Holographic optical data storage

The evolution of holographic optical memories has followed a path not altogether different from holography itself. P.J. van Heerden is widely credited for being the first to elucidate the principles behind holographic data storage in a 1963 paper. The science and engineering of such a storage paradigm were heavily pursued thereafter. This resulted in many novel holographic multiplexing techniques for dense data storage and advances in holographic recording materials. Despite this progress, without technologies such as compact laser sources and optical data I/O devices, hope diminished for viable commercial products. Successful use of holography in other arenas rekindled interest in holographic data storage in the late 1980s. With many critical optoelectronic device technologies now in place, holography is once again considered a possible data storage solution