Hologram characterization in an optical memory experiment using photorefractive LiNbO_3

The design and performance characteristics of a computer interfaced optical memory system that utilizes holographic storage in photorefractive LiNbO(3) crystals are examined. An observed resolution limit of 145 microm (at 31 cm beyond the hologram) agrees closely with a 155-microm limit estimate based on spatial filtering and diffraction considerations. Angular and wavelength indexing are compared. A 3-D storage density limit of 10(10) bits/cm(3) is estimated for angular indexing with the viewing angle optimized.