Multilayer volume holographic optical memory.

We demonstrate a scheme for volume holographic storage based on the features of shift selectivity of a speckle reference-wave hologram. The proposed recording method permits more-efficient use of the recording medium and yields greater storage density than spherical or plane-wave reference beams. Experimental results of multiple hologram storage and replay in a photorefractive crystal of iron-doped lithium niobate are presented. The mechanisms of lateral and longitudinal shift selectivity are described theoretically and shown to agree with experimental measurements.