3-D parallel readout in a 3-D multilayer optical data storage system

The conventional approach to achieve high readout data rates in single-layer disk media data storage systems is to decrease the physical bit size and increase the velocity at the head/media interface. Further increase in data throughput may be achieved by parallel readout architectures that read information across a number of data tracks simultaneously within a given data layer. Call/Recall, Inc. has developed and demonstrated a parallel readout architecture where data tracks are read in parallel across multiple layers in depth, as well as across a number of radial tracks. Theory, simulations, and experimental results of this 3D multiple-layer multiple-track parallel readout system are presented. The experimental result presented is from a 64 parallel data channel readout system that reads 16 radial data tracks on 4 data layers in parallel from a two-photon recorded monolithic multilayer disk.