Present status of optical storage professional market applications and future developments

The authors discuss the present status of the application of optical systems as computer peripherals. A few infrastructural criteria are defined to assess the present applications in the market: distribution and storage of information. A short review is given of the different types of memory, CD-ROM, videodisk, and write-once and rewritable optical systems. The main physical and chemical storage principles are mentioned, and a survey is given of a few important applications. The position of optical systems is then assessed using the criteria mentioned. This leads to the conclusion that the infrastructure required for further growth of the technology is largely in place. Finally, expectations are given for the direction of technical and market growth in the near future.<>