Holographic Memory Module with Ultra-High Capacity and Throughput--MetroLaser, Inc., 18010 Skypark Circle, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92614-6428; 949-553-0688
Dr. James E. Trolinger, Principal Investigator
Dr. Cecil Hess, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-99ER82833
Amount: $749,994

High capacity, high transfer rate, random access memory systems are needed to archive and distribute the tremendous volume of digital information being generated for such applications as human genome mapping and online libraries. The development of multi-gigabit-per-second networks underscores the need for next-generation archival memory systems. This project will develop a novel holographic memory that has ultra-high data storage capacity in excess of 10¹⁵ bits storage and throughput of 1 Gbit/sec. The proposed method is based on a revolutionary concept in holographic multiplexing -- the technique that leads to a compact and robust architecture. Stored data will be recalled only with a decoder-key that is identical to that used at the recording stage. In Phase I, the theoretical analysis was conducted, and experimental tests were performed to validate key aspects of the data storage module. The secure nature of the encoding method was inspected and the performance of a full-scale system was estimated. Phase II will develop a novel holographic memory module with ultra-high data storage capacity and throughput. System design will be optimized through analysis and experiments, a memory system prototype will be built, its performance will be measured, and highly secure data access will be demonstrated.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The memory system should be well suited for high security applications, such as in government, because of how the data is encrypted. In the consumer market, the high-speed access offers a significant improvement over magnetic media for storing the operating system and application software for personal computers, libraries of films or books, and large databases of navigational information.