Using a Mach-Zehnder optical path, the signal light and reference light interfere to form fringes
Photorefractive crystal medium records the interference fringe pattern information
Through a 4f system, angle multiplexing storage is achieved at different angles
The LBTEK Holographic Data Storage Experimental Teaching System is primarily designed to introduce the photorefractive effect of storage crystals and demonstrate the storage of image information through interference and diffraction characteristics. The mechanism of optical storage can be briefly described as follows: the data or images to be stored are modulated by a two-dimensional spatial light modulator, and the modulated light carries the image information to be stored, commonly referred to as the signal beam (in this experiment, the signal beam is formed by passing the object beam through a patterned film). Another reference beam interferes with this signal beam, utilizing the photorefractive effect of the recording medium (photorefractive crystal or photopolymer) to form a volume hologram, thereby completing the information storage. During reproduction and retrieval, the same original reference beam is used for addressing, allowing the stored object information to be reconstructed from the medium.
Holographic Data Storage Experimental Setup
Mach-Zehnder interferometric optical path
Photorefractive crystal recording and storage
4f system angular multiplexing
LBTEK's Holographic Data Storage Experiment employs the angle multiplexing method to achieve sequential image storage. The light carrying the image information to be stored is commonly referred to as the signal beam, while another reference beam interferes with this signal beam. Utilizing the photorefractive effect of the recording medium (photorefractive crystal or photopolymer), a volume hologram is formed, thereby completing information storage. By adjusting the optical path angle, the reference beam passes through a 4f system and forms corresponding interference holograms at different angles and positions within the storage crystal, enabling angle multiplexing storage in the crystal medium. During retrieval, the principle of light diffraction is utilized. By addressing with the same reference beam as originally used, the object information stored in the medium can be reconstructed.
Experimental Results Diagram of Holographic Data Storage