| abstract |
An optical data storage system, particularly suited for use in the information and entertainment industries. A near-field crystal optical memory (NCOM) system includes an electron trapping media, particularly an α-Al2O3:C crystal or Cu+-doped fused quartz, that is sensitive to light. Information is stored and retrieved using blue and green laser light, respectively. High data density is achieved using a near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) technique, by placing the optical probe in a very close proximity to the crystal surface. The storage system enables ultra-high data densities reaching 2500 Gb/in2. |