Patent ID: 6504810
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: G03H,G11B

Abstract:
An optical information recording/reproducing system comprising:a holographic memory shaped into a rotary member having a rotational symmetry axis, the holographic memory comprising two plane surfaces perpendicular to the rotational symmetry axis at respective opposite ends thereof and a curved side surface surrounding the rotational symmetry axis; a reference beam irradiator that irradiates said holographic memory with a coherent reference beam having a first wavelength; a signal beam irradiator that irradiates said holographic memory with a coherent signal beam, which has said first wavelength, is modulated according to image data, passes through the two plane surfaces, and intersects with said reference beam within said holographic memory to generate a refractive index grating of a three-dimensional optical interference pattern between said signal beam and said reference beam; a detector that detects a diffracted light generated by irradiation of said reference beam on said refractive index grating of said optical interference pattern; and a support that removably supports the holographic memory at edges of the plane surfaces and the curved side surface thereof without interrupting the reference beam and signal beam; wherein said support holds said holographic memory in a position allowing said signal beam to pass through said plane surfaces of said holographic memory at said respective opposite ends thereof.