Cyclic recording system by the use of an elastomer in an electric field

Abstract

Abstract The applications of elastomers to various imaging techniques are described which may be used for the cyclic recording, storage and subsequent erasure of optical information. Several embodiments of the invention are described, all of which form images by the elastic deformation of a thin elastomer layer. The pattern of the surface deformation, in general, follows the light distribution of the optical image being recorded. This image is formed on a photoconductive layer which is adjacent to, or integral with, the elastomer layer. An electric field is placed across the elastomer and the photoconductor layers, the field being modulated by the action of the image light on the conductivity of the photoconductor and provides the mechanical force necessary to deform the elastomer. Once the elastomer surface has deformed, it will in general remain deformed as long as the field across it is maintained; the image recorded, accordingly, being stored. Removing the electric field allows the elastomer to relax and the image is consequently erased. Reversing the field increases the rate at which the image is erased. A new image may now be formed, and the cycle started over again. Such an elastomer material is capable of a great many recording/storage erasure cycles.

Inventors

• 👤 N Sheridon

Bibliographic Details