Photopolymer use for holographic data storage

Holographic data storage (HDS), which makes use of the full volume of the recording medium, possesses high potential by promising fast transfer rates of hundreds of Megabytes/sec and storage densities greater than 200 Gbytes per 120mm disk. The restrictions that are placed on the holographic media, however, are stringent. Described here is a high performance photopolymer based medium that has the properties necessary to enable this technology. Through the use of several different holographic techniques, the material characteristics that are necessary for holographic storage products may be determined. The two different systems that are discussed here include Plane Wave and Digital Holographic Data Storage. These measured characteristics include high dynamic range (M/#), sensitivity, and small recording-induced Bragg detuning. In addition, results of archival and shelf-life environmental testing of the media will be discussed.