with an on chip isolation diode. The isolation diode can be a channel-to-substrate isolation diode or a channel to channel isolation diode.

Abstract: A supercontinuum radiation source for an alignment mark measurement system comprises: a radiation source; illumination optics; a plurality of waveguides; and collection optics. The radiation source is operable to produce a pulsed radiation beam. The illumination optics is arranged to receive the pulsed pump radiation beam and to form a plurality of pulsed sub-beams, each pulsed sub-beam comprising a portion of the pulsed radiation beam. Each of the plurality of waveguides is arranged to receive at least one of the plurality of pulsed sub-beams beam and to broaden a spectrum of that pulsed sub-beam so as to generate a supercontinuum sub-beam. The collection optics is arranged to receive the supercontinuum sub-beam from each of the plurality of waveguides and to combine them so as to form a supercontinuum radiation beam.

Abstract: Memory devices, memory arrays, and methods of operation of memory arrays with segmentation. Segmentation elements can scale with the memory cells, and may be uni-directional or bi-directional diodes. Biasing lines in the array allow biasing of selected and unselected select devices and segmentation elements with any desired bias, and may use biasing devices of the same construction as the segmentation elements.

Abstract: Optical memory comprising: a semiconductor wire, a first electrode, a second electrode, a light source, a means for producing a first voltage at the first electrode, a means for producing a second voltage at the second electrode, and a means for determining the presence of an electrical voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode exceeding a predefined voltage. The first voltage, preferably less than 0 volts, different from said second voltage. The semiconductor wire is optically transparent and has a bandgap less than the energy produced by the light source. The light source is optically connected to the semiconductor wire. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically insulated from each other and said semiconductor wire.

Abstract: Loadless 4 transistor SRAM cell operation can be substantially improved, yielding area saving and more stable operation by use of optical-light load. Parasitic photocurrents in PMOS anodes-substrate junctions act as load currents. Light can be introduced by either ambient light through transparent window on top of the chip or by cheap LED diode attached to chip surface.

Abstract: A non-volatile storage subsystem is capable of serving as a configuration controller for configuring/programming one or more field-programmable devices, such as FPGAs, of a target computer system. The storage subsystem may be in the form of a memory card or drive that plugs into a standard slot or external port of the target system. When connected to the target system, the storage subsystem uses the appropriate download interface/protocol to stream or otherwise send configuration data stored in its non-volatile storage to the target system's field-programmable device(s). Thus, the need for a configuration controller in the target system is avoided. Once the configuration process is complete, the storage subsystem preferably acts as a standard storage subsystem, such as an ATA storage drive, that may be used by the target system to store data.

Abstract: A hologram disc reading and writing apparatus including a signal light source module, a beam splitter, a reference/reading light source, a reflector, and an optical reading head and a hologram disc reading apparatus are provided. A signal light beam emitted from the signal light source module is transmitted to a data region of a hologram disc through the beam splitter. The reference/reading light source, the signal light source module, and the optical reading head are disposed at the same side of the hologram disc. The reflector is disposed at the other side. A spherical wave light beam emitted from the reference/reading light source is transmitted through the data region and reflected by the reflector to form a phase conjugate light beam transmitted to and through the data region. The phase conjugate light beam is transformed to a data light beam transmitted to the optical reading head through the beam splitter.

Abstract: A very small magnetic tunnel junction is formed on a semiconductor p-i-n diode. Spin-polarized current which is generated by circular polarized light or elliptically-polarized light, is injected into a free layer of the magnetic tunnel junction so that magnetization direction (two opposite directions) in the free layer is changed based on the information, whereby information is stored in the memory element.

Abstract: The invention encompasses beam expanders and methods of using such beam expanders. A beam expander according to the present invention may advantageously be used with an interferometer. Beam expanders according to the present disclosure contain at least an input and an output lens, with the output lens having a plano-convex arrangement such that the surface of the output lens is optically flat and can be used as the reference surface in a Fizeau interferometer. The beam expander may also encompass a housing, a partially reflective coating and an anti-reflective coating.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory having a plurality of memory cells coupled to bit lines includes a bit line selecting circuit, a latch circuit, and a switching circuit. The bit line selecting circuit is disposed in a cell area where the memory cells are formed. The bit line selecting circuit is configured to select one of the bit lines in response to a first control signal. The latch circuit is disposed in a surrounding circuit area. The latch circuit is configured to perform a program operation or a read operation on the memory cells corresponding to the bit line selected by the bit line selecting circuit. The switching circuit is disposed in the surrounding circuit area, and is coupled between the bit line selecting circuit and the latch circuit. The switching circuit is configured to switch between the bit line selecting circuit and the latch circuit in response to a second control signal.

Abstract: A microcomputer includes a circuit block; a nonvolatile memory configured to store optimization data for optimization of an operation of the microcomputer; and an optimization circuit configured to read out memory optimization data as a part of the optimization data from the nonvolatile memory in synchronization with a first frequency clock signal as an first clock signal to optimize an operation of the nonvolatile memory, and then to read out circuit block optimization data as another part of the optimization data from the nonvolatile memory in synchronization with a second frequency clock signal as the first clock signal to optimize an operation of the circuit block. The frequency of the first frequency clock signal is lower than that of the second frequency clock signal.

Abstract: A sequential access memory (“SAM”) device, system and method is provided that includes a memory array configured to store a group of bytes on each of a plurality of rows. A plurality of bit-lines transfer each of the group of bytes into and out of the memory array, and a pre-charging unit is configured to pre-charge the plurality of bit-lines once per each transfer of one of the group of bytes into or out of one of the plurality of rows. The device operates by accessing a memory array in a SAM device by activating a selected row in the memory array, pre-charging a plurality of bit-lines that provide access to the memory array, and accessing the memory array before the plurality of bit-lines are pre-charged a second time.

Abstract: A memory device includes a semiconductor substrate in which memory circuitry has been fabricated. An address converter and a control signal converter are coupled to an address decoder and control logic, respectively. The address and control converters are operable to receive and convert optical address and control signals, respectively, into corresponding electrical address signals applied to the address decoder and control signals applied to the control logic. A read/write circuit on the substrate is coupled to a data converter formed in the substrate. The data converter is operable to receive and convert optical write data signals into corresponding electrical data signals to be applied to the read/write circuit and to receive and convert electrical read data signals into corresponding optical read data signals.

Abstract: Described herein is an optically readable memory device comprising a molecular memory obtained using carbon nanotubes. In particular, the molecular memory uses, as memory element, a bundle of carbon nanotubes, for which it is possible to obtain at least two stable states by modifying their geometrical configuration and, consequently, their optical transmission properties.

Abstract: A memory device includes a semiconductor substrate in which memory circuitry has been fabricated. An address converter and a control signal converter are coupled to an address decoder and control logic, respectively. The address and control converters are operable to receive and convert optical address and control signals, respectively, into corresponding electrical address signals applied to the address decoder and control signals applied to the control logic. A read/write circuit on the substrate is coupled to a data converter formed in the substrate. The data converter is operable to receive and convert optical write data signals into corresponding electrical data signals to be applied to the read/write circuit and to receive and convert electrical read data signals into corresponding optical read data signals.

Abstract: A memory device includes a semiconductor substrate in which memory circuitry has been fabricated. An address converter and a control signal converter are coupled to an address decoder and control logic, respectively. The address and control converters are operable to receive and convert optical address and control signals, respectively, into corresponding electrical address signals applied to the address decoder and control signals applied to the control logic. A read/write circuit on the substrate is coupled to a data converter formed in the substrate. The data converter is operable to receive and convert optical write data signals into corresponding electrical data signals to be applied to the read/write circuit and to receive and convert electrical read data signals into corresponding optical read data signals.

Abstract: A system and methods for addressing unique locations in a matrix. According to some embodiments, the system includes a plurality of uniquely addressable locations. A plurality of virtual columns that include a plurality of serially connected switch elements provide addressable access to the locations. The plurality of switch elements may be one of a plurality of responsive types and responsive to at least one of a plurality of possible switching signal types.

Abstract: A memory device includes a semiconductor substrate in which memory circuitry has been fabricated. An address converter and a control signal converter are coupled to an address decoder and control logic, respectively. The address and control converters are operable to receive and convert optical address and control signals, respectively, into corresponding electrical address signals applied to the address decoder and control signals applied to the control logic. A read/write circuit on the substrate is coupled to a data converter formed in the substrate. The data converter is operable to receive and convert optical write data signals into corresponding electrical data signals to be applied to the read/write circuit and to receive and convert electrical read data signals into corresponding optical read data signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiplexing method and apparatus that allows holograms to be spatially multiplexed with partial spatial overlap between neighboring stacks of holograms. Each individual stack can additionally take full advantage of an alternate multiplexing scheme such as angle, wavelength, phase code, peristrophic, or fractal multiplexing, for example. An amount equal to the beam waist of the signal beam writing a hologram separates individual stacks of holograms. Upon reconstruction, a hologram and its neighbors will all be readout simultaneously. An filter is placed at the beam waist of the reconstructed data such that the neighbors that are read out are not transmitted to the camera plane. Alternatively, these unwanted reconstructions can be filtered out with an angular filter at an intermediate plane in the optical system that has a limited angular passband.

Abstract: A holographic data storage medium has a polymer film which is set up as a storage layer whose refractive index can be changed locally by heating. The polymer film is set up for the storage of optical phase information via the local optical path length of the polymer film, which is illuminated in transmission when the information is read out. To the polymer film, there can be assigned an absorber dye, in order to at least partly absorb a write beam to input information and to give up the heat produced in the process at least partly locally to the polymer film. Preferably, a reflective layer is arranged behind the polymer film.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical systems and methods of producing obliquity corrected light beams, for example, holographic recording and retrieval systems that utilize an obliquity corrected reference beam. One method includes directing a light beam reflected from a prism mirror to a reference plane with an angle of incidence to the reference plane, wherein the prism mirror varies the width of the light beam according to the angle of incidence to the reference plane. The optical system may include a holographic data storage system and the reference plane may be associated with a holographic storage medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiplexing method and apparatus that allows holograms to be spatially multiplexed with partial spatial overlap between neighboring stacks of holograms. Each individual stack can additionally take full advantage of an alternate multiplexing scheme such as angle, wavelength, phase code, peristrophic, or fractal multiplexing, for example. An amount equal to the beam waist of the signal beam writing a hologram separates individual stacks of holograms. Upon reconstruction, a hologram and its neighbors will all be readout simultaneously. An filter is placed at the beam waist of the reconstructed data such that the neighbors that are read out are not transmitted to the camera plane. Alternatively, these unwanted reconstructions can be filtered out with an angular filter at an intermediate plane in the optical system that has a limited angular passband.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and method for storing and reading a file system structure in a write-once memory array. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of bits representing a file system structure is inverted and stored in a write-once memory array. When the inverted plurality of bits is read from the memory array, the bits are inverted to provide the file system structure bits in their original, non-inverted configuration. With this preferred embodiment, a file system structure can be updated to reflect data stored in the memory array after the file system structure was written. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and method for storing and reading data in a write-once memory array. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of bits representing data is inverted and stored in a write-once memory array. When the inverted plurality of bits is read from the memory array, the bits are inverted to provide the data in its original, non-inverted configuration. By storing data bits in an inverted form, the initial, un-programmed digital state of the memory array is redefined as the alternative, programmed digital state. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another. For example, the embodiments in which data bits are inverted can be used alone or in combination with the embodiments in which data is redirected.

Abstract: An optical head comprises an integrated unit for recording and reproducing page data on a reflective recording medium, wherein the integrated unit includes recording and reproducing units each corresponding to a bit of data of the page data, wherein each of the recording and reproducing units has a light emitter for emitting an object beam and a reference beam, an optical switch for transmitting or blocking the object beam, and a detector. Each of the recording and reproducing units records a bit of data corresponding to a state indicating whether or not a hologram has been formed and reproduces a bit of data corresponding to a state indicating whether or not a reference beam has been received by the light receiver when a reference beam is emitted to a recording position. The integrated unit of the optical head records and reproduces page data on a recording medium by recording and reproducing bit data on the recording medium by each of the recording and reproducing units.

Abstract: Roughly described, a phase-change memory such as a chalcogenide-based memory is programmed optically and read electrically. No complex electrical circuits are required for programming the cells. On the other hand, this memory can be read by electrical circuitry directly. The read out speed is much faster than for optical disks, and integrated circuit chips made this way are more compatible with other electrical circuits than are optical disks. Thus memories according to the invention can have simple, low power-consuming, electrical circuits, and do not require slow and power-hungry disk drives for reading. The invention therefore provides a unique low power, fast read/write memory with simple electrical circuits.

Abstract: Excitation of a triad artificial photosynthetic reaction center consisting of a porphyrin (P) convalently linked to a fullerene electron acceptor (C60) and a carotenoid secondary donor (C) leads to the formation of a long-lived C+-P-C60− charge-separated state via photoinduced electron transfer. This reaction occurs in a frozen organic glass down to at least 8 K. At 77 K, charge recombination of C*+-P-C60− occurs on the &mgr;s time scale, and yields solely the carotenoid triplet state. In the presence of a small (20 mT) static magnetic field, the lifetime of the charge-separated state is increased by 50%. This is ascribed to the effect of the magnetic field on interconversion of the singlet and triplet biradicals. At zero field, the initially formed singlet biradical state is in equilibrium with the three triplet biradical sublevels, and all four states have comparable populations. Decay to the carotenoid triplet only occurs from the three triplet sublevels.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for spatially routing an optical pulse (data pulse) of an electromagnetic radiation and containing a specific address temporal profile and possibly additional data. Routing generally involves a unit of active material that is programmed using one or more input beams or pulses of the electromagnetic radiation providing address (i.e., waveform-discriminating) and directional (i.e., pulse routing) information to the active material. During programming, a spatial-spectral grating is created by optical interference on or in the active material of the input pulses encoding the address and directional information pertinent to the data pulse.

Abstract: Programmable semiconductor elements, such as zener diodes, are used in an optical array. In one embodiment, an array of zener diodes is formed on a substrate surface and selectively zapped (programmed) to create a reflective filament between anode and cathode contacts of the selected zener diodes. Light is then applied to the surface. The reflected (or transmitted) light pattern may be used for conveying optical information or exposing a photoresist layer. In one use of the array to selectively expose a photoresist layer, the array helps to determine which genes have been expressed in a BioChip. Devices other than zener diodes may also be programmed to create a reflective filament for optically conveying information, such as bipolar transistors, MOSFETS, and non-semiconductor devices. The reflective filament can be a portion of a fuse or anti-fuse.

Abstract: Techniques for continuously programming a coherent transient spatial-spectral optical signal processor involve the repeated application of two or more spatially distinct optical programming pulses to a non-persistent hole-burning material to write an accumulated, spatial-spectral population grating with low intensity optical pulses as compared to single shot programming. An optical data stream is introduced on a processing beam, resulting in a processor output signal spatially distinct from all the processing pulses. Programming and processing take place simultaneously, asynchronously and continuously. For accumulated gratings, the frequency stability of the optical source is an important consideration.

Abstract: An optical memory system includes memory cells which utilize synthetic DNA as a component of the information storage mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, memory cells contain one or more chromophoric memory units attached to a support substrate. Each chromophoric memory unit comprises a donor, an acceptor and, at some time during its existence, an active quencher associated with the donor and/or the acceptor. The donor and the acceptor permit non-radiative energy transfer, preferably by Förster energy transfer. To write to the memory cell, the quencher is rendered inactive, preferably by illumination with ultraviolet light. To read, the chromophoric memory units in a read portal are illuminated, and the read illumination is detected. In the preferred embodiment, multiple chromophoric memory units having resolvable read properties are contained within a single read portal. In this way, a multibit word of data may be read from a single diffraction limited read portal.

Abstract: An optical information medium comprises a substrate 2, a recordable 6 layer which is formed on one surface of the substrate and which has plural data patches, and a lens layer 4 which is formed on another surface of the substrate and comprises the plural lenses for optically reading of respective data of plural data patches when the data patches are illuminated with light. Provided is a new optical information medium wherein the aforementioned structure makes it possible to record data optically for prompt production of a small number of media for debugging and small amount publication, and reproduce the data, using an OROM, which is a next generation optical disk device. Provided are also an optical information recording method and an optical information reproducing method, using the information medium.

Abstract: A miniaturized stationary optical storage system capable of reading and writing data on an optical storage media is disclosed. In the disclosed invention, the disk is held stationary and the beam is made to scan on both the axes by using an acousto optic technique. The preferred embodiment has a technique of obtaining parallel scanning beam, which is focused on to the optical storage media and the photo detector receives the reflected beam carrying the optical signal. The system has the capability of reading as well as writing on the optical storage media by using the same source or different source. The preferred embodiment also utilizes square as well as circular optical storage media of reduced size, which is achieved, by adopting smaller spot size and higher scanning resolution. The method of magnifying the scan angle of the scanning beam from the acousto optic deflector is also disclosed. The alternative embodiment utilizes phase shifting for reading the signal rather than the intensity of the signal.

Abstract: An optical memory 200 including an optical storage element 301 for storing data as a packet of photons, optical storage element 301 delaying in time the packet of photons traveling through the storage element from a first point to a second point. A photon source 302 receives an electrical signal representing data and injects the packet on to optical storage element 301 in response, and a detector 303 selectively detects the packet traveling on optical storage element 301. A feedback path 306/305 couples photon source 302 and detector 303 for recirculating the packet through storage element 301.

Abstract: An optical reader includes a mechanical scanning assembly for scanning an optical card such as an OC-ROM. The scanning assembly includes a linear LED array, a linear detector array and a carrier for moving the LED array and the detector array jointly in a linear scanning direction. When the LED array illuminates a data patch on the optical card, a bit image of the data patch is focused onto the detector array. The bit image is read out as a serial stream of data. A data patch can be randomly accessed by moving the scanning assembly to a row including the data patch and turning on an LED located over the data patch.

Abstract: An optical memory system includes memory cells which utilize synthetic DNA as a component of the information storage mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, memory cells contain one or more chromophoric memory units attached to a support substrate. Each chromophoric memory unit comprises a donor, an acceptor and, at some time during its existence, an active quencher associated with the donor and/or the acceptor. The donor and the acceptor permit non-radiative energy transfer, preferably by Forster energy transfer. To write to the memory cell, the quencher is rendered inactive, preferably by illumination with ultraviolet light. To read, the chromophoric memory units in a read portal are illuminated, and the read illumination is detected. In the preferred embodiment, multiple chromophoric memory units having resolvable read properties are contained within a single read portal. In this way, a multibit word of data may be read from a single diffraction limited read portal.

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: In a method for parallel writing and reading of data in an optical memory, the optical memory includes one or more microlenses for accessing a memory medium, individually addressable elements arranged in one or two-dimensional matrices in a write/read device are activated. The activation of an element physically influences one or more localized areas in a data carrying layer in the memory for writing and reading of data carrying structures in the localized area. Writing and reading is thus performed on the basis of a relationship between the geometric location of the element in the matrix and the position of the localized area(s) in the data carrying layer of the memory. A write/read device includes individually addressable elements which are arranged in one or two-dimensional matrices, the addressable element being arranged to be activated in order to physically influence one or more of the above-mentioned localized areas.

Abstract: The optical scanner comprises a light source, an image sensor, a planar array of elongate optical waveguides, and input and output coupling optics for communicating light to and from the image transmission optics. The light source is adapted to direct light toward and reflect light from an object to be scanned. The planar array of elongate optical waveguides is formed in a substrate. Each of the waveguides include an input end and an output end and can be tapered along the length of the waveguide. The input optics disposed between the object and the waveguide array can include tubes, single lenses per waveguide, larger lenses per cluster of waveguides, a GRIN lens array or comparable mirror systems for directing light reflected from the object to be scanned to the input ends of the waveguides. The output optics disposed between the waveguide array and the image sensor can include lenses or mirror systems similar to that used for the input coupling optics.

Abstract: A method of preparing an analog of bacteriorhodopsin in which organic cations selectively replace calcium and magnesium cations. The method comprises preparing a cation-free blue membrane and incubating the blue membrane with an organic cation selected from the group consisting of monovalent quaternary ammonium cations, bolaform cations and pyridinal cations.

Abstract: An optical memory system includes memory cells which utilize synthetic DNA as a component of the information storage mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, memory cells contain one or more chromophoric memory units attached to a support substrate. Each chromophoric memory unit comprises a donor, an acceptor and, at some time during its existence, an active quencher associated with the donor and/or the acceptor. The donor and the acceptor permit non-radiative energy transfer, preferably by Forster energy transfer. To write to the memory cell, the quencher is rendered inactive, preferably by illumination with ultraviolet light. To read, the chromophoric memory units in a read portal are illuminated, and the read illumination is detected. In the preferred embodiment, multiple chromophoric memory units having resolvable read properties are contained within a single read portal. In this way, a multibit word of data may be read from a single diffraction limited read portal.

Abstract: An optical memory system includes memory cells which utilize synthetic DNA as a component of the information storage mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, memory cells contain one or more chromophoric memory units attached to a support substrate. Each chromophoric memory unit comprises a donor, an acceptor and, at some time during its existence, an active quencher associated with the donor and/or the acceptor. The donor and the acceptor permit non-radiative energy transfer, preferably by Forster energy transfer. To write to the memory cell, the quencher is rendered inactive, preferably by illumination with ultraviolet light. To read, the chromophoric memory units in a read portal are illuminated, and the read illumination is detected. In the preferred embodiment, multiple chromophoric memory units having resolvable read properties are contained within a single read portal. In this way, a multibit word of data may be read from a single diffraction limited read portal.

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 memory is disclosed in which data is stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface imaging lenslets project the image onto a common array of light sensors. Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) and by selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets images the selected data page onto the light sensors. 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: The present invention is based on the use of a plurality of gratings recorded in an optical waveguide, the gratings having different Bragg wavelengths selected to store individual bits of data. The invention has particular application to optical fiber communications networks.

Abstract: An optical memory stores data in an optical data layer capable of selecting altering light such as by changeable transmissivity. Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) in which each page contains a field of data spots storing binary data as the presence or absence of a hole. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of single element diffractive imaging lenslets, one for each data page, projects the image onto a common array of light sensors. By selective illumination of each data page, one of the single element lenslets images the selected data page of holes onto the light sensors. By selecting a hole size and using a certain range of restricted acceptance angle grooves on the diffractive elements, the data image is optimized for a single diffractive element lens.

Abstract: An optical memory is disclosed in which data is stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity or polarization. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface imaging lenslets project the image onto a common array of light sensors. Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) in which each page contains a field of data spots that encode multiple states or levels of data by the amount of transmissivity or polarization of that spot. By selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets images the selected data page onto the light sensors. Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors, thereby outputting the multiple levels per spot in the form of electrical data signals that are A/D converted to digital.

Abstract: A compact optical memory in which data is stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface diffractive imaging lenslets cause a data image to be projected onto an array of light sensors by reflecting, hence folding the image rays, by means of a 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 is 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: An optical information storage apparatus includes an optical switch element and an optical fiber. The optical switch element receives an optical input and outputs an optical output only when the optical input is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The optical fiber constitutes a first optical path. The optical fiber has at least one end face and receives an optical output emitted from the optical switch element through the at least one end face, guides the optical output, and emits an output beam, constituting the optical input, onto the optical switch element.

Abstract: Excitation of a triad artificial photosynthetic reaction center consisting of a porphyrin (P) convalently linked to a fullerene electron acceptor (C60) and a carotenoid secondary donor (C) leads to the formation of a long-lived C+-P-C60? charge-separated state via photoinduced electron transfer. This reaction occurs in a frozen organic glass down to at least 8 K. At 77 K, charge recombination of C*+-P-C60? occurs on the ?s time scale, and yields solely the carotenoid triplet state. In the presence of a small (20 mT) static magnetic field, the lifetime of the charge-separated state is increased by 50%. This is ascribed to the effect of the magnetic field on interconversion of the singlet and triplet biradicals. At zero field, the initially formed singlet biradical state is in equilibrium with the three triplet biradical sublevels, and all four states have comparable populations. Decay to the carotenoid triplet only occurs from the three triplet sublevels.