3D bit-oriented optical storage in photopolymers

The bit-oriented data storage of conventional optical disks may be expanded into the third dimension by using microscopic reflection gratings instead of pits. Microgratings are holographically induced in a photopolymer layer. The Bragg selectivity of holographic volume gratings makes the application of multiplexing methods possible. High storage density may be achieved by combining wavelength multiplexing and multilayer storage. Wavelength multiplexing is realized by recording several gratings overlapping with write beams of different wavelengths. All gratings are recorded simultaneously in the same volume element. By translating a photopolymer sample perpendicularly to the laser beam axis during: exposure, stripe-shaped microgratings are induced dynamically with constant linear velocity. The length of a grating is defined by the exposure time. Stripe-shaped gratings are required to realize an areal structure of recorded data similar to the pit-land structure of conventional disks that allows us to overtake the progress made in proceeding CD/DVD technology. Experimental results have been obtained for writing and reading of microholograms in different photopolymer materials including DuPont holographic recording films and CROP photopolymers from Polaroid.