INSIC - 2005 INSIC Future of Data Storage Awardee
An international storage technology research consortium What INSIC does: - Organizes & manages high-risk, pre-competitive competitive, collaborative research projects - Develops & publishes long-range storage technology and applications roadmaps - Coordinates & obtains funding for university research funding for university research in storage technology
About Fred C Thomas III
Fred Charles Thomas III - Engineer and Inventor
Fred Thomas received a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Physics from Bucknell University in 1982. In 1990 he received a MS in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Control Systems and Non-linear Dynamics.
His awards include the International Design Excellence Award in 2009, Industrial Forum Product Design Award in 2008, "Nano50 Award" for "Subwavelength Optical Data Storage" in 2005, Lemelson-MIT "Inventor of the Week" Award in 2004, Iomega "Exceptional Invention Award" in 1999, and Laser Focus World "Electro-Optic Application of the Year Award" in 1994.
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
1
Multilevel Subwavelength
Optical Data Storage
Using
Reflective Nanostructures
(NG-DVD & AO-DVD)
Fred Thomas
Iomega Corporation
Contact: thomasf@iomega.com
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
2
A Little Background… What is
Subwavelength Optical Data Storage?
Amazing! “HEBS
Glass” Gray Scale
Fabrication
(2001)
HEBS fabrication of 3 micron
AO-DVD mirrors (2002).
Macro scale demo of
multilevel spatial encoding
(2002).
Original
subwave
storage patent
filed (2002).
FDTD Modeling
of Subwavelength
quadrature AO-
DVD elements @
Uni. of Az.
(2003).
Papers
2002 &
2003
Subwavelength
ODS
Replicated nano-
structures
smaller than a
focused light
spot that upon
reflection alter
the basic
properties of the
light in a
controlled
manner.
NanoOpto, Inc. brings nano-
grating (100 nm) products to
market. With Iomega explore
phase, amplitude multilevel
ODS (2004 & 2005).
NG-DVD
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
3
Multilevel Mechanisms for
Subwavelength Optical Data Storage
● Amplitude Domain
Phase
● Spatial Domain
Reflectivity
Polarization
Multiplexed
Spatial
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
4
NG-DVD Media Concepts
Two (2)
Multilevel
DVD Scale
NG-DVD
Data Cells
Nano Birefringent
Phase Retarder
Nano Wire-Grid
Polarizer
Nano-Grating Technology Status
• 100 nm period parts.
Tolerances < 10 nm.
• 50 nm period (6 months).
• Scales with laser wavelength.
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
5
Some Embodiments of
Subwavelength Optical Data Storage
● AO-DVD (Articulated Optical – DVD )
● Articulated NG-DVD (Hybrid)
Nano reflective facets that
encode multi-level data
spatially via multi-path
reflections.
400 GB – 1.2 TB
80X – 240X DVD
Capacity
Nano reflective gratings that
encode muti-level data via
reflective amplitude, polarization,
or phase retardance.
● NG-DVD (Nano-Grating – DVD)
200 GB – 600 GB
40X – 120X DVD
Nano reflective blazed
gratings that encode muti-
level data via all AO & NG
DVD mechanisms.
500 GB – 2.0 TB
100X – 400X DVD
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
6
Some NG-DVD Test Data
Nano Wire-Grid Media
Amplitude Domain Reflectivity
0
0.03
0.105
0.96
0.8
0.1
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Mirror NG-DVD Phase Change
Reflection (%) Static
Data State Tester
Wire Grid NG-DVD
( 633 nm, Al 150 nm period)
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
0
15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
Rotation (Deg.)
Relative AmplitudeNA = 0.65
Reflected Amp.
NA = 0.65
Spot on NG-DVD
Slightly Past Focus.
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
7
Some More NG-DVD Test Data
Simple Spin Stand
Test
NA = 0.25 RPM =10,500
25 KHz DOF Vibration
NA = 0.25 RPM = 10,500
NA = 0.65 RPM =11,200
Media Noise
Static
measurements
taken for 45° NG-
DVD orientation
over 3 x 3 mm area
showed noise
comparable to FS
mirror. ~ 1% ( laser
drift noise)
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
8
AO-DVD & NG-DVD
Manufacture
Why this is Exciting!
1. Mold
2. Prepared
substrate
3. Impression & Separation
4. Reactive Ion Etching
5. Post-processing:
Coating and dicing
NanoOpto’s Nano Replication Process
NanoOpto parts shipping:
• Cell phone camera IR filters
• DVD & CD ¼ waveplates
• Various Telecom components.
Reflective layer
Core
Nano-structured
Grating with fill.
ARC - top
Overcoat
Substrate
NG-DVD Cross-section
Nano-Grating
90 nm period
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
9
Uniformity of NG-DVD Disc
Results &
Process
Capability (4”
Wafer)
< ± 2.5% Phase
variation over
part.
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
10
Subwavelength ODS
Value Proposition within the Data
Storage Landscape
> 70% of all DVDs shipped are ROM. The future of optical
data storage is all about shipping HDTV resolution movies
at low cost. – (Technology targets driving force in market.)
NG-DVD/AO-DVD are single layer, mastered and replicated
technologies. Future standard optical technologies are
multi-layer. (Cheaper to mass replicate than what is on the
drawing board.)
NG-DVD/AO-DVD is a concept that can be made hybrid with
standard DVD, HD-DVD & Blu-Ray technologies. Hence it
has a recordable mode.
NG-DVD/AO-DVD technologies development is leveraged
by the huge concurrent investment in nanotechnology into
the foreseeable future. ( Nanotech is hot & has long legs
into the future! ) Applicable to UV stylus data storage.
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
11
What has Changed? What is Next?
The required 3-D reflective media structures can now be fabricated to
scale.
− NanoOpto Inc. is manufacturing to scale nano-grating structures (NG-DVD) with
low-cost nano-replication.
We know now that there is multilevel information content in reflections
from a focused spot of light dwelling on both NG-DVD & AO-DVD
subwavelength optical data elements.
− University of Arizona FDTD modeling shows that AO-DVD subwave structures
provided multiplexed spatial information.
−
Initial Iomega & NanoOpto validated data exists relative to multilevel encoding
potential of nano-grating using amplitude and phase signals.
Iomega’s Intellectual Property position in this area is solid.
−
Iomega Subwavelength ODS US patent issued April 12, 2005 (56 claims allowed).
−
Iomega has additional Subwavelength ODS US patents filed.
Iomega realizes we can not bring this product to market alone. We are
looking for appropriate partners help commercialize this technology.
Contact: thomasf@iomega.com Phone: 801-332-4662
Nano Wire-Grid Media
Amplitude Domain Reflectivity
0
0.03
0.105
0.96
0.8
0.1
Mirror NG-DVD Phase Change
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Reflection (%)
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
1
Multilevel Subwavelength
Optical Data Storage
Using
Reflective Nanostructures
(NG-DVD & AO-DVD)
Fred Thomas
Iomega Corporation
Contact: thomasf@iomega.com
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
2
A Little Background… What is
Subwavelength Optical Data Storage?
Amazing! “HEBS
Glass” Gray Scale
Fabrication
(2001)
HEBS fabrication of 3 micron
AO-DVD mirrors (2002).
Macro scale demo of
multilevel spatial encoding
(2002).
Original
subwave
storage patent
filed (2002).
FDTD Modeling
of Subwavelength
quadrature AO-
DVD elements @
Uni. of Az.
(2003).
Papers
2002 &
2003
Subwavelength
ODS
Replicated nano-
structures
smaller than a
focused light
spot that upon
reflection alter
the basic
properties of the
light in a
controlled
manner.
NanoOpto, Inc. brings nano-
grating (100 nm) products to
market. With Iomega explore
phase, amplitude multilevel
ODS (2004 & 2005).
NG-DVD
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
3
Multilevel Mechanisms for
Subwavelength Optical Data Storage
● Amplitude Domain
Phase
● Spatial Domain
Reflectivity
Polarization
Multiplexed
Spatial
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
4
NG-DVD Media Concepts
Two (2)
Multilevel
DVD Scale
NG-DVD
Data Cells
Nano Birefringent
Phase Retarder
Nano Wire-Grid
Polarizer
Nano-Grating Technology Status
• 100 nm period parts.
Tolerances < 10 nm.
• 50 nm period (6 months).
• Scales with laser wavelength.
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
5
Some Embodiments of
Subwavelength Optical Data Storage
● AO-DVD (Articulated Optical – DVD )
● Articulated NG-DVD (Hybrid)
Nano reflective facets that
encode multi-level data
spatially via multi-path
reflections.
400 GB – 1.2 TB
80X – 240X DVD
Capacity
Nano reflective gratings that
encode muti-level data via
reflective amplitude, polarization,
or phase retardance.
● NG-DVD (Nano-Grating – DVD)
200 GB – 600 GB
40X – 120X DVD
Nano reflective blazed
gratings that encode muti-
level data via all AO & NG
DVD mechanisms.
500 GB – 2.0 TB
100X – 400X DVD
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
6
Some NG-DVD Test Data
Nano Wire-Grid Media
Amplitude Domain Reflectivity
0
0.03
0.105
0.96
0.8
0.1
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Mirror NG-DVD Phase Change
Reflection (%) Static
Data State Tester
Wire Grid NG-DVD
( 633 nm, Al 150 nm period)
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
0
15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
Rotation (Deg.)
Relative AmplitudeNA = 0.65
Reflected Amp.
NA = 0.65
Spot on NG-DVD
Slightly Past Focus.
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
7
Some More NG-DVD Test Data
Simple Spin Stand
Test
NA = 0.25 RPM =10,500
25 KHz DOF Vibration
NA = 0.25 RPM = 10,500
NA = 0.65 RPM =11,200
Media Noise
Static
measurements
taken for 45° NG-
DVD orientation
over 3 x 3 mm area
showed noise
comparable to FS
mirror. ~ 1% ( laser
drift noise)
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
8
AO-DVD & NG-DVD
Manufacture
Why this is Exciting!
1. Mold
2. Prepared
substrate
3. Impression & Separation
4. Reactive Ion Etching
5. Post-processing:
Coating and dicing
NanoOpto’s Nano Replication Process
NanoOpto parts shipping:
• Cell phone camera IR filters
• DVD & CD ¼ waveplates
• Various Telecom components.
Reflective layer
Core
Nano-structured
Grating with fill.
ARC - top
Overcoat
Substrate
NG-DVD Cross-section
Nano-Grating
90 nm period
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
9
Uniformity of NG-DVD Disc
Results &
Process
Capability (4”
Wafer)
< ± 2.5% Phase
variation over
part.
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
10
Subwavelength ODS
Value Proposition within the Data
Storage Landscape
> 70% of all DVDs shipped are ROM. The future of optical
data storage is all about shipping HDTV resolution movies
at low cost. – (Technology targets driving force in market.)
NG-DVD/AO-DVD are single layer, mastered and replicated
technologies. Future standard optical technologies are
multi-layer. (Cheaper to mass replicate than what is on the
drawing board.)
NG-DVD/AO-DVD is a concept that can be made hybrid with
standard DVD, HD-DVD & Blu-Ray technologies. Hence it
has a recordable mode.
NG-DVD/AO-DVD technologies development is leveraged
by the huge concurrent investment in nanotechnology into
the foreseeable future. ( Nanotech is hot & has long legs
into the future! ) Applicable to UV stylus data storage.
Fred Thomas, Iomega Corp
2005 INSIC Symposium – Alternative Data Storage
11
What has Changed? What is Next?
The required 3-D reflective media structures can now be fabricated to
scale.
− NanoOpto Inc. is manufacturing to scale nano-grating structures (NG-DVD) with
low-cost nano-replication.
We know now that there is multilevel information content in reflections
from a focused spot of light dwelling on both NG-DVD & AO-DVD
subwavelength optical data elements.
− University of Arizona FDTD modeling shows that AO-DVD subwave structures
provided multiplexed spatial information.
−
Initial Iomega & NanoOpto validated data exists relative to multilevel encoding
potential of nano-grating using amplitude and phase signals.
Iomega’s Intellectual Property position in this area is solid.
−
Iomega Subwavelength ODS US patent issued April 12, 2005 (56 claims allowed).
−
Iomega has additional Subwavelength ODS US patents filed.
Iomega realizes we can not bring this product to market alone. We are
looking for appropriate partners help commercialize this technology.
Contact: thomasf@iomega.com Phone: 801-332-4662
Nano Wire-Grid Media
Amplitude Domain Reflectivity
0
0.03
0.105
0.96
0.8
0.1
Mirror NG-DVD Phase Change
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Reflection (%)