Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 1 Multilevel Subwavelength Optical Data Storage Using Reflective Nanostructures (NG-DVD & AO-DVD) Fred Thomas Iomega Corporation Contact: thomasf@iomega.com Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 2 A Little Background… What is Subwavelength Optical Data Storage? Amazing! “HEBS Glass” Gray Scale Fabrication (2001) HEBS fabrication of 3 micron AO-DVD mirrors (2002). Macro scale demo of multilevel spatial encoding (2002). Original subwave storage patent filed (2002). FDTD Modeling of Subwavelength quadrature AO- DVD elements @ Uni. of Az. (2003). Papers 2002 & 2003 Subwavelength ODS Replicated nano- structures smaller than a focused light spot that upon reflection alter the basic properties of the light in a controlled manner. NanoOpto, Inc. brings nano- grating (100 nm) products to market. With Iomega explore phase, amplitude multilevel ODS (2004 & 2005). NG-DVD Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 3 Multilevel Mechanisms for Subwavelength Optical Data Storage ● Amplitude Domain Phase ● Spatial Domain Reflectivity Polarization Multiplexed Spatial Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 4 NG-DVD Media Concepts Two (2) Multilevel DVD Scale NG-DVD Data Cells Nano Birefringent Phase Retarder Nano Wire-Grid Polarizer Nano-Grating Technology Status • 100 nm period parts. Tolerances < 10 nm. • 50 nm period (6 months). • Scales with laser wavelength. Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 5 Some Embodiments of Subwavelength Optical Data Storage ● AO-DVD (Articulated Optical – DVD ) ● Articulated NG-DVD (Hybrid) Nano reflective facets that encode multi-level data spatially via multi-path reflections. 400 GB – 1.2 TB 80X – 240X DVD Capacity Nano reflective gratings that encode muti-level data via reflective amplitude, polarization, or phase retardance. ● NG-DVD (Nano-Grating – DVD) 200 GB – 600 GB 40X – 120X DVD Nano reflective blazed gratings that encode muti- level data via all AO & NG DVD mechanisms. 500 GB – 2.0 TB 100X – 400X DVD Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 6 Some NG-DVD Test Data Nano Wire-Grid Media Amplitude Domain Reflectivity 0 0.03 0.105 0.96 0.8 0.1 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 Mirror NG-DVD Phase Change Reflection (%) Static Data State Tester Wire Grid NG-DVD ( 633 nm, Al 150 nm period) 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180 Rotation (Deg.) Relative AmplitudeNA = 0.65 Reflected Amp. NA = 0.65 Spot on NG-DVD Slightly Past Focus. Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 7 Some More NG-DVD Test Data Simple Spin Stand Test NA = 0.25 RPM =10,500 25 KHz DOF Vibration NA = 0.25 RPM = 10,500 NA = 0.65 RPM =11,200 Media Noise Static measurements taken for 45° NG- DVD orientation over 3 x 3 mm area showed noise comparable to FS mirror. ~ 1% ( laser drift noise) Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 8 AO-DVD & NG-DVD Manufacture Why this is Exciting! 1. Mold 2. Prepared substrate 3. Impression & Separation 4. Reactive Ion Etching 5. Post-processing: Coating and dicing NanoOpto’s Nano Replication Process NanoOpto parts shipping: • Cell phone camera IR filters • DVD & CD ¼ waveplates • Various Telecom components. Reflective layer Core Nano-structured Grating with fill. ARC - top Overcoat Substrate NG-DVD Cross-section Nano-Grating 90 nm period Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 9 Uniformity of NG-DVD Disc Results & Process Capability (4” Wafer) < ± 2.5% Phase variation over part. Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 10 Subwavelength ODS Value Proposition within the Data Storage Landscape > 70% of all DVDs shipped are ROM. The future of optical data storage is all about shipping HDTV resolution movies at low cost. – (Technology targets driving force in market.) NG-DVD/AO-DVD are single layer, mastered and replicated technologies. Future standard optical technologies are multi-layer. (Cheaper to mass replicate than what is on the drawing board.) NG-DVD/AO-DVD is a concept that can be made hybrid with standard DVD, HD-DVD & Blu-Ray technologies. Hence it has a recordable mode. NG-DVD/AO-DVD technologies development is leveraged by the huge concurrent investment in nanotechnology into the foreseeable future. ( Nanotech is hot & has long legs into the future! ) Applicable to UV stylus data storage. Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp 2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 11 What has Changed? What is Next? The required 3-D reflective media structures can now be fabricated to scale. − NanoOpto Inc. is manufacturing to scale nano-grating structures (NG-DVD) with low-cost nano-replication. We know now that there is multilevel information content in reflections from a focused spot of light dwelling on both NG-DVD & AO-DVD subwavelength optical data elements. − University of Arizona FDTD modeling shows that AO-DVD subwave structures provided multiplexed spatial information. − Initial Iomega & NanoOpto validated data exists relative to multilevel encoding potential of nano-grating using amplitude and phase signals. Iomega’s Intellectual Property position in this area is solid. − Iomega Subwavelength ODS US patent issued April 12, 2005 (56 claims allowed). − Iomega has additional Subwavelength ODS US patents filed. Iomega realizes we can not bring this product to market alone. We are looking for appropriate partners help commercialize this technology. Contact: thomasf@iomega.com Phone: 801-332-4662 Nano Wire-Grid Media Amplitude Domain Reflectivity 0 0.03 0.105 0.96 0.8 0.1 Mirror NG-DVD Phase Change 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 Reflection (%)