Sparse-wavelength angle-multiplexed volume holographic memory system: analysis and advances

We present and analyze our hybrid wavelength-and-angle-multiplexed volume holographic memory system. The hybridization of wavelength and angle multiplexing relaxes demands on spectral-tuning sources, angle-tuning devices, and optical system numerical apertures while maintaining a large K-space addressability. We consider realistic properties of our volume holographic memory system, addressing practical issues such as storage density and material-dependent photon-limited information throughput. Finally, we present experimental results of the storage of 2000 sparse-wavelength angle-multiplexed volume holograms in a 1.86-cm3 volume of lithium niobate.