JP2003007072A - Optical memory element, reproducing device for optical memory element and reproducing method for optical memory element - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enlarge the size of an optical memory element to obtain a large capacity without being affected by the light receiving area of an photo detector provided in a drive. SOLUTION: The optical memory element 10 consisting of a core layer made of resin and clad layers made of resin laminated on the both surfaces of the core layer made of resin and formed by laminating one or more optical waveguide members having a rugged part for information on at least one interface between the core layer made of resin and the clad layers made of resin is so constituted that an information recording area 10A having the rugged part for information is divided into a plurality of small areas 10a and all scattering light beams emitted from the plurality of small areas are image-formed on one area smaller than the information recording area to form a reproducing image.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical memory device, a reproducing device for an optical memory device, and a reproducing method for an optical memory device, and more particularly, it is suitable for manufacturing an optical memory device constituted by using an optical waveguide device. The present invention relates to an optical memory element, an optical memory element reproducing apparatus, and an optical memory element reproducing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a technique has been proposed in which light is introduced into a plane type (card type) optical waveguide in which a pattern is engraved so as to generate predetermined scattered light, and an image is formed outside the optical waveguide surface. (IEEE Photon.Technol.Lett., Vol.9, p
p.958-960, JULY1997, etc.). That is, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 9, a core (layer) 101 whose refractive index and film thickness are adjusted so as to function as an optical waveguide and both sides (both sides) of the core layer 101 sandwiched between them. In the card type slab type optical waveguide device 100 including the (first and second) clads (layers) 102 provided in the above, fine irregularities are present at the interface between the core layer 101 and the clad layer 102. In this case, when the light (laser light) is introduced into the core layer (optical waveguide) 101 through the lens 103, a part of the introduced light is scattered by the uneven portion, and the scattered light is clad layer 10.
It goes out through 2

Therefore, the scattering intensity and phase of light such that a specific image is formed at a predetermined distance from the optical waveguide surface (optical waveguide 101) are calculated, and a fine concavo-convex pattern corresponding to the calculation is calculated in advance in the core layer 101. By engraving it in, it is possible to form a desired image on the outside of the optical waveguide surface. That is, the core layer 101 functions as an information recording layer.

Then, for example, the CCD receiver 104 in which the scattered light coming out of the optical waveguide surface is installed at the above-mentioned predetermined distance
The light is received by the light source, and the formed image is converted into a two-dimensional digital pattern [for example, a binary pattern of light and dark, or a multi-valued pattern based on lightness (gray scale)] and converted into a digital signal. A processing device (not shown) can perform desired image processing on the formed image.

Further, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 10, when a plurality of optical waveguides (recording layers) 101 are laminated by repeatedly laminating the clad layer 102 and the core layer 101, a certain optical waveguide The light scattered by 101 will cross another optical waveguide 101, but normally, the core layer 101
Since the difference in refractive index between the clad layer 102 and the clad layer 102 is extremely small, the scattered light is hardly re-scattered by the unevenness formed in another optical waveguide 101, and the formed image is not disturbed.
Therefore, many images and patterns can be formed in proportion to the number of stacked layers.

That is, the optical waveguide device 100 can be used as an optical memory element (recording medium such as ROM) having a capacity proportional to the number of laminated layers. It is said that this optical memory device can theoretically have a capacity of about 1 gigabyte per layer, and can be stacked up to about 100 layers. It is considered promising to be used as a large-capacity ROM capable of sufficiently recording.

The fine concave-convex pattern on the core layer 101 of the optical waveguide device 100 is formed, for example, by the following method. That is, first, as schematically shown in FIG. 11A, a photoresist is applied onto a flat glass plate or the like to be the (first) clad layer 102, and exposure to light or an electron beam is performed. By development, pits (concavo-convex pattern) corresponding to an image to be formed are formed on the glass (clad layer 102).

Thereafter, the core layer 10 is formed on the uneven pattern.
1 is formed. As a result, the core layer 101 on which the concavo-convex pattern is formed is formed, and the second cladding layer 102 is further formed on the core layer 101, whereby an optical waveguide device (optical memory element) for one layer is formed. . Then, similarly to the above, an uneven pattern is formed on the cladding layer 102 by exposure and development, and the core layer 101 is formed thereon.
11B is repeated by repeatedly forming
As schematically shown in FIG. 1, a multi-layered optical memory device (hereinafter, also referred to as “multi-layered optical memory”) 100a is manufactured.

However, in the method using such exposure and development, it takes a very long time and cost to manufacture the optical memory element 100 for one layer, so that a large capacity multilayer optical memory 100a can be manufactured. , Takes a huge amount of time and cost. Therefore, by forming the core layer and the clad layer from resin, the above-mentioned concavo-convex pattern can be easily formed, and an optical memory device capable of holding a large amount of information in a limited volume is easy and inexpensive. Has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application No. 11-1315).
No. 12, Japanese Patent Application No. 11-131513).

[0010]

By the way, when reproducing information recorded in such an optical memory element, a CCD receiver (optical detection) provided with a drive for scattered light (reproduced image) from the optical memory element. However, the size of the optical memory element (size of the data area of the optical memory element) is CC because the range (detection range) that can be detected by the CCD receiver is limited.
It will be limited by the size of the D receiver (light receiving area).

That is, for example, even when the size of the optical memory element is increased in order to increase the capacity of the optical memory element, it is not possible to detect all the scattered light from the optical memory element while the size of the CCD receiver is small. Therefore, the size of the optical memory device is ultimately determined according to the size of the CCD receiver. However, CC
Since the size of the D image receiver is fixed to some extent, it is difficult to increase the size of the CCD image receiver, and the large size of the CCD image receiver is expensive and difficult to obtain.

Therefore, the size of the optical memory element, which is determined according to the size of the CCD receiver, cannot be increased, and the capacity of the optical memory element cannot be increased.
The present invention was devised in view of such a problem, and is not affected by the size (light receiving area) of a photodetector such as a CCD image receiver provided in a drive, and its size (medium size; data area (EN) An optical memory device having a large size and a large capacity, and an optical memory device reproducing device (drive) suitable for reproducing information recorded in such an optical memory device, and It is an object to provide a reproducing method for an optical memory device.

[0013]

An optical memory device according to the present invention according to claim 1 comprises a resin core layer and a resin clad layer laminated on both sides of the resin core layer. What is claimed is: 1. An optical memory device comprising one or more optical waveguide members each having an uneven surface for information on at least one of the interfaces with a resin clad layer, wherein an information recording area having the uneven surface for information is divided into a plurality of small areas. The scattered light emitted from the plurality of small areas is focused on one area smaller than the information recording area to form a reproduced image.

Particularly, the intensity of scattered light emitted from the small regions in the second region other than the first region facing the one region is equal to or higher than a predetermined intensity in the one region. It is preferable that the information uneven portion is formed. Preferably, the information recording area includes a first area facing the one area and a second area other than the first area, and the information recording area is emitted from a small area in the second area (this is called a second small area). The information of the second small region is set so that the intensity of scattered light generated by the second region is substantially the same as the intensity of scattered light emitted from the small region in the first region (this is referred to as the first small region). An uneven portion for use is formed (claim 2).

Further, the period of the information concave-convex portion formed in the small area in the second area other than the first area opposite to the first area and the small area in the first area. The period of the uneven portion for information is different (claim 3). Further, the information unevenness is formed in each of the plurality of small areas so that different reproduced images are obtained, and the plurality of different reproduced images are formed in one area by the scattered light emitted from the plurality of small areas. It is preferable that the structure is as follows (claim 4).

Further, in the first area facing the one area, the information uneven portion is formed so that a plurality of different reproduced images are formed in the one area by the scattered light emitted from each of the plurality of small areas. In the second region other than the first region, the information concavo-convex portion is formed so that scattered light emitted from a plurality of predetermined small regions is imaged in one region to form one reproduced image. Is preferably formed (Claim 5).

Further, it is preferable that an area having no information unevenness is formed between each of the plurality of small areas (claim 6). Further, it is also preferable that the plurality of small areas are partially overlapped with each other (claim 7). A reproducing apparatus for an optical memory device according to claim 8 is any one of claims 1 to 7.
In order to reproduce the information recorded in the optical memory element according to any one of 1, the incident light is incident on the optical memory element,
A reproducing device for an optical memory element that detects scattered light emitted to the outside, wherein a photodetector that detects scattered light that is emitted from the optical memory element and forms an image in a region, and a position facing the photodetector. And a mask that can be partially opened to selectively allow scattered light emitted from each of the plurality of small regions of the optical memory device to pass therethrough.

Preferably, the mask is partially opened so that only the scattered light emitted from any one of the plurality of small regions passes, and the scattered light passing through the opening of the mask is converted into a light beam. By detecting with a detector, the information recorded in any one of the plurality of small areas is reproduced (claim 9). In addition, a plurality of portions of the mask are opened so that only scattered light emitted from a plurality of predetermined small regions among the small regions in the second region other than the first region facing the one region is passed. Then, a reproduction image formed by scattered light from a plurality of predetermined small areas that have passed through the plurality of openings of the mask is detected by the photodetector, and thus recorded in the predetermined plurality of small areas. It is preferable that the information is reproduced.
0).

Further, it is preferable that the mask is partially opened so as to be larger than the small area in order to allow the scattered light emitted from the small area to pass therethrough (claim 11). Further, when reproducing the information recorded in the small area in the first area facing the one area, only the scattered light emitted from the first small area passes through the first small area of the mask. While opening the portion facing the area, when reproducing the information recorded in the small area in the second area other than the first area among the plurality of small areas, it is emitted from the second small area. The second mask so that only the scattered light
It is preferable that a portion displaced from the portion facing the small region to the one region side is opened (claim 12).

Further, it is preferable that the mask is composed of a liquid crystal panel. The method of reproducing an optical memory element according to claim 14, is the method of reproducing an optical memory element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein incident light is made incident on an optical waveguide member of the optical memory element, The scattered light emitted from the outside to selectively pass the scattered light emitted from each of the plurality of small areas of the optical memory element, and detect the scattered light imaged in one area to be recorded in the optical memory element. It is characterized by reproducing the existing information.

Preferably, only the scattered light emitted from any one of the plurality of small areas is allowed to pass through (claim 15). Also, the first opposite to the one region
Only the scattered light emitted from a predetermined plurality of small areas in the second area other than the second area is transmitted, and the scattered light from the predetermined plurality of small areas forms an image in one area. It is preferable to detect one reproduced image formed by the above (claim 16).

Further, in order to allow the scattered light emitted from the small region to pass therethrough, it is preferable to partially open the mask so as to be larger than the small region (claim 17). Further, when reproducing the information recorded in the small area in the first area facing the one area, only the scattered light emitted from the first small area passes through the first small area of the mask. While opening the portion facing the area, when reproducing the information recorded in the small area in the second area other than the first area among the plurality of small areas, it is emitted from the second small area. It is preferable to open a portion of the mask, which is shifted from the portion facing the second small region toward the one region side, so that only the scattered light is transmitted.

Further, it is preferable that the mask is composed of a liquid crystal panel (claim 19).

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An optical memory element (optical memory, multilayer optical memory), an optical memory element reproducing apparatus and an optical memory element reproducing method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 8, the basic configuration of the optical memory device [laminated (planar) optical memory device; laminated waveguide hologram device, MWH device] according to the present embodiment is as shown in FIG. Optical waveguide member 32 including core layer 2 and resin clad layer 3
It is configured as a laminated body in which a plurality of 3 are laminated. In addition,
Here, the resin film 4 is also attached.

Here, the optical waveguide member 323 comprises a resin core layer 2 and a resin clad layer 3 laminated on both sides of the resin core layer 2, and the resin core layer 2 and the resin clad layer 3 are laminated. An uneven portion (information uneven portion) 5 is provided on at least one of the interfaces with the layer 3. Hereinafter, such an optical memory device 1 will be described.
A method of manufacturing the laminated body forming 0 will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 7 (A), a predetermined pattern is formed on a stamper 1 on which a desired concavo-convex pattern (concavo-convex shape; pit) corresponding to an image (information) to be formed on the surface is engraved. The core material (liquid core resin) 2'is applied so as to have a film thickness. In this embodiment, the core material 2'is made of an ultraviolet curable resin agent which is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays (UV light). After being applied to the stamper 1 in this way, it is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Then, the resin core layer 2'is formed by completely curing it.

Next, after the core material 2'is completely cured in this way, as shown in FIG. 7B, an ultraviolet curable resin agent having a smaller refractive index than the core layer 2'is formed thereon. A clad material (liquid clad resin) 3a 'is applied and cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays to form a resin clad layer 3a' having a smaller refractive index than the core layer 2 '. After that, FIG.
As shown in (C), the same clad material 3a 'as the clad material 3a' is applied onto the clad layer 3a ', and a resin film (resin film member) 4 serving as a support is formed on the clad material 3b'. Laminating is performed while applying pressure using a roller or the like. That is, the resin film 4 is laminated on the clad layer 3a 'via the clad material 3b'.

In this state, when the clad material 3b 'is cured by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, the clad layer 3b' of the same material as the clad layer 3a 'is formed and the resin film 4 is adhered. Here, the cladding layers 3a ′, 3
Since b'is made of the same clad material, it functions as a clad layer 3'for one layer. Then, as shown in FIG. 7D, the member 2'3'4 composed of the core layer 2 ', the clad layers 3' (3a ', 3b') and the resin film 4 is integrally formed from the stamper 1. Peel (separate).

Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (E), a core layer 2 "and a cladding layer 3a" are similarly coated on a stamper 1 "on which a desired concavo-convex pattern of the next layer is engraved, and ultraviolet irradiation is performed. Then, as shown in FIG. 7F, the clad material 3 is formed on the clad layer 3a ″.
The same clad material 3b "as a" is applied, and the above-mentioned members 2'3'4 are adhered on it. After the clad material 3b ″ is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays, as shown in FIG.
From the stamper 1 ″ to the core layer 2 ″ and the clad layer 3 ″
(3a ″, 3b ″) and the members 2′3′4 are integrally separated.

By repeating the above process, a resin clad layer 3 and a resin core layer 2 are formed on at least one surface of a resin film 4 as a support (base) as shown in FIG. An optical memory device 1 as a laminated body in which two or more clad / core members having an uneven portion 5 at the interface between the resin clad layer 3 and the resin core layer 2 are laminated.
0 is formed.

Here, as shown in FIG.
Since the core member is brittle, the resin film 4 as a support
Two or more clad / core members are laminated on top,
Further, the resin film 4 is adhered to form two resin films 4
The structure is sandwiched between. This is an optical memory device 1
The reason for 0 is that when sandwiched between two resin films 4, the protective effect is high at the time of its manufacture (particularly when the optical memory element 10 is cut). It is not necessary to have a structure in which the resin film is sandwiched between the resin films. For example, the resin film may be attached to only one surface, or the resin film may not be attached.

As described above, by using two resin films 4 as the two supports, the optical memory element 10 can be surely protected, and the resin film 4 has appropriate flexibility. Therefore, it is preferable in terms of handling during manufacturing. Note that the two supports need not necessarily be made of the same type of material, but may be made of different types of materials.

Incidentally, here, the resin core layer 2 and the resin clad layer 3 laminated on both surfaces of the resin core layer 2.
And a plurality of slab type optical waveguide devices (optical waveguide members) 323 each having an uneven portion 5 provided on at least one of the interfaces between the resin core layer 2 and the resin clad layer 3 are laminated. It can also be seen as forming the body.

In this case, a plurality of laminated optical waveguide members 3
Reference numeral 23 also serves as a single clad layer between two adjacent optical waveguide members. Therefore, when five clad layers and core layers are laminated, for example, clad layer / core layer / clad layer / core layer / clad layer, two optical waveguide members 323 are laminated to form an optical memory as a laminated body. Element 1
It means that 0 is formed.

In this embodiment, the adjacent clad layers are commonly used as one layer, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a three-layer laminated body of clad layer / core layer / clad layer (optical waveguide (Member) 323 as a basic structure, a plurality of optical waveguide members 323 may be laminated with or without a support such as the resin film 4 interposed therebetween. Alternatively, the optical waveguide members may be laminated with an adhesive. Here, as the adhesive, for example, a clad material that functions as a clad layer after curing can be used.

Further, a curl of the laminated body can be suppressed by laminating a clad / core member on the back surface side of the resin film 4 as a support or providing another resin layer in the same manner. it can. In the above description, any resin may be applied to the core material 2 as long as it is a liquid at the time of application and can be subsequently cured, but a suitable substance is, for example, an ultraviolet curable material. Examples thereof include photocurable resins such as resins and thermosetting resins. However, when the transfer is performed by the stamper as described above, it is preferable to apply a photocurable resin, and for example, acrylic, epoxy, thiol-based resins or the like are preferable.

The clad material 3 may be any material (resin) which is transparent and has a refractive index slightly smaller than that of the core material 2, but it is easy to apply the clad material 3 made of various resins. The clad material 3 made of a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like has excellent adhesiveness to the resin film 4 and is suitable. The coating method of the core material 2 and the clad material 3 includes
For example, there are a spin coating method, a blade coating method, a gravure coating method, a die coating method and the like, but any coating method may be used as long as the coating film thickness and the uniformity are satisfied.

Here, the thickness of the laminated body formed by laminating the optical waveguide members 323 is preferably about 0.3 mm or more in order to obtain strength. More preferably, it is about 0.5 mm or more. However, optical memory such as optical card (information recording medium)
Considering the portability as above, the thickness is preferably about 5 mm or less. More preferably, it is about 3 mm or less. In the present embodiment, as the support, various materials such as resin and metal are used as long as they are substances capable of functioning as a support for holding the laminated body (optical memory element 10). If flexibility is required such as
It is preferable to use a resin support. Although various curable resins may be applied and then cured, or the resin may be dissolved in a solvent and applied and dried to form a resin support, but when the resin film 4 is used, the resin film 4 may be attached to or removed from the stamper 1. It is preferable from the viewpoint of productivity and workability that it is easy to repeat.

Specifically, the resin film 4 is made of polycarbonate, amorphous polyolefin such as Arton (manufactured by JSR), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), P.
It is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin film having excellent optical properties such as EN (polyethylene naphthalate) (PEN also has excellent heat resistance) (in particular, the above PET or PE).
N is preferable because it is easy to obtain a film having a uniform thickness), and it is preferable that any of these is made to have a thickness of 100 μm or less by a method such as hot stretching or solvent casting.

In general, the resin film 4 is mixed with inorganic particles or the like that optically function as a scatterer in the manufacturing process. If the scattering of light by the scatterers in the film is a problem when reading the signal,
In the case where the clad / core member is laminated only on one surface of the film, it is preferable to use a light-shielding film as the film or to provide a light-shielding film between the film and the clad / core member. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the propagation of light into the resin film or the interference of the scattered light in the film with the signal light.

In this case, it is more preferable that the support itself has a light-shielding property because the optical memory element 10 can be downsized and the manufacturing process can be simplified. Here, examples of the light-shielding film and the light-shielding film include a PET film produced by kneading carbon into a resin or adding a dye. Regarding the wavelength range in which the light-shielding film or the light-shielding film acts, it is sufficient if the wavelength of the introduced light (incident light, reproduction light) used for reproduction can be shielded, and it is not necessary to shield the entire visible light region. Absent. Regarding the light-shielding performance, it is sufficient that 90% or more of light can be blocked in the film thickness direction, but it is more desirable that 99% or more of light can be blocked.

The core layer 2 and the clad layer 3 may be of any thickness as long as the core layer 2 and the clad layer 3 function as an optical waveguide. In the wavelength range, the core layer 2 is about 0.5-
It is considered to be about 3.0 μm. In this case, the film thickness of the cladding layer 3 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 100 μm or less in consideration of reducing the overall thickness. If the lower limit is specified, it will be 0.1 μm or more.

It is preferable that the clad layer 3 is divided into two layers as described above because the film thickness is stable, but it may be formed as one layer. Further, in the above, the resin film 4
As the above, the method using a sheet of film has been described, but a continuous film can also be used. Clad / core member on the support by combining processes such as core coating on film, die coater of micro clad material, micro gravure, bar coater, etc., core under pressure of stamper, curing of clad material It is possible to fabricate a structure body in which Further, it is possible to improve the productivity of the transfer process from the stamper by using a roll stamper processed into a shape that can be wound into a roll as the stamper.

Optical memory device 10 constructed as described above
Then, for example, when light is introduced into the core layer 2 as an optical waveguide through the incident end face, the introduced light propagates while being scattered by the uneven portion of the interface. The scattered light at this time propagates (transmits) in each of the up and down directions (directions intersecting) with the introduced light, and finally is emitted from both sides of the optical memory element to the outside, and an image corresponding to the uneven pattern is formed. It will form an image.

As described above, according to this embodiment, both the laminated core layer 2 and clad layer 3 are made of resin,
In addition, since the core layer (core material) 2 on which irregularities are formed is made of a curable resin that can be cured by light, heat, etc. The transfer from the stamper makes it possible to easily form the uneven portion 5 having a desired shape at the interface between the core layer 2 and the cladding layer 3.

The film thickness of the cladding layer 3 is, for example, 10 μm.
By setting the thickness to about m, the film thickness of the device can be suppressed to about 1 mm even when 100 layers are stacked, and the practical optical memory device 10 having a multilayer structure can be manufactured. Therefore, it becomes possible to mass-produce the optical memory device 10 having a multilayer structure, and the optical memory device 10 can be provided more easily (in a short period of time) and at a lower cost than ever before.

By the way, in order to increase the storage capacity of the optical memory element as much as possible, it is necessary to make the size of the optical memory element (the size of the data area of the optical memory element) as large as possible (to increase the area). Further, in consideration of handling, the size of the optical memory element is preferably set to a predetermined size (for example, 2 cm × 2 cm) or more.

On the other hand, when reading the information recorded in the optical memory device, the scattered light (reproduced image) from the optical memory device is provided in the CCD receiver (photodetector,
The size of the CCD image receiver (light receiving area) is a predetermined size (for example, 1 cm).
X 1 cm) or more is difficult, and if the size of the CCD receiver is increased to cover the entire area of the optical memory device, the CCD receiver becomes expensive and the size of such a large Area CCD receivers are also difficult to obtain.

In consideration of these points, in order to increase the storage capacity of the optical memory element as much as possible, the size of the optical memory element (that is, the area of the data area) should be larger than the size of the CCD receiver (light receiving area). become.
In this case, in order to reproduce the information (data) recorded in the optical memory device, the drive should be equipped with a plurality of CCD receivers of small size (small area CCD receiver), and these CCD receivers should be used. Machine to cover the entire area of the optical memory device, or only one small size CCD image receiving device (small area CCD image receiving device) should be provided, and this CCD image receiving device should be installed along the surface of the optical memory device. It is conceivable to move it by moving it.

However, if a plurality of CCD receivers are provided, the drive becomes expensive accordingly, so it is not preferable to configure the drive as described above. Furthermore, if the CCD receiver is moved, the drive has a complicated structure and is costly. Further, since it is necessary to move the CCD image receiver, the power consumption of the drive increases accordingly. Therefore, it is not preferable to configure the drive as described above.

In consideration of these points, in order to make the drive inexpensive and consume low power, a CCD having a small area is used.
It is desirable to configure the image receiving device so that only one image receiving device is provided and the information recorded in the optical memory device can be reproduced without changing the relative positional relationship between the CCD image receiving device and the optical memory device. However, in this case, the size of the optical memory element (the size of the data area of the optical memory element) is limited by the size of the CCD receiver, and the size is the same as the size of the CCD receiver or the size of the CCD receiver. Since it is necessary to make the size smaller than that, it becomes impossible to increase the storage capacity of the optical memory element.

Therefore, the size (medium size; size of the data area) is increased without increasing the size of the photodetector (light receiving area) such as a CCD image receiver provided in the drive to increase the capacity. While trying to achieve
It is desired to be able to reliably read the information recorded by an inexpensive drive with low power consumption.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a region where the information concavo-convex portion 5 of the optical memory element 10 in which one or more optical waveguide members 323 are laminated as described above is formed ( Area in which information is recorded; data area, information recording area) 10A is provided in the drive C
It should be wider than the light receiving area (light receiving area) of the CD receiver (CCD sensor, photodetector, light receiving section) 21, and
CCD receiver 21 and optical memory device (media, medium) 1
The information recorded in the optical memory element 10 can be reproduced without changing the relative positional relationship with 0 (relative position).

Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 is divided into a plurality of small areas 10a [Each optical waveguide member (each layer) constituting the optical memory element 10]. 323 data areas 10A are each divided into a plurality of small areas 10a], and each small area 1
The scattered light emitted from 0a is the data area 10A.
One area smaller than the area (an area located at a predetermined distance from the optical memory element 10, and the CCD receiver 21 is located in this area).
Are formed), whereby different reproduced images are formed from the plurality of small areas 10a.

That is, in this embodiment, a plurality of small areas 1
0a is provided with the information concave-convex portion 5 so that different reproduced images can be obtained. Different reproduced images are formed. Note that here, different reproduced images are formed by the scattered light emitted from each of the plurality of small regions 10a, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of predetermined small regions 10a are formed. One reproduced image may be formed by the emitted scattered light.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the reproduced image formed in one area is provided on the drive of the CCD receiver 2 as shown in FIG.
By reading with 1, the information recorded in the optical memory element 10 is reproduced. Although the optical memory device 10 may be housed in a package such as a plastic shell, it is preferable not to provide the package such as a plastic shell in order to keep the cost low.

For example, the data area 10A of the optical memory device 10 is 1 to 2 cm square, and each of the small areas 10a constituting the data area 10A is 1 mm to 2 mm square, and the CCD receiver 21 having a light receiving area of 5 mm to 1 cm square. It is adapted to be enlarged and reproduced (see FIG. 1). The information recorded in the optical memory device 10 does not necessarily have to be enlarged and reproduced, and may be reproduced in the same size or reduced.

In this embodiment, as usual, the information concave-convex portion 5 of the optical memory element 10 is designed so that the intensity of scattered light emitted in the direction orthogonal to the optical waveguide direction is maximized. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, with the optical memory element 10 inserted and held in the drive 20, the optical memory element facing the one area which is the light receiving area of the CCD receiver 21 (that is, immediately below). The scattered light from the small region (first small region) 10X in the region 10 (first region) is emitted in the direction orthogonal to the optical waveguide direction of the incident light, and the intensity of the scattered light is high. , CCD receiver 2
Therefore, the information recorded in the first small area 10X of the optical memory element 10 can be reliably read.

The first small region 10 of the optical memory device 10
X is a region facing the CCD receiver 21,
This is a region where scattered light having an intensity that can be reliably detected by the CCD receiver 21 can be emitted. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the CCD image receiver 21 provided in the drive 20 has a data area 10 of the optical memory element 10 inserted and held in the CCD image receiver 21.
When it is arranged at a position facing the central part of A or its vicinity, the small region 10a at the central part of the data region 10A of the optical memory element 10 or its vicinity becomes the first small region 10X. The first small area 10X includes one or more small areas 10a.
It is composed of

For example, the data area 10A is 1 to 2 cm square, and each of the small areas 10a constituting the data area 10A is 1 to 2 mm.
In the case of magnifying and reproducing to a CCD image receiver 21 having a square shape and a light receiving area of 5 mm to 1 cm square, the first small area 1
OX is composed of one small area 10a. On the other hand, under the same conditions, when reproducing at the same size, the first small area 10
X is composed of two or more small areas 10a.

On the other hand, of the scattered light emitted from the small area (second small area) 10Y included in the area (second area) other than the first small area 10X forming the information recording area of the optical memory element 10, the CCD What is detected (read) by the image receiver 21 is scattered light emitted in a direction oblique to the optical waveguide direction of the incident light (direction oblique to the direction orthogonal to the optical waveguide direction of the incident light). However, since the intensity of scattered light is small, it is difficult to detect by the CCD receiver 21, and as a result, it becomes difficult to read the information recorded in the second small area 10Y of the optical memory element 10.

In other words, the position of the small area (reproduction area) 10a in which the information to be reproduced is recorded and the CCD receiver, although it varies depending on the distance (vertical distance) between the optical memory element 10 and the CCD receiver 21. If the arrangement position of 21 is too far away from the horizontal direction (when passing through the mask 22, CC
When the outgoing angle of the scattered light received by the D receiver 21 becomes a steep angle), the intensity (power) of the scattered light is insufficient, and C
The reproduced image read by the CD receiver 21 becomes dark, which makes reproduction difficult. The optical memory device 10
The distance (vertical distance) between the CCD and the CCD receiver 21 is, for example, about 4 to 5 mm.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the CCD image receiver 21 provided in the drive 20 has a central portion of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 inserted / held in the CCD image receiver 21 or its center. When the optical memory device 10 is disposed at a position facing the vicinity thereof, a portion other than the central portion of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 or the vicinity thereof [data area 1
0A outside portion (outer edge side portion)] is the second small area 10a.
It becomes the small area 10Y.

As described above, even when the intensity of scattered light emitted from each small area 10a forming the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 is greatly different between the central portion or the vicinity thereof and the outer portion, even if the CCD image receiver is used. Even if the adjustment is performed on the 21 side, it is difficult to reliably detect scattered light emitted from all the small areas 10a forming the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the intensity of scattered light emitted from the second small area 10Y other than the first small area 10X facing the one area (that is, the CCD receiver 21 provided in this area) is small. , So that the intensity of scattered light emitted from the first small region 10X is substantially the same as that of the optical memory device 1
The information uneven portion 5 of 0 is formed. Here, by forming so that the cycle of the information unevenness portion 5 formed in the second small area 10Y and the cycle of the information unevenness portion 5 formed in the first small area 10X are different (information unevenness portion). (By shifting the pitch of the irregularities that form 5), the intensity of the scattered light from the first small region 10X and the intensity of the scattered light from the second small region 10Y in the one region (CCD receiver 21) are I try to be almost the same.

Specifically, when the small area 10a included in the second small area 10Y is located upstream of the first small area 10X in the optical waveguide direction of the incident light, the second small area 10Y is formed.
The period of the uneven portion 5 for information formed on the
While making it longer than the period of the information concave-convex portion 5 formed in X, the small area 10 included in the second small area 10Y.
When a is located on the downstream side in the optical waveguide direction of the incident light with respect to the first small region 10X, the cycle of the information concave-convex portion 5 formed in the second small region 10Y is equal to It is set to be shorter than the cycle of the formed information concavo-convex portion 5.

Usually, the scattered light from the small area 10a is configured to have the maximum intensity in the area immediately above (the area facing the small area 10a) which is separated by a predetermined distance in the direction orthogonal to the optical waveguide direction. However, since the outgoing angle of scattered light can be changed by changing the period of the information concave-convex portion 5, the scattered light from the small area 10a has the maximum intensity in the area other than the area immediately above. can do.

For example, when the wavelength λ of the incident light is 678 nm and the refractive index n of the core layer is about 1.5, and the period of the uneven portion 5 for information is 447 nm (= λ / n), the scattered light is directly above. The maximum strength is obtained (in the direction of 90 degrees with respect to the core layer). Here, when the period of the uneven portion 5 for information is 540 nm, the outgoing angle of the scattered light is inclined about 10 degrees toward the waveguide direction of the incident light,
The scattered light has a maximum intensity in a region deviated from the region directly above to the waveguide direction side of the incident light, while the period of the information uneven portion 5 is set to 38.
When it is set to 0 nm, the outgoing angle of the scattered light is tilted by about 10 degrees in the direction opposite to the guiding direction of the incident light (incident end face side), and the scattered light is in the direction opposite to the guiding direction of the incident light from the region directly above. The maximum intensity is obtained in the area shifted to.

With the above structure, the intensity of scattered light from the second small region 10Y is made larger in the diagonally located region than in the region immediately above, so that the first small region 10X is formed.
The intensity of the scattered light from and the intensity of the scattered light from the second small region 10Y are set to be substantially the same on the CCD receiver 21. In this case, the data area 10 of the optical memory device 10
The scattered light that can be read by the CCD receiver 21 is emitted at a steeper angle toward the outer side (outer edge side) of A, and the intensity of the scattered light becomes smaller. Therefore, the central portion of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 becomes smaller. It is preferable to change the cycle of the information concavo-convex portion 5 stepwise so that the scattered light emitted at a steeper angle has the maximum intensity on the outer side (outer edge side) than on the side. As a result, the intensity of scattered light emitted from any position of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 can be made equal in the CCD receiver 21, and reproduction performed by scattered light of appropriate intensity (power). The image can be reliably read by the CCD receiver 21.

Although the intensity of the scattered light from the first small region 10X and the intensity of the scattered light from the second small region 10Y are made to be substantially the same here, the present invention is not limited to this. In accordance with the emission angle of the scattered light detected by the CCD receiver 21, the intensity of the scattered light from the second small area 10Y is increased to the extent that the reproduced image can be reliably read by the CCD receiver 21. Second small area 1
The period of the information concave-convex portion 5 formed in 0Y may be different (the period may be lengthened or shortened).

That is, the first small area 10X facing one area (that is, the CCD receiver 21 provided in this area).
The unevenness portion 5 for information of the second small region 10Y may be formed such that the intensity of scattered light emitted from the second small region 10Y other than the above is greater than or equal to the predetermined intensity in one region. Here, the predetermined intensity is set as an intensity that can be detected by the CCD receiver 21.

Next, a drive (optical memory device reproducing device, optical memory device reading device) 20 for reproducing information recorded in the optical memory device 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. . Note that FIG. 2 shows only the main components of the drive 20. The drive 20 according to the present embodiment reproduces information recorded in the optical memory element 10 by causing incident light to enter the optical waveguide member 323 and detecting scattered light emitted to the outside. As shown in 2, CC for detecting scattered light emitted from the optical memory element 10 and imaged in one region
D image receiver (CCD sensor, photodetector, light receiving unit) 21,
It is arranged at a position facing the CCD receiver 21 and has a portion for selectively passing (transmitting) scattered light emitted from each of a plurality of small areas 10a constituting the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10. Mask 2 that can be opened
2 and 2.

The drive 20 is, of course, a light source (reproducing light source) and a collector for causing the light (incident light) from this light source to enter the core layer 2 of the optical waveguide member 323 constituting the optical memory element 10. A light unit (condensing lens), a signal processing unit (image processing unit) that processes a signal detected by the CCD receiver 21, and the like are also provided. Then, when reproducing the information recorded in the optical memory element 10, the incident light from the light source is shaped so as to extend over the entire length in the width direction of the core layer 2 of the optical waveguide member 323 forming the optical memory element 10. , Is condensed and incident on the core layer portion of the optical waveguide member (reproduced optical waveguide member) 323 in which the information to be reproduced on the incident end face (for example, 90 ° incident end face or 45 ° incident end face) is recorded by the condensing unit. Then, scattered light is emitted from the entire surface of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10, and a small area (reproduction small area) in which information to be reproduced is recorded.
The mask 22 is partially opened depending on the position of 10a to form an opening 22A, and only the scattered light that has passed through the opening 22A is detected by the CCD receiver 21 to record in the small area 10a to be reproduced. It is designed to reproduce the information that has been recorded.

Here, the CCD receiver 21 has an area (for example, 5 mm square to 1 cm square) smaller than the area (for example, 1 cm square to 2 cm square) of the data area 10A for recording desired data (information) of the optical memory element 10. It has a light receiving region (light receiving area). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the CCD receiver 21 includes a data area 10 of an optical memory element 10 which is inserted and held in a drive 20.
It is arranged at a position facing the central portion of A or the vicinity thereof.
Therefore, the first small area 10X is composed of the small area 10a located at or near the central portion of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10, and the second small area 10Y is the central portion of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10. Alternatively, it is configured by a small region [a small region located in the central portion or an outer portion (outer edge side portion) near the central portion] 10a other than the vicinity thereof.

Although the CCD sensor 21 is used here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a CMOS sensor is used.
A sensor or the like may be used. The mask 22 is the drive 20
It is located between the optical memory device 10 inserted and held therein and the CCD receiver 21. The size of the mask 22 is equal to that of the optical memory device 10 (the data area 10 of the optical memory device 10).
It can cover almost the entire area of A).

Here, the mask 22 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel or the like. If the mask 22 is formed of the liquid crystal panel as described above, in general, the size of one pixel of the liquid crystal panel is sufficiently smaller than the size of the small area 10a of the optical memory element 10, so that, for example, the small area 10 to be reproduced is reproduced.
In consideration of the size of a, the distance between the mask 22 and the optical memory element 10, alignment, etc., the opening 2 of the mask 22
The size of 2A can be arbitrarily adjusted.

In this embodiment, the mask 22 is partially opened so that only the scattered light emitted from any one of the plurality of small regions 10a can pass therethrough.
It is supposed to be A. For this reason, the drive 20 is provided with a control unit that performs control (opening control) to partially open the mask 22 to form the opening 22A in accordance with the position of the small area 10a to be reproduced.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the mask is partially located at a position facing the small area 10a in which the information to be reproduced is recorded (a position directly above or below the small area 10a). To be an opening 22A. Here, the size of each small area 10a forming the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 is 1 mm square to 2 mm square, and the size of the opening 22A of the mask 22 is also about the same. The opening 22 of the mask 22
The size of A is not limited to this, and may be further reduced with this size as the upper limit. On the other hand, the lower limit is arbitrary, but it is preferably about 0.5 mm square to 0.7 mm square.

On the other hand, the second small region 10 of the optical memory device 10
When reproducing the information recorded in Y, the mask 22 is partially opened at a position facing the second small region 10Y (a position directly above or below the small region 10a) to open the opening 22A.
However, the scattered light emitted from the second small area 10Y is blocked by the mask 22 and cannot be reliably detected by the CCD receiver 21.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, when the small area 10a in which the information to be reproduced is recorded is outside (outer edge side) the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10, the opening of the mask 22 is opened. Set the position of the portion 22A to the small area 10a.
Position (position directly above or below the small region 10a)
The size of the opening 22A (area)
Is also preferably large. In particular, as the small area 10a in which the information to be reproduced is recorded is located outside (outer edge side) the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10, the position of the opening 22A of the mask 22 is located at a position (small area) facing the small area 10a. It is preferable to gradually shift in a stepwise manner from a position directly above or below the region 10a).

The opening 22A of the mask 22 also needs to have an appropriate size (area) according to the size (area) of the small area 10a in which the information to be reproduced is recorded. This is because when the size of the opening 22A of the mask 22 is large, the scattered light emitted from the area adjacent to the small area 10a to be reproduced also passes through the opening 22A of the mask 22, and the adjacent small area. This is because the information recorded in the area 10a is also reproduced. On the other hand, when the size of the opening 22A of the mask 22 is small, only the scattered light emitted from a part of the small area 10a to be reproduced passes through the opening 22A of the mask 22 and the small area 10a to be reproduced. This is because it is not possible to reproduce all of the information recorded in.

In practice, it is necessary to align the optical memory device 10 inserted and held in the drive 20 with the mask 22, and this alignment is difficult.
In addition, it may take time to obtain accurate alignment. Considering such a point, the size (area) of the opening 22A of the mask 22 is made larger than the size (area) of the small area 10a in which the information to be reproduced is recorded. It is preferable to allow for alignment errors.

As described above, when the size (area) of the opening 22A of the mask 22 is made larger than the size (area) of the small area 10a in which the information to be reproduced is recorded,
As described above, the scattered light emitted from the area adjacent to the small area 10a in which the information to be reproduced is recorded also passes through the opening 22A of the mask 22 and is recorded in the adjacent small area 10a. There is a possibility that the existing information may be reproduced.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A, the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 is divided into a plurality of small areas 10a.
By dividing (dividing) into different areas and recording different information for each small area 10a, it is possible to provide each small area 10a with an interval [There is no uneven portion 5 for information between each small area 10a. By providing a region (margin), it is possible to prevent scattered light from the small region 10a adjacent to the small region 10a in which the information to be reproduced is recorded from passing through the opening 22A of the mask 22. preferable.

Here, the area (margin) not having the information uneven portion 5 is preferably about 0.05 to 0.2 mm, and most preferably about 0.1 mm. The optical memory device 10 is provided with a protective layer,
Even if the optical memory element 10 and the mask 22 are brought into close contact with each other, there is a gap between the core layer 2 of the optical memory element 10 and the mask 22, so that the information recorded in the optical memory element 10 is enlarged and reproduced. In such a case, it is necessary to set the size of the opening 22A of the mask in consideration of the distance between the mask 22 and the core layer 2 of the optical waveguide member 323 to be reproduced in the optical memory device 10.

A specific example of the optical memory device 10 satisfying the above conditions will be described below. For example, 3 μm
Pitch, 4 million pixels (eg 2452 × 1630;
(7.4 mm × 5 mm) CCD image receiving device 21 is used, and by this CCD image receiving device 21 having a light receiving region of 7.4 mm × 5 mm, the data area 10A of the optical memory device 10 is
Each small area 10a obtained by subdividing (for example, 2 cm × 2 cm)
Multiple reproduction is performed by reading a reproduced image formed by scattered light emitted from each of the above.

Here, the light receiving area of the CCD image receiver 21 is smaller than the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10, and the reproduction is formed by the scattered light emitted from each of the plurality of small areas 10a obtained by subdividing the data area 10A. Since it reads images, it is called a "reduction / multiplexing" method. In this way, when the data area 10A of the optical memory device 10 is divided into 250 small areas 10a and information is recorded so that different reproduced images can be obtained in the respective small areas 10a (when 250 are multiplexed), for example, The data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 is 2 cm square (2 cm × 2 c
m), the size (area) of each small region 10a is 1.
The size is 6 mm square (1.6 mm × 1.6 mm).

Then, the distance between the mask 22 and the core layer 2 of the optical waveguide member 323 of the optical memory element 10 is set to 100 μm.
As a degree, in the case of performing 3 to 5 times enlarged reproduction,
Since the mechanical alignment is limited to about ± 0.1 mm, the size of one opening 22A of the mask 22 is about 1.3 mm square (1.3 mm × 1.3 mm). Note that, here, as described above, the incident light (for example, the incident laser beam) is incident on the optical waveguide member 323 that constitutes the optical memory element 10.
The core layer 2 is shaped so as to extend over the entire length in the width direction and is incident. According to this, there is no need to move the irradiation position of the incident light, and, for example, a mechanism for moving the light source, the condensing unit, or the like is provided. It is preferable in that it is not necessary,
Since it is necessary to make sure that the incident light of sufficient intensity is incident on the core layer 2 of the optical waveguide member 323 to be reproduced, the incident light may be formed to be elongated so as to extend over the entire length of the optical memory element 10 in the width direction. There are limits to this.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, a position (optical memory element 10) corresponding to the small area 10a to be reproduced is formed.
The incident light (for example, an incident laser) may be incident only on the width direction position of the. Here, in the present embodiment, a plurality of small areas 10 constituting the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 are provided.
In order to selectively reproduce only the information recorded in any one of the small areas 10a of a, the incident light is incident only on the optical waveguide member 323 which constitutes the small area 10a to be reproduced. Just do it.

In this case, the small area 10a to be reproduced
The irradiation position (incident position) of the incident light is moved according to the position of the optical memory element 10 (optical memory element 10).
Since it is necessary to align the incident end surface of the optical memory element 10 with the irradiation position of the incident light, the width of the small region 10a to be reproduced (the width direction of the optical memory element 10) can be easily aligned. Length; for example, 1 mm to
Incident light (for example, incident laser) shaped into a width (for example, about 2 mm) larger than 2 mm is preferably incident. According to this, a light source with a small light power can be used, which is preferable. As a result, the design range of the optical system is expanded.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the drive 20 is provided with the mask 22, and only a part of the mask 22 can be opened. Therefore, the position of the opening 22A of the mask 22 is changed. As a result, the plurality of small areas 10 forming the data area 10A of the optical memory device 10 are formed.
The information recorded in a can be reproduced separately (multiple reproduction). Also, a small area CCD receiver 2
1 is provided, and the data area 10A (for example, 1
All information recorded in cm square to 2 cm square) can be reproduced.

As a result, a part (predetermined area) of the mask 22 is opened, and the CCD image receiver 21 detects a reproduced image formed by forming the scattered light which has passed through the opening 22A of the mask 22. Each of the data areas 10A of the optical memory element 10 is configured without changing the relative positional relationship (relative position) between the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 inserted and held in the drive 20 and the CCD receiver 21. The information recorded in the small area 10a can be independently reproduced.

Next, a reproducing method of the optical memory device 10 having the above-described structure, that is, a reproducing operation of the reproducing device for the optical memory device will be described. First, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the data is recorded in one small area 10aa (small area 10a included in the first small area 10X) located in the central portion of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 or in the vicinity thereof. When reproducing the information, the one region located in the central portion of the mask 22 or in the vicinity thereof so that the mask 22 is opened at a position (here, a position directly above) facing the one small region 10aa. Is the opening 22A.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, another small area 10ab (small area 10a included in the first small area 10X) located in the central portion of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 or in the vicinity thereof. When reproducing the information recorded in, the mask 22 is positioned in the central portion of the mask 22 or in the vicinity thereof so that the mask 22 is opened at a position (here, a position directly above) facing the other small area 10ab. The other area is the opening 22A. In addition, in FIG. 3 (A) and (B),
The case where the information recorded in the optical memory device 10 is enlarged and reproduced is shown.

As a result, of the scattered light scattered by the uneven portion 5 for information of the optical memory element 10, the light mainly emitted in the direction orthogonal to the optical waveguide direction of the incident light passes through the opening 22A of the mask 22. Since the light passes through, the reproduced image formed by forming the scattered light is reliably read by the CCD receiver 21. Further, the drive control (drive system) of the mask 22 can be simplified by limiting the opening 22A of the mask 22 to only one place.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a small area 10ac located at an outer portion (outer edge side portion) other than the central portion of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 or the vicinity thereof.
When reproducing the information recorded in (the small area 10a included in the second small area 10Y), the mask 22 is opened at a position (here, a position directly above) facing the small area 10ac, and the mask 22 is opened. A region located in the outer portion (outer edge side portion) other than the central portion or the vicinity thereof is the opening 22A.

As a result, of the scattered light scattered by the information concave-convex portion 5 of the optical memory element 10, only the light emitted in the direction oblique to the optical waveguide direction is opened 22A of the mask 22.
The reconstructed image formed by imaging this scattered light after passing through
It is read by the CD receiver 21. Here, as described above, the information concavo-convex portion 5 formed in the small region 10ac (the small region 10a included in the second small region 10Y) of the optical memory element 10 has a long period (or a short period). As a result, the intensity of scattered light is sufficiently ensured, and thus the small area 10ac (second small area) located in the outer portion (outer edge side portion) other than the central portion of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 or its vicinity. Small area 10a included in 10Y)
Even if the information is recorded in, it can be surely reproduced. Further, the drive control (drive system) of the mask 22 can be simplified by limiting the opening 22A of the mask 22 to only one place.

As shown in FIG. 5, the small area 10a in which the information to be reproduced is recorded is the optical memory element 1.
When it is in the outer portion (outer edge side portion) of the 0 data area 10A, the scattered light from the second small area 10Y of the optical memory element 10 is surely C without being blocked by the mask 22.
In order for the CD receiver 21 to receive the light, the position of the opening 22A of the mask 22 is set to the reproduction sub-region 10.
It is preferable to set the position slightly offset from the position facing a (the position directly above or below the small region 10a).

Therefore, according to the optical memory device 10 of the present embodiment, the size (medium size; size of the data area) of the CCD 20 provided in the drive 20 is not affected by the size (light receiving area). The advantage is that the recorded information can be surely read and reproduced by the drive 20 that is inexpensive and has low power consumption, while increasing the recording capacity and increasing the capacity.

Further, according to the optical memory device reproducing apparatus (drive) 20 of the present embodiment, a small area is provided at a position facing the central portion of the optical memory device 10 inserted and held in the drive 20 or its vicinity. It suffices if only one CCD receiver 21 is fixedly arranged, which is suitable for reproducing the information recorded in such an optical memory element 10 and is inexpensive and consumes low power. It has the advantage of being able to provide things.

Further, the reproducing method of the optical memory element according to the present embodiment has an advantage that a reproducing method of the optical memory element suitable for reproducing the information recorded in the optical memory element 10 can be provided. . In the above-described embodiment, the data area 1 of the optical memory device 10 described above is used.
First small area 10X located at or near the center of 0A
Similarly, the information is recorded in one small area 10a forming the second small area 10Y located in the outer portion (outer edge side portion) other than the central portion of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 or the vicinity thereof, and the information is recorded. When reproducing, only one place of the mask 22 is opened to form the opening 22A.

Then, the data area 1 of the optical memory device 10
The period of the information concave-convex portion 5 formed in the second small area 10Y located in the outer portion (outer edge side portion) other than the central portion of 0A or the vicinity thereof is lengthened (or shortened) so that the light is guided in the optical waveguide direction of the incident light. On the other hand, by increasing the intensity of the scattered light emitted in the oblique direction, the reproduced image can be surely read by the CCD receiver 21.

However, the intensity (power) of the scattered light is adjusted in accordance with the outgoing angle of the scattered light, and the reproduced image becomes brighter, so that the reproduced image is surely reproduced. Even if the pitch of the unevenness of the information uneven portion 5 is changed, the intensity (power) of the scattered light obliquely emitted in the width direction of the optical memory element 10 cannot be increased.

That is, as in the above-described embodiment, by changing the period of the uneven portion 5 for information, the small areas 1 located upstream and downstream in the optical waveguide direction with respect to the CCD receiver 21.
Even if it is possible to increase the intensity of scattered light emitted from 0a in an oblique direction to the optical waveguide direction (an oblique direction to the direction orthogonal to the optical waveguide direction), the CCD receiver 2
It is impossible to increase the intensity of scattered light obliquely emitted from the small regions 10a located on both sides (left side and right side) in the optical waveguide direction with respect to 1 toward the width direction of the optical memory element 10.

Further, it is difficult to reliably form an image of scattered light scattered by the information concavo-convex portion 5 only by changing the period of the information concavo-convex portion 5, so that it is difficult to obtain a clear reproduced image. Therefore, the data area 10 of the optical memory device 10 is
Outside part other than the central part of A or its vicinity (outer edge side part)
When the information is recorded in the second small area 10Y located at, the information is dispersed and recorded in a predetermined plurality (here, four) of small areas 10a. Then, when reproducing this information, a plurality of locations (here, four locations) of the mask 22 are opened according to the positions of the predetermined plurality of small areas 10a, for example, as shown in FIG. Then, one reproduction image is formed by the scattered light that passes through the plurality of (here, four) openings 22A and is imaged at one point, and the CCD image is read by the CCD receiver 21. ,
The information recorded in the second small area 10Y may be reproduced.

In this case, the scattered light scattered by the respective information concavo-convex portions 5 formed at a predetermined plurality of places (here, four places) of the second small area 10Y of the optical memory element 10 are combined to form one reproduced image. The information concavo-convex portion 5 may be formed in the second small region 10Y of the optical memory element 10 so that In particular, in the second small area 10Y, the outer side (outer edge side) of the optical memory element 10 data area 10A, the steeper the emission angle, the smaller the intensity of scattered light, and the more difficult it is to form a reproduced image. It is preferable to increase the number of locations where information is recorded, as it goes to the outer side (outer edge side) of the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10.

In the first small area 10X, the information uneven portion 5 is formed so that a plurality of different reproduced images are formed in one area by the scattered light emitted from each of the plurality of small areas 10a. You can leave it. As a result, the information concavo-convex portion 5 formed in the second small region 10Y of the optical memory element 10 is formed.
The intensity (power) of the scattered light scattered by and received by the CCD image receiver 21 can be increased, and the scattered light scattered by the information concavo-convex portion 5 can be reliably formed into a clear reproduced image. Can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the first small area 1
Although 0X and the second small area 10Y have the same size,
For example, the optical memory device 1 is not limited to this.
The size of the second small region 10Y located in the outer portion (outer edge side portion) other than the central portion of the zero data area 10A or the vicinity thereof may be formed larger than that of the first small area 10X.
For example, the second small area 10Y is twice as large as the first small area 10X,
The size may be four times larger.

In this case, if one reproduction image is formed by the scattered light from the large second small area 10Y, the intensity (power) of the scattered light received by the CCD receiver 21 can be increased. In addition, it is possible to obtain a clear reproduced elephant. Further, similarly to the above-described embodiment, it is preferable to increase the intensity (power) of scattered light by increasing the area of the small region 10a toward the outer side (outer edge side) of the data region 10A.

In the embodiment described above, the data area 10A of the optical memory element 10 is divided (divided) into a plurality of small areas 10a, and when different information is recorded in each small area 10a, the small areas 10a are separated from each other. By providing a region (margin) having no information concavo-convex portion 5 in the above, it is possible to prevent crosstalk between the small regions 10a due to the influence of the distance between the mask 22 and the optical memory element 10. However, the method of preventing crosstalk is not limited to this.

For example, there is a method (a method of overlapping data) in which data (information) to be recorded is overwritten in each small area 10a in the area near the boundary of each small area 10a. That is, when the information unevenness portion 5 is formed in one small area 10a, if the calculation is performed based on the reproduced image desired to be obtained from the small area 10a, what cycle is given to each cell forming the small area 10a, Since it is possible to uniquely determine whether to form the information unevenness portion 5 having a phase, a length, etc., the information unevenness portion 5 is formed based on this.

Here, in the area where the data in the vicinity of the boundary of each small area 10a is written in an overlapping manner, both small areas 10a are
The information concavo-convex portion 5 having a cycle, a phase, a length, etc. that contributes to the reproduced image of is formed. This also applies to both small areas 10
It can be uniquely obtained by performing calculation based on the reproduced image of a. However, it is preferable that the area in which the data is overlapped and written is limited to the area in the vicinity of the boundary of each small area 10a.
That is, it is preferable that the contribution to the reproduced image obtained from each small area 10a is originally small. this is,
If the area where the data is overlapped and written is too large, or if it is on the side close to the center of the small area 10a,
This is because the reproduced image may not be clear. For this reason, it is preferable that the area in which the data is overlapped and written (data overlapping area) is, for example, about 0.05 to 0.2 mm.

[0113]

According to the optical memory device of the present invention described in claims 1 to 7, the size (light receiving area) of the photodetector such as a CCD image receiver provided in the drive is not affected.
There is an advantage that the size (medium size; size of the data area) can be increased to increase the capacity.

According to the reproducing apparatus for an optical memory element of the present invention described in claims 8 to 13, it is inexpensive and suitable for reproducing the information recorded in the optical memory element of claims 1 to 7, and There is an advantage that a device with low power consumption can be provided. According to the reproducing method of the optical memory element of the present invention described in claims 14 to 19, it is possible to provide the reproducing method of the optical memory element suitable for reproducing the information recorded in the optical memory element of claims 1 to 7. There are advantages.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an overall configuration of an optical memory element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a configuration of a reproducing device for an optical memory element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B are schematic views for explaining a reproducing method of the optical memory element according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a reproducing method of the optical memory element according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a reproducing method of the optical memory element according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a reproducing method of the optical memory element according to the embodiment of the present invention.

7A to 7G are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining a method for manufacturing a laminated body that constitutes the optical memory element according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an example of a laminated structure of a laminated body that constitutes the optical memory element according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the operation principle of a conventional optical memory device.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the operation principle of a conventional optical memory device.

11A and 11B are schematic perspective views for explaining the operation principle of a conventional optical memory element.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 stamper 2,2A, 2B core layer 3,3A, 3B clad layer 4 Resin film (support) 5 uneven parts 10 Optical memory device 10A data area (information recording area) 10a, 10aa, 10ab, 10ac Small area 10X First small area 10Y 2nd small area 20 drive (reproducing device for optical memory device) 21 CCD receiver 22 Mask (liquid crystal panel) 22A opening 323 Optical waveguide member

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A resin core layer and a resin clad layer laminated on both sides of the resin core layer, wherein at least one of the interfaces between the resin core layer and the resin clad layer is for information. An optical memory device comprising one or more optical waveguide members each having a concavo-convex portion, wherein an information recording area having the concavo-convex portion for information is divided into a plurality of small areas and scattered from the plurality of small areas. An optical memory device, characterized in that the light is formed on one area smaller than the information recording area to form a reproduced image. 2. The information recording area includes a first area facing the one area and a second area other than the first area, and the scattered light emitted from a small area in the second area is formed. The information concavo-convex portion of the second small region is formed such that the intensity of the scattered light emitted from the small region in the first region is substantially the same in the first region. The optical memory device according to claim 1, wherein 3. A cycle of the information concave-convex portion formed in a small area in a second area other than the first area facing the one area and a small area in the first area. 3. The optical memory element according to claim 1, wherein a cycle of the information uneven portion is different. 4. The information concave-convex portion is formed in each of the plurality of small areas so that different reproduced images are obtained, and scattered light emitted from the plurality of small areas forms a plurality of areas in the one area. The optical memory device according to claim 1, wherein the optical memory device is configured so that different reproduced images are formed. 5. In the first area facing the one area, the information so that a plurality of different reproduced images are formed in the one area by scattered light emitted from each of the plurality of small areas. In the second area other than the first area, scattered light emitted from a plurality of predetermined small areas forms an image in the one area to form one reproduced image. The optical memory device according to claim 1, wherein the uneven portion for information is formed as described above. 6. The optical memory device according to claim 1, wherein a region not having the information concave-convex portion is formed between each of the plurality of small regions. . 7. The optical memory device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of small regions partially overlap with each other. 8. In order to reproduce the information recorded in the optical memory element according to claim 1, incident light is made incident on the optical memory element and scattered light emitted to the outside is detected. And a photodetector for detecting scattered light emitted from the optical memory element and imaged in the one area, the optical memory element being disposed at a position facing the photodetector. A reproducing device for an optical memory device, comprising a mask capable of partially opening the scattered light emitted from each of the plurality of small regions of the device so as to selectively pass therethrough. 9. The scattered light passing through the opening of the mask by partially opening the mask so that only scattered light emitted from any one of the plurality of small areas passes therethrough. 9. The reproducing apparatus for an optical memory element according to claim 8, wherein the information recorded in any one of the plurality of small areas is reproduced by detecting the signal by the photodetector. . 10. The mask of the mask is configured to pass only scattered light emitted from a plurality of predetermined small regions in a small region in a second region other than the first region facing the one region. By opening a plurality of portions and detecting one reconstructed image formed by scattered light from the plurality of predetermined small areas that have passed through the plurality of openings of the mask by the photodetector, 9. The reproducing apparatus for an optical memory element according to claim 8, which reproduces information recorded in a plurality of small areas. 11. The mask according to claim 8, wherein the mask is partially opened so as to be larger than the small region in order to allow scattered light emitted from the small region to pass therethrough. 2. A reproducing device for an optical memory element according to item 1. 12. When reproducing information recorded in a small area in a first area facing the one area, only scattered light emitted from the first small area is passed. While opening the portion of the mask facing the first small area, while reproducing the information recorded in the small area in the second area other than the first area, the second small area 12. A portion of the mask, which is shifted from the portion facing the second small region toward the one region side, is opened so that only the scattered light emitted from the mask passes through the opening. 2. A reproducing device for an optical memory device according to item 1. 13. The mask according to claim 8, wherein the mask is composed of a liquid crystal panel.
Item 10. A reproducing device for an optical memory device according to the item. 14. The method of reproducing an optical memory element according to claim 1, wherein incident light is incident on an optical waveguide member of the optical memory element,
The scattered light is emitted from the optical memory element to the outside, the scattered light emitted from each of the plurality of small areas of the optical memory element is selectively passed, and the scattered light imaged in the one area is detected, A method of reproducing an optical memory device, which comprises reproducing information recorded in the optical memory device. 15. The method of reproducing an optical memory element according to claim 14, wherein only scattered light emitted from any one of the plurality of small areas is passed. 16. Only the scattered light emitted from a predetermined plurality of small areas in a second area other than the first area opposite to the first area is allowed to pass through the predetermined area. 15. The scattered light from the small region of 1 detects the reproduced image formed by forming the image in the 1 region.
A method for reproducing the described optical memory device. 17. The mask according to claim 14, wherein the mask is partially opened so as to be larger than the small area in order to allow scattered light emitted from the small area to pass therethrough. 2. A method for reproducing an optical memory element according to item 1. 18. When reproducing information recorded in a small area in the first area facing the one area, only scattered light emitted from the first small area is passed. While opening the portion of the mask facing the first small area, while reproducing the information recorded in the small area in the second area other than the first area, the second small area 18. A portion of the mask, which is deviated from the portion facing the second small region toward the one region side, is opened so that only scattered light emitted from the mask is allowed to pass therethrough.
The method for reproducing the optical memory element according to any one of 1 to 4 above. 19. The method of reproducing an optical memory element according to claim 14, wherein the mask is composed of a liquid crystal panel.