Volume holographic memory and optical information recording/reproducing apparatus

摘要

A volume holographic memory for recording three-dimensional distribution of interference fringes generated owing to interference between signal light and reference light is provided, wherein the volume holographic memory is formed into a cylindrical shape. Also an optical information recording/reproducing apparatus is provided which incorporates an interference-fringe generating unit for generating interference fringes formed owing to interference between signal light and reference light; a storage unit for storing three-dimensional distribution of the interference fringes generated by the interference-fringe generating unit; a detecting unit for detecting diffracted light obtainable from the storage unit by irradiating the storage unit with reference light; and a reproducing unit for reproducing signal light from diffracted light detected by the detecting unit, wherein the storage unit is constituted by a volume holographic memory having a cylindrical shape.