Method and Apparatus for Producing a Hologram in an Optical Medium

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This invention describes a method and apparatus for creating holograms in an optical medium (such as data-storage discs) using an inexpensive, free-running semiconductor laser. The key to the invention is matching the optical path and coherence properties of the laser so that, even with a relatively short-coherence light source, high-contrast holograms can be written efficiently. This technique allows the use of low-cost, mass-produced laser diodes (such as those found in Blu-ray players) to generate micro-holograms for data storage, relying on a cleverly designed optical setup and reflective unit.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Holographic data storage systems that use affordable laser components for high-density storage.
• Next-generation optical discs or storage media (e.g., microholographic DVDs/Blu-ray).
• Archival storage applications requiring high-capacity and longevity of data.
• Compact optical writing and reading devices for consumer electronics.
• Research and educational tools that require cost-effective methods for hologram creation.
• Industrial quality-control systems where holographic marking or authentication is needed.
• Low-cost interferometric measurement devices.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduces the cost of holographic data storage by allowing use of standard, inexpensive semiconductor lasers instead of complex, expensive options.
• Facilitates miniaturization and mass production of optical data storage devices.
• Enables high-contrast holograms even with short-coherence laser sources, making system design simpler and more robust to manufacturing tolerances.
• Supports both bitwise and pagewise data storage formats, increasing compatibility with existing systems.
• Provides scalability for multi-layer data storage, increasing storage density.
• Reduces the technical and financial barriers for commercializing advanced optical data storage technology.
• Allows direct use of encoding and signal processing technology developed for existing DVD/Blu-ray systems.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a hologram in an optical medium, especially for storing data in said optical medium. In said method, the hologram is generated in the optical medium by means of laser beams which are formed from a laser beam emitted by a free-running semiconductor laser, are irradiated onto the optical medium, and optionally extend in opposite directions while extending in such a way as to spatially overlap at least in part in the optical medium. In order to produce highly contrasting holograms by using inexpensive components, the reflective unit (15) is arranged such that the optical path (?x) between the focus of the laser beam in the storage medium (10) and the reflective surface of the reflective unit (15) in the area of the optical axis meets the following condition: ?x = 0.5 * ?s * a, wherein a is a natural number that is greater than or equal to 1, and ?s represents a distance between adjacent coherence centers of the laser beam generated by the semiconductor laser (16).