Multilayer volume holographic optical memory

We demonstrate a scheme for volume holographic storage based on the feature s of shift selectivity of a speckle reference-wave hologram. The proposed r ecording method permits more-efficient use of the recording medium and yiel ds greater storage density than spherical or plane-wave reference beams. Ex perimental results of multiple hologram storage and replay in a photorefrac tive crystal of iron-doped lithium niobate are presented. The mechanisms of lateral and longitudinal shift selectivity are described theoretically and shown to agree with experimental measurements. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America. OCIS codes: 210.0210, 090.0090, 210.2860, 030.6140, 090.4220.