POINT PROBE MEMORY WITH LIGHT MODULATOR READOUT

摘要

A memory cell (100) that includes a memory media (102) electronically storing information, and a read unit (104) for reading information in the memory media and converting the read information into an optical signal. The read unit (104) includes a point probe (106) and a spatial light modulator (112). The point probe reads information from the memory media, which produces a charge at the probe. This charge, corresponding to the information electronically stored in the memory media, is then used to control the operation of the spatial light modulator so that the modulator modulates light to convey the information read from the memory media. The read unit may also include an output amplifier (110), for amplifying the signal output from the point probe used to control the spatial light modulator. The read unit may also include a drive amplifier (602), for providing power to the point probe to allow it to write information to the memory media.