Potential application of optical phased arrays in two-photon three-dimensional optical memories

Albert F. Lawrence; Robert R. Birge

doi:10.1117/12.983229

2 February 1993 Potential application of optical phased arrays in two-photon three-dimensional optical memories

Albert F. Lawrence, Robert R. Birge

Proceedings Volume 1773, Photonics for Computers, Neural Networks, and Memories; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.983229
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The potential use of optical phased arrays to address individual bits within a volumetric memory medium is examined by using phase sensitive ray tracing procedures. We demonstrate that a 200 element linear array with cylindrical microlens collimation is capable of addressing two-photon (λ≈1tm) activated irradiated volumes of approximately 64 μm³, comparable to the volumetric elements that can be addressed via standard crossed-beam two-photon excitation. The two key advantages of using phased arrays is speed of addressing and the elimination of cleaning pulses. Both advantages dramatically improve read/write speeds as well as signal-to-noise performance of two-photon volumetric memories. We examine four different configurations including collimated linear and spherical arrays as well as binary and pure phased two- dimensional arrays. Although phased arrays with the necessary characteristics have not as yet been constructed, we hope that the present demonstration of their potential advantages will enhance interest in the development of phased arrays for application in volumetric memories.

Citation Download Citation

Albert F. Lawrence and Robert R. Birge "Potential application of optical phased arrays in two-photon three-dimensional optical memories", Proc. SPIE 1773, Photonics for Computers, Neural Networks, and Memories, (2 February 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.983229

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available