Three-dimensional multi-layered optical memory using dye and Au(III) doped SiO/sub 2//TiO/sub 2/ sol-gel medium

We propose the three-dimensional multi-layered optical memory using the dye and Au(III) doped SiO/sub 2//TiO/sub 2/ medium. Using the optically induced reduction of Au(III) ions to Au particles and quenching dye molecules by Au(III) ions, this system records the bit data as a fluorescence patterns inside the medium three-dimensionally, and reads it out using laser scanning confocal microscopy.