Abstract

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and possible data-transfer rate of nondestructive photocurrent-detection readout in near-field photochromic memory were calculated theoretically. The photocurrent-detection readout provided a much higher SNR and a higher data-transfer rate than those of conventional transmittance-detection readout. The SNR of the photocurrent-detection readout was dependent on the electric field applied to the medium and the potential barrier height between the photochromic recording layer and the photoabsorbing layer. A sufficient SNR was obtained under the conditions of an electric field of 2.5 V/m and a potential barrier height <0.4 eV in land area. Photocurrent-detection readout is a promising method to achieve high SNR, high data-transfer rate, and ultrahigh recording density with nondestructive-readout capability.

© 2002 Optical Society of America

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