Abstract An image storage device is disclosed which consists of a multiplicity of light conducting fibers secured together in sideby-side relation to form a fiber optic plate. Each of the fibers comprises a photochromic glass core and a layer of dense opal glass disposed on the surface of the core, the index of refraction of the opal glass being lower than that of the core. In image storage devices of this type light which is incident on the core-cladding interface at an angle less than the critical angle passes into the cladding and may darken adjacent photochromic fibers. The opal glass functions to scatter light passing through the core-cladding interface and thereby reduce the amount of light leaking to adjacent fibers, some of the scattered light being returned to the photochromic core from which it originated and contributing to the darkening thereof.
An image storage device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cladding means includes an ultraviolet absorbing constituent.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
28 words
An image storage device in accordance with claim 2 further comprising a cathode ray tube having a faceplate, said first end face being disposed adjacent to said faceplate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
An image storage device in accordance with claim 3 further comprising a dichroic coating disposed on said second end face, said dichroic coating being capable of reflecting green light and transmitting ultraviolet light, and a layer of phosphor disposed upon the surface of said dichroic coating, said phosphor being of the type which generates ultraviolet light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
An image storage device in accordance with claim 4 further comprising means for directing a beam of green light toward said first end face in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
An image storage device in accordance with claim 5 further comprising means for erasing information stored in said image storage plate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
An image storage device comprising a multiplicity of light conducting fibers secured together in side-by-side relation to form a fiber optic plate, corresponding ends of said fibers cooperating to define first and second end faces, each of said fibers comprising a photochromic glass core and a single cladding of dense opal glass having an index of refraction lower than that of said core, the core and cladding of each of said fibers forming a light reflecting interface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
An image storage device in accordance with claim 7 wherein said cores consist of a photochromic glass which is activated by ultraviolet light, said device further comprising a dichroic coating disposed on said second end face, said dichroic coating being capable of reflecting green light and transmitting ultraviolet light, and a layer of phosphor disposed upon the surface of said dichroic coating, said phosphor being of the type which generates ultraviolet light.