7. Magneto-optical memories

7.1 Optical beam-addressable storage systems

Techniques for addressing memory elements using optical beams are conceptually very attractive. Optics enable parallel processing, no contact between the read head and the recording medium, inertial-free addressing by a deflected beam, rapid access, and high reliability. But in a field such as the computer industry, economic rather than technical considerations more often determine the introduction of a new technology.

There are two basic optical storage techniques