Title of Paper: A Volumetric Memory Device based on
Photo-Chromatic Compounds
Principal Author: Dr. Tom Milster
Abstract: For space applications, semiconductor memories
that are radiation hardened and consume low power are currently being used at
cost of $5000/Gbit. The three-dimensional (3D) optical memory is a
revolutionary technology that has the benefits of lower cost (tens of dollars/Gbit),
order of magnitude smaller size and mass, and lower risk. We report on
investigation and characterization of a three-dimensional (3D) and volumetric
optical memory device based on a new class of light-absorbing (photo-chromic)
compounds that, when pulsed with lasers, absorb photons two at a time and can
trigger chemical and physical changes (such as fluorescence) with
micrometer-sized resolution in three dimensions.