Blockwise data detection for spectral hole-burning memories

We consider the retrieval of data from a time-domain spectral hole-burning (SHB) memory system. A new iterative log-likelihood (LLL) algorithm is used to reliably detect corrupted retrieved data signals. It is a blockwise tec hnique that takes advantage of the known SHE system characteristics to miti gate time-varying intersymbol interference and detector shot noise. We pres ent bit-error-rate results obtained with the ILL algorithm and five other t ypical methods (i.e., precompensator, simple threshold, adaptive threshold, a simple Wiener filter, and an adaptive Wiener filter). Results show that the ILL algorithm outperforms all five techniques and hence offers improved SHE storage capacity, in a SHE system with typical material parameters, we find that ILL offers a storage capacity gain of 197% as compared with simp le thresholding. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.