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US3868652A
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Multi-layer ferroelectric optical memory system
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1973-06-18
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Granted: 1975-02-25
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Expires: 1993-06-18
Abstract
Abstract An optical memory system utilizes a multi-layer ferroelectric optical memory or storage apparatus. Storage apparatus has plural storage locations, each of which includes a mutually-exclusive discrete region in each of the ferroelectric layers. The regions associated with a particular storage location are in optical coupling relationship with each other. Means are provided for selectively setting the birefringent level associated with each region of each storage location of each ferroelectric layer. The birefringent levels collectively set for the regions of each particular storage location are indicative of the digital information being stored in the particular storage location. The information is thus stored according to spatial and color criteria, i.e. in three dimensions. The memory system can be operated in conventional and/or in alterable read-only memory modes. In addition, the apparatus has low voltage switching characteristics.
Inventors
- 👤 Lawrence Cooper
- 👤 Lawrence B Ii
- 👤 David C T Shang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 07:27
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C11/00; G11C11/21; G11C11/22; G11C11/56; G11C11/5657; G11C13/00; G11C13/04; G11C13/047
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
Optical memory system apparatus comprising in combination: optical storage means having plural storage locations for storing digital information therein, said storage means including a plurality of spaced conductive members and a plurality of ferroelectric member means interleaved therebetween, each of said storage locations including a mutually exclusive discrete region in each of said ferroelectric member means, and each storage location having said regions thereof in a predetermined optical coupling relationship with each other; means for selectively setting the birefringent level in the storage regions of each ferroelectric member means, the birefringent levels set for the regions of each particular storage location providing a spectral characteristic indicative of digital information to be stored in the particular storage location; and detecting means for optically detecting the spectral characteristic of the regions associated with each storage location to determine the digital information stored therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
Optical memory system apparatus comprising in combination: optical storage means having plural storage locations for storing digital information therein, said storage means including a plurality of spaced conductive members and a plurality of ferroelectric member means interleaved therebetween, each of said storage locations including a mutually exclusive discrete region in each of said ferroelectric member means, and each storage location having said regions thereof in a predetermined optical coupling relationship with each other; means for selectively setting the birefringent level in the storage regions of each ferroelectric member means, the birefringent levels set for the regions of each particular storage location providing a spectral characteristic indicative of digital information to be stored in the particular storage location; and detecting means for optically detecting the spectral characteristic of the regions associated with each storage location to determine the digital information stored therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
Optical memory system apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for selectively setting the birefringent level further comprises: light scanner means for providing a polarized collimated light beam for scanning the storage locations of said optical storage means in a predetermined manner, and energizer means for selectively energizing said conductive members in co-action with said light beam of said light scanner to provide said setting of said birefringent levels.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
Optical memory system according to claim 2 wherein said storage means further comprises analyzer means for analyzing said polarized light beam passing therethrough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
Optical memory system according to claim 2 wherein said light scanner means further comprises: plural spaced ferroelectric layer members, each of said ferroelectric layer members having disposed in an orthogonal relationship with respect to each other first and second sets of plural parallel conductors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
167 words
Optical memory system apparatus comprising in combination: optical storage means having plural storage locations, said optical storage means having a plurality of sections, each of said sections comprising in sequence first, second and third conductive layers, and a fErroelectric fourth layer interleaved between said first and second layers, said second layer being of the photoconductive type, each of said storage locations including a mutually exclusive discrete region in each of said ferroelectric layers, and each storage location having said regions thereof in a predetermined optical coupling relationship with each other, means selectively coupled to said first and third conductive layers for selectively setting the birefringent level in the storage region of each ferroelectric layer, the birefringent levels set for the regions of each particular storage location providing a spectral characteristic indicative of the digital information to be stored in the particular storage location, and detecting means for optically detecting the spectral characteristic of the regions associated with each storage location to determine the digital information stored therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
167 words
Optical memory system apparatus comprising in combination: optical storage means having plural storage locations, said optical storage means having a plurality of sections, each of said sections comprising in sequence first, second and third conductive layers, and a fErroelectric fourth layer interleaved between said first and second layers, said second layer being of the photoconductive type, each of said storage locations including a mutually exclusive discrete region in each of said ferroelectric layers, and each storage location having said regions thereof in a predetermined optical coupling relationship with each other, means selectively coupled to said first and third conductive layers for selectively setting the birefringent level in the storage region of each ferroelectric layer, the birefringent levels set for the regions of each particular storage location providing a spectral characteristic indicative of the digital information to be stored in the particular storage location, and detecting means for optically detecting the spectral characteristic of the regions associated with each storage location to determine the digital information stored therein.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
70 words
Optical memory system apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said means for selectively setting the birefringent level further comprises: a light scanner for providing a polarized collimated light beam for scanning the storage locations of said optical storage means in a predetermined manner, and energizer means for selectively energizing said conductive layers in co-action with said light beam of said light scanner to provide said setting of said birefringent levels.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
Optical memory system according to claim 6 wherein said storage means further comprises analyzer means for analyzing said polarized light beam passing therethrough.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
Optical memory system according to claim 6 wherein said light scanner means further comprises: plural spaced ferroelectric layer members, each of said ferroelectric layer members having disposed in an orthogonal relationship with respect to each other first and second sets of plural parallel conductors.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-24 | 1978-08-26 | 1979-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-24 | 1982-08-26 | 1983-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-24 | 1986-08-26 | 1987-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |