Optical tape recorder using linear scanning

摘要

An optical tape recorder is disclosed using the linear motion of a slide to record data across a slowly moving tape made of light sensitive material. Data is recorded on the tape by modulating the output of a laser in accordance with the data and focussing the modulated light onto the tape using a lens mounted on a slide. The position of the slide is measured using a linear optical encoder and this information is used to place the data accurately on the tape. The slide is connected to a spring and driven electromagnetically at its resonant frequency.