| Since the late 1980s optical data storage has been a staple for the circulation of digital information. Through the years the storage capacity of these devices has grown to match new demands and applications. However, fundamental optical limitations exist which inhibit the growth of the current paradigm of devices. This work is comprised of experiments and demonstrations related to new optical data storage techniques. Various results are presented to augment and optimize future iterations of such devices. Most notably, a 64 layer disk is fabricated and used to store data. This device is fashioned using a polymer coextrusion technique and stores information at a high density on 23 of its 64 fluorescent layers. To understand the significance of such devices, a simulation is used to quantify the benefits of multilayered storage disks over monolithic devices. Noise is shown to be drastically reduced in multilayered structures, while the signal contrast grows under the influence of confinement effects. In the process of making this device, an aggregrochromic dye was chosen as a candidate material. Further experiments characterize how the dye changes phases as a response to photopatterning. As presented, these projects cite specific issues with optical data storage technology and offer options for complexity and growth within the field. Also presented is an unrelated experiment which determines the dimensionality of the exciton-exciton interaction in Zinc Phthalocyanine. |
