Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 1

Multilevel Subwavelength Optical Data Storage

Using Reflective Nanostructures

(NG-DVD & AO-DVD)

Fred ThomasIomega Corporation

Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 2

Subwavelength Optical Data Storage

In 2003 this was a $25 billion market.

Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 3

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 Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 4

Multilevel Mechanisms for Subwavelength Optical Data Storage

● Amplitude Domain Phase

● Spatial Domain

Reflectivity

Polarization

Multiplexed Spatial

Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 5

NG-DVD Media Concepts

Two (2) Multilevel DVD Scale NG-DVDData 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 Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 6

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

Nano reflective gratings that encode muti-level data via reflective amplitude, polarization, or phase retardance.

● NG-DVD (Nano-Grating – DVD)

200 GB – 600 GB

Nano reflective blazed gratings that encode muti-level data via all AO & NG DVD mechanisms.

500 GB – 2.0 TB

Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 7

Some NG-DVD Test Data

Nano Wire-Grid Media Amplitude Domain Reflectivity

0 0.03 0.105

0.960.8

0.1

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

Mirror NG-DVD Phase Change

Re

fle

cti

on

(%

)

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.)

Rel

ativ

e A

mpl

itude

NA = 0.65Reflected Amp.

NA = 0.65 Spot on NG-DVD

Slightly Past Focus.

Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 8

Some More NG-DVD Test Data

Simple Spin Stand Test

NA = 0.25 RPM =10,500

NA = 0.65 RPM =11,200

25 KHz DOF Vibration NA = 0.25 RPM = 10,500

Media NoiseStatic

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 Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 9

AO-DVD & NG-DVD Manufacture

Why this is Exciting!

1. Mold

2. Preparedsubstrate

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

CoreNano-structuredGrating with fill.

ARC - top Overcoat

Substrate

NG-DVD Cross-section

Nano-Grating90 nm period

Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 10

Uniformity of NG-DVD Disc

Results & Process

Capability (4” Wafer)

< ± 2.5% Phase variation over

part.

Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 11

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 Corp2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage 12

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 no longer is staffed for optical data storage R&D and optical drive production. We are looking for appropriate partners to bring this technology to market.

Nano Wire-Grid Media Amplitude Domain Reflectivity

0 0.03 0.105

0.960.8

0.1

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

Mirror NG-DVD Phase Change

Ref

lect

ion

(%)