Photochromic Memory Media for Photon-Mode Optical Recording

Photon-mode optical recording offers advantages over magnet-optic or phase change recording, which utilizes light as a heat source for recording, with regard to resolution, speed of writing, and multiplex recording capability. One of the candidates for the photon-mode recording media is organic photochromic media. Although much effort has been made in this field in the past, the photochromic materials still await practical application. The limitation is due to the lack of suitable materials which fulfill the requirements for the reversible recording media. The requirements for the use are: 1. Archival storage capability 2. Low fatigue (write/erase cycles can be repeated many times) 3. High sensitivity at diode laser wavelengths and rapid response 4. Non-destructive readout capability.