Sub-10 ns single-shot dynamic recording in holographic polymeric medium by nonlinear absorption using excited state absorption process

Optical recording by a single shot of an 8 ns laser pulse in a dye-doped holographic polymeric medium was demonstrated with a peak power as low as 71 W at a wavelength of 402 nm. Nonlinear absorption triggered by two-photon absorption and enhanced by the succeeding process allows high-speed recording corresponding to 125 Mbps (3.4 times the recording speed of a Blu-ray Disc). The preformed holographic grating in the medium enhanced the readout signal through diffraction, resulting in a signal-to-noise ratio of about 15 dB. The recording capacity was estimated at ca. 80GB/side for 100 mu m/side by recording 20 layers, but that of over TB/side class would be possible for optical optimization. Theoretically, it can be improved to 10 TB/side for 800 mu m/side by recording 400 layers. (C) 2016 The Japan Society of Applied Physics