Holographic data storage for image recognition

Holographic data storage has been considered as one of the core technologies for the Information Age because of its capability of high storage density and high speed data access rate. In recent years it has been studied extensively and a rapid progress has been achieved. In the material aspect, new organic and inorganic holographic recording media have been discovered. In the system aspect, different schemes for multiplexing thousands of high quality holograms in a single material volume have been proposed and demonstrated. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new applications of holographic memories for using the advantages of high data density and high speed data rate. In this paper we present our research on image recognition by using volume holographic data storage of binary phase images. First, we describe the technique of operating liquid crystal televisions (LCTV) as a binary phase spatial light modulator. Then, we address the benefit of using phase images for correlation. Finally, we present a finger print recognition system for associative memory. Experimental results will be presented, and the signal to noise ratio and channel capability issues will be addressed.