We propose to build and test a novel, compact, and robust holographic data storage system, utilizing monolithic architecture recently developed by Optitek, which has the capability for massively parallel readout of image based or page formatted digitally encoded information. Holographic data storage systems (HDSS) can provide large information capacity, high transfer rates, and short access times which are not available simultaneously with any other storage technology. The new architecture described here allows an additional 10-fold increase in parallelism compared with conventional HDSS architectures, thereby offering a unique solution to the problem of large data base storage and management. A major step was made recently in a benchtop demonstration of HDSS technology at Stanford University by storing, archiving, and retrieving the first digital data in a HDSS. Color images, sound, compressed video, and computer programs were stored, demonstrating that digital HDSS is feasible with very attractive performance chaaracteristics using currentlyavailable materials and components. The proposed Phase I program will, in addition to proving the feasibility of the new HDSS architecture, also lay the groundwork for development of software encoding techniques needed to exploit its unique features for image-based storage and the handling of large data bases. Commercial Applications:Currently established storage technologies that rely on mechanical motion for access possess fundamental limitations which make them unable to respond to more demanding requirements of large databases. The holographic data storage system described here, having large capacity, access times less than milliseconds, and a multiple page or image oriented format, provides a unique capability for such applications as video servers, large data repositories, and air/space applications.
