Up until now, the two main methods of increasing the recording have been shortening the wave-length of the laser and adding more layers to the disc. Optware unveiled a third method of significantly increasing recording capacity by using Holographic storage. They exhibited a prototype recording and playback device for holographic media at the ODS 2004 international conference of optical storage technology.
They aim to start shipping a business product by summer 2005. The media expects to hold 200GB to 300GB on a standard 12cm sized disc. Unlike most holographic recording and pickup equipment, its technology uses a reference and signal beam through single pickup lens for both recording and playback and thus also solves the precision and bulkiness issues of conventional two-beam systems. Optware are currently designing a small-sized version. Their current prototype uses a blue-violet semiconductor for its signal and reference beams and a red semiconductor laser for the servo.
Once Optware start shipping their business product, they aim to ship a home consumer device and a device for read-only media by 2006. GristyMcFisty used our news submit to let us know about the following news:
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The company hopes to introduce a commercial product for business use that can record 200GB to 300GB on a 12 centimeter disc by the summer of 2005. Optware has been aiming for the practical application of its technology called "polarized collinear holography," which enables a more simple optical system than conventional holographic recording and playing devices. With this technology, the "signal beam" and "reference beam" used for the recording and playing of holographic media can be directed to the disc with just one objective lens. Conventional holographic technology requires two beam lines, one for the signal beam and another for the reference beam. At the same time, conventional technologies also have many mechanical precision issues, including the need for precise positioning of each optical axis and the media. Optware already has commercialized an evaluation system for holographic recording media using polarized collinear holography technology. It also presented media evaluation results at the ODS 2003 held last year. Read the full article here. |
With such a high capacity per disc, this looks like a useful alternative to super-DLT backup tapes for business use, assuming they can be reliably read back. For home use, it could be the future hard drive replacement in PVR's, thus eliminating the capacity issue or a huge storage medium for PCs. However, like the first DVD recorders and the upcoming blue-laser optical drivers, it will likely be several years before prices on holographic drives and media become affordable.
However, it looks like the movie industry would not be too fond of this technology yet since they already have issues getting the HDTV optical disc standardised. I doubt they would be keen on seeing another disc standard supersede their HD-optical disc standard before it even takes off!
For more information on optware technology visit their website here . Feel free to discuss and read more about recording hardware on our Recording Hardware Forum.
Source: Nikkei Electronics ASIA
