Holographic storage device in this month

Even though the first laser holograms have been made 45 years ago already, InPhase Technologies had to start from scratch to create a storage device based on this technology. The result, after eight years of development, is the Tapestry300r, a device that can store 300 Gbyte of data on one cartridge with high failure tolerance. This cartridge contains a 13 cm disc. The data is guaranteed for 50 years. It is expected that in the future this type of storage device will be so small it can be used in mobile equipment.

Holographic data storage uses a blue laser that is split in two, the signal beam, which transfers the data, and a reference beam, luminating the photographic medium. In the course of the signal beam sits a spatial light modulator (SLM) that translates digital data in a chessboard-like pattern of light and dark pixels. The data is translated in a matrix or page of more than one Mbit. This amount is determined by the SLM's resolution.

The data is stores on the spot where the laserbeams gather in the disc, consisting of light sensitive materials. By variating the angle of the laser beams hundreds of layers can be written. Whilst reading, the hologram is projected on a detector through the reference beam, allowing a page of over a Mbit to be read at once, thus allowing transfer rates of hundreds of Mbyte/s.

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On introduction the drive will only be available in the US for a price of 18.000 US dollar. Cartridges will cost 180 dollar a piece. This seems a very attractive solution for longterm storaging, even considering the high costs.

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