Noise in high-areal-density holographic data storage systems

Digital holographic data storage using a 4f configuration enables high areal densities when spatial light modulator (SLM) pixels are large. The holographic recording material, placed at the Fourier plane of the 4f configuration gives large densities because stacks of holograms can be placed closer together. To minimize interstack cross talk and optimize stack sizes for interpixel cross talk, it is useful to place an aperture at the Fourier plane. We have developed a numerical algorithm based on scalar drift action theory, to investigate this interplay and predict an optimum set of system design parameters.