POCKELS READOUT OPTICAL MEMORY USING Bi12SiO20

Abstract

The Pockels Readout Optical Memory using Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ single crystals is described. Devices have a built‐in capability to optically read out a positive or a negative image from a single stored image. The stored information also can be selectively erased. Application of 650 V across the crystal wafer introduces a retardation of 30°. The read‐in and dark decay mechanisms, which include sensitivity, resolution, and response time, are discussed. The sensitivity is better than most of the previously reported reusable optical memories. The resolution is 10 μm. The read‐in response time is 5×10⁻⁶ sec. The storage time is 50 min under a constant illumination of 0.4 μW/cm² at 633 nm and is 2 h in the dark. The dark resistivity of Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ after complete dark adaptation is likely to be ∼10¹⁵ Ω cm.