JPH07507177A - High data rate optical tape recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] High data rate optical tape recorder Technical field The present invention is suitable for use in optical tape recorders, particularly at speeds exceeding 400 megabits per second. This invention relates to optical tape recorders for recording and retrieving data.

Background of the invention Magnetic tape recording systems are widely used to store digital information. have historically suffered from performance and preservation problems, and these problems have 0 e.g. 1 gA making its continued use for storage unacceptable Due to the relatively low storage density of air storage media, many expensive tapes are required to store information. A prill or cassette is required. Additionally, reels and covers of recorded media Mechanical devices and parts used in providing a storage system for sets include: Often requires expensive and time-consuming maintenance and/or complete replacement . Additionally, magnetic tape is repackaged every 6 months to compensate for tape stretch. Data must be recorded once every 5 to 10 years to keep it intact. Needs to be fixed.

Currently, magnetic systems are commonly used to record and reproduce digitized information. Optical systems are used instead. In optical recorders, photoelectric recording Recording media (lizht 5-ensitive recordiB media) A device for amplitude modulating a light beam with a predetermined intensity required for marking. data is used. The modulated beam is focused to a small spot and the data traced across the data track, with a fixed number of closely spaced data points along the data track. Data is transmitted as a fine optical pattern consisting of microscopic dots (data marks). Record. In order to play recorded data from optical media, a data track is required. A low-intensity illumination beam is scanned along the will be adjusted. The modulated beam is reflected from the medium and used for reproduction of the recorded data. A photodetector that generates an electrical signal according to the beam modulation is illuminated for the purpose.

Optical recording and playback system has enhanced performance characteristics throughout the 1gi system It has been proven that it provides

The microscopic optical pattern of data recorded on a recording medium by an optical system is Dramatically increases data storage density compared to traditional magnetic systems. Moreover, magnetic system, there is no contact between the read head and the media, and the read process Because of the presence of active optical tracking during the The possibility of tape stretching and abrasion is reduced. Therefore, the lifetime of data on the medium is This increases to more than 20 years. Finally, you can memorize a significantly large amount of data with the 1 volume system. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a storage system for storing reels and cassettes of recording media. Complexity (and space required) is significantly reduced.

However, the problem with this optical recording/playback system technology is that the recording/playback data is low. data speed. Currently available "high speed" optical recording systems are only 3 frames per second. At this speed, it only provides recording or reading speeds of GB (24 megabits). It takes approximately four days and nights to record or reproduce one terabyte of digital data. It turns out.

For current and future needs, a recording and reproducing capacity of about 3 megabytes per second is recommended. For example, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Predicting data speeds in 2000. This cannot be handled with traditional optical systems. Too much data to be stored at a storage rate of approximately 5 terabytes per session It is. Therefore, data input and output in excess of 400 megabits per second There is a need for improved optical data recording and playback that can handle speeds. Exists.

Summary of the invention Traditional optical recording and playback systems modulate a single beam of light with digital data. The optical tape recorder of the present invention records at a speed of approximately 24 megabits per second. generates multiple data traces within each data trace scanned across the photosensitive recording medium. 400 megabytes per second by simultaneously writing and/or reading data tracks Data can be stored and retrieved at speeds exceeding bits. multichannel data Each data track (channel) with a data trace contains a different predetermined portion of data. Record the minutes. Therefore, the effective read or write speeds are combined.

and data written or read simultaneously within each multichannel data trace. Only a factor equal to the number of tracks.

increases compared to conventional systems. This multichannel read and write scheme Enhanced data capacity compared to traditional magnetic and single channel optical systems provide the ability.

l To achieve recording and decoding of multiple data tracks per data trace , the optical recorder of the present invention records multiple data tracks within each data trace. multi-channel writing beam for recording; multiple data tracks of recorded data; a read beam that scans the multichannel data trace to reconstruct the Multichannel writing beams combined in a multibeam illumination beam on the surface of the recording medium and data, including an autofocus beam to assist in focusing the read beam. Utilizes a read-write module that outputs multi-beam illumination beams for tracing. use To record and read multiple data tracks per data trace , multiple writes and reads in the form of a multi-beam illumination beam for scanning across the medium It is necessary to accurately combine the focus beam and the autofocus beam. achieve this combination To do this, the read-write module polarizes the beams together to perform multiple accurately approximate and direct the readout and autofocus beams in relation to each other. and thus spatial combination optics to ensure proper alignment within the illumination beam. Contains parts and points and translational optics. vi capture and write mode Joule optics provide individual write, read and autofocus beams within the illumination beam. further adjusting and separating systems to improve accuracy and efficiency in storing and retrieving data at speeds of 1≦. Provide goodness.

Brief description of the drawing The optical tape recorder of the present invention can be seen in the detailed description of Shimashita in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. A more complete understanding can be achieved by looking at the

FIG. 1 illustrates an optical tape recorder system according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows the emptying of multiple write, read and autofocus beams into a multibeam illumination beam. Figure 1 shows an intermediate combination of an optical tape recorder and a write module. FIG.

FIG. 3A shows the write beam for the read-write module shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a single polarization implementation of the source.

FIG. 3B shows the write beam for the read-write module shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a multi-polarization implementation of a source.

Figure 4 shows a multi-beam illumination beam consisting of multiple read, write and autofocus beams. A glance guide for the optical tape recorder shown in Figure 1 showing the movement and translation of 2 is a schematic diagram of a scanning transparent polygon of an embedding head; FIG.

FIG. 5A illustrates the lens wheel of the write head shown in FIG. Ru.

Figure 5B shows the movement of the translated illumination beam and lens on the lens wheel during one revolution. shows the synchronized routes of

5B is a close-up view of a portion of the lens wheel shown in FIG. 5A. FIG.

FIG. 50 shows multiple writing of a multi-beam illumination beam focused on a 1 wt recording medium. The field of view of one lens of the lens wheel is shown.

FIG. 5D shows the spacing between adjacent data tracks in a data trace and each data track. Indicates the spacing between adjacent data marks within a rack.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the 12-unit lens wheel.

FIG. 7 shows one of the inventive read-write heads located on opposite sides of the scanning transparent polygon. The record shown in FIG. 1 includes a pair of opposing beam expanders with FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a read beam source for the read-write module shown in FIG. and a schematic diagram of a readout array detector.

Figure 9 shows the autofocus beam for the read-write module shown in Figure 2. 2 is a schematic diagram of the source and autofocus error detector; FIG.

Figure 10 shows how to detect the focusing error in the optical tape recorder shown in Figure 1. Figure 9 shows the astigmatic focus error correction geometry used by the automatic focus error detector shown in Figure 9. are doing.

FIG. 11A shows the autofocus system included in the optical tape recorder of FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an optical component for.

FIG. 11B shows the autofocus system included in the optical tape recorder of FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of an optical component for.

FIG. 110 shows the autofocus system installed in the optical tape recorder of FIG. 2 shows yet another embodiment of an optical component for.

Brief description of the drawing Referring now to 21, a schematic diagram of an optical tape recorder 100 according to the present invention is shown. has been done. Optical tape recorder 100 outputs a multi-beam illumination beam 104. Multi-beam illumination is applied onto the read/write module 102 and the photosensitive recording medium 108. It includes a read-write head 106 for focusing the bright beam. multi beam Illumination beam 104 includes one or both of a writing beam and a reading beam. The multi-beam illumination beam 104 may also include an optical tape recorder 1 00 read and write beams as required to perform the desired functions. Other beams may be included, such as a combined autofocus beam. As discussed below, read-write module 102 includes multiple channels. generating the channel write, read and autofocus beams in the form of a multi-beam illumination beam 104; light source and optical components (see Figures 2, 3A, 3B, 8 and 9) for combination. Contains.

Purpose of writing data to or reading data from the recording medium 108 , the multi-beam illumination beam 1 output by the read-write module 1o, 2 04 is.

It consists of a synchronized scanning transparent polygon 110 and a rotating lens wheel 112. The read/write head 106 is directed toward the read/write head 106 . The scanning transparent polygon 110 is , an arrow 114 is driven by a motor 116 rotating a shaft 118 attached thereto. It is rotated about the rotation axis 113 in the direction indicated by . lens wheel 1 12 is driven by a motor 124 that rotates a shaft 126 attached to it. It is rotated about its axis of rotation 120 in the direction indicated by mark 122. 1! The polygon 110 and lens wheel 112 of the single write head are connected to the recording medium 108. to precisely focus and scan the multi-beam illumination beam 104 across the functions to provide multiple data track data traces as described below. Ru.

Traditional optical storage devices are made of closely spaced microscopic dots (data marks). A thin optical fiber, commonly called a data track, consisting of a single line (channel) A read-write head moves across the recording medium to record data as a pattern. It contains only one white beam that is opened, focused and scanned. Traditional single Record and read data rates compared to the speeds offered by single channel systems In order to significantly increase the read-write module 102 of the present invention, the combination A multibeam illumination beam 104 having a plurality of written beams is output. this lighting Beams 104 are closely spaced as described in more detail in connection with Figures 5C and 5D. Multiple data tracks (channels) of spaced R machine gun dots (data marks) ) to record data in a fine optical pattern (data trace) consisting of Focused and scanned across recording medium 108 by read-write head 106 1. The recorder 100 of the present invention scans each data tray across the recording medium. data storage and inspection to allow multiple data tracks to be recorded within the The speed for recording is significantly increased compared to traditional single channel recorders (each The relationship is at least n, where n is the number of data tracks recorded in the data trace. (increases by the number).

Referring now to FIG. 2, reading and writing for an optical recorder 100 of the present invention A schematic diagram of module 102 is shown. read-write module 102 The output multi-beam illumination beam 104 thus includes a plurality of collimated (co llisated) writing beam 128, collimated reading beam 130 and a plurality of spatially combined beams including a referenced autofocus beam 132 Contains. Each collimated writing beam 128 corresponds to the data to be recorded. Amplitude modulated writing beam source 134 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) is output by modulating the source in response to a predetermined portion of the data to be recorded; The means 135 for writing and the plurality of writing beam sources include one writing module and one writing module. A write submodule 136 for 102 is included. collimated The read beam 130 and collimated autofocus beam 132 similarly read sub-modules 138 and 138 for write module 102, respectively. Kl extraction beam source and autofocus included in autofocus submodule 140 It is output from a beam source (not shown, FIGS. 8 and 9).

The read-write module 102 furthermore! Combining one number of writing beams A multi-beam illumination beam 104 is formed.

Write, read and autofocus submodules (136, 138 and 14 respectively) The calibrated beams (128, 130 and 132) output by o) Multi-layered reflector 142 with offset layered mirrors 144 The beam reflected by layered reflector 142 is further reflected by The five-layer reflector 142 reflected by the single mirror 146 and the single mirror 146 The reflection angle of the mirror plate of the mirror 146 is 2. The reflected writing beams 128, the reading beams are Beam 130 and autofocus beam 132 are deflected and spatially combined to a single point. Objective lens 15 placed at a point 148 selected to converge at 148 A two-lens system 150 consisting of a converging lens 150b and a reading/writing mode Spatially combined write beam 128, read beam from Joule 102 130 and an autofocus lens 132 projecting a multibeam illumination beam 104. .

Referring now to FIG. 3A, the write submodule of the read-write module 102 Overview of a Single Polarization Implementation of the Writing Beam Source 134 Utilized in the Joule 136 A diagram is shown. A laser diode 152 of a predetermined polarization and wavelength is connected to the lens. Light collimated into a writing beam 128 collimated by 154 Output.

The writing beam 128 output from the writing vinyl source 134 is connected to the writing submodule. The writing beam output from the other writing beam source 134 (n) of the the beam, which is spatially combined with the reading beam 130 and the autofocus beam 132. . Writing beams output from writing beam source 134 within multibeam illumination beam 104 The position of the beam 128 is circularized and adjusted by an anamorphic prism pair 158. Translated by the movable plate 156,! 11 pairs of adjustable Risley prisms 159 and other included beams (read, write and positioning and directing the beam precisely in relation to the ensure proper alignment and separation of multiple beams within the system illumination beam.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, the write submodule of read-write module 102 Overview of a multi-polarization implementation of the writing beam source 134' utilized within the module 136 A diagram is shown. In the multi-polarization embodiment of the writing beam [134-, the (S-polarization A dielectric polarizer 160 (which transmits P-polarized light and reflects P-polarized light) is used to generate a combined polarizer. Lasers of approximately equal wavelength to output a resized writing beam 128'. A collimated write beam of P-polarized light emitted by laser diode 152 164 channels of the S-polarized collimated writing beam and 162 channels of the S-polarized collimated writing beam. Combine. According to the polarized combined writing beam 1134-, the writing beam 12 8- output increases significantly. Each polarization channel circularizes the beam anamorphic prism pair, adjustable moving prism to translate the beam 156 and an adjustable Risley prism pair 15 for pointing the beam. 9 to produce S polarized light and 2g4 light beams in the guiding polarizer 160, respectively. 162 and 164 accurately.

The moving plate 156 and Risley prism pair 159 similarly provide a multi-beam illumination beam. Other writing beams 12 are used to ensure proper alignment and separation within beam 104. 8-1 In relation to the read beam 130 and the autofocus beam 132, the write How to accurately position the writing beam 128' output by the beam source 134- It also functions to direct people.

As shown in FIG. The multi-beam illumination beam 104 includes a multi-criteria writing beam 128 that is It is directed toward the scanning transparent polygon 110 of the write head 106 . here Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of a scanning transparent polygon 110 is shown. Many The rectangle 110 has an even number of sides 166 arranged in opposing parallel pairs. Consists of parts of transparent material of scientific quality. This polygon 110 means that the beam is inside the polygon. such that it is transmitted through and refracted by one of the opposing pairs of parallel sides 166 is positioned to receive a multi-beam illumination beam 104 at a. in this way The refracted beam is received by the polygons 1 and 10 and transmitted through the collimator. without changing the direction of the beam 104 (i.e. parallel to it) be moved.

Rotation of polygon 110 about axis 113 (in the direction indicated by arrow 114) The multibeam illumination beam 104 passed through and moved by along a straight path 170 in the direction indicated by (also shown in detail in solid lines in Figure 5B). ) will be translated and scanned repeatedly. Moved multi-beam illumination beam 104 follows the solid polygon along path 170 as polygon 110 rotates. From the first position, generally represented by the output beam 172, the dashed polygon run to a second position generally represented by the output beam 174 for a rectangular shape. will be investigated. One scan of the beam along path 170 causes polygon 110 to Parallel sides 16 that refract the multi-beam illumination beam 104 that passes through it as it rotates. occurs for each of the 6 opposing pairs.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the scanning multibeam illumination beam is moved through one pass. 104 is directed towards lens wheel 112 which rotates once. figure here 5A, a lens wheel 112 of the present invention is illustrated. This Len The wheels 112 are disk-shaped and are positioned at equal intervals around the disk. One individual lens 176, which includes a plurality of individual lenses 176, provides multi-beam illumination. A bright beam 104 is continuously received and focused onto a recording medium 108. lens hotel The eel is preferably W-close molded or has a diamond point cut inside. a disc-shaped unit formed as a unit of optical quality material with a plurality of lenses 176; It is a shaped part. Alternatively, each lens 176 may be separated separately from lens wheel 112. of multiple apertures formed around the lens wheel disc. It can also be inserted and fixed inside.

However, the unit type lens wheel 112 described above has more accurate performance. , since they are relatively cheap to manufacture and can be reproduced more consistently, It is not preferable to manufacture and install the lenses 176 separately.A.

Lens wheel 112 is rotated about its center 120 by motor 124. (Figure 1).

A series of individual lenses 176 around the wheel momentarily produce a multi-beam illumination beam 1. 04 is received and focused on the recording medium 108. Multi-beam illumination by lens 176 The focusing of the beam 104 causes the multi-beam illumination beam 104 to illuminate the lens wheel. one on lens wheel 112 that generally corresponds to the area and location of recording medium 108; This occurs only when the lens momentarily moves through the active area 178 of the lens. Arrow 1 Rotation of lens wheel 112 in the direction indicated by 22 causes successive individual The lens 176 passes through the active region 178 through an arcuate path 180 (shown as a dashed line in FIG. 5B). (as shown in detail). Path 180 Active portion 341 that the center of each lens 176 follows as the eel 112 rotates. It consists of a portion of the circumferential path within 78. Each lane passing through the active area 178 The lens 176 receives and collects the incident multibeam illumination beam 104 on the recording medium 108. The data trace 182 is bundled and scanned across the width of the media.

in a direction perpendicular to the direction of trace 182 (indicated by arrow 184). movement of the recording medium 108 and the lens wheel (indicated by arrow 122) With rotation of 112, successive lenses 176 become active.

Completely scan consecutive parallel and adjacent data traces across the recording medium .

Straight line path 170 and active area 178 followed by scanning multi-beam illumination beam 104 an arcuate path 18 followed by each lens 176 on rotating lens wheel 112 through 0 is.

They are shown in FIG. 5B in superimposed relation to each other. (Than the diameter of lens 176. It is shown illuminating the circular part jJ186 on the much larger lens wheel. The multibeam illumination beam 104 runs along path 170 between dashed lines 188. While scanning, a portion of the activity area 178 is illuminated. Continuous parallel data trays Scanning of multibeam illumination beam 104 along path 170 to scan beam 182 For complete illumination of each successive lens 176 moving along path 180 by requires that the path locations be substantially aligned (as shown in Figure 5B). ), the lens path 180 is arcuate and the scan path 170 is linear. The slight bias between the paths shown is caused by , is acceptable due to the size of the area between the lines 188 that will be illuminated. be.

Referring now to FIGS. 1.4, 5A and 5B, each successive lens 176 is The total illumination further includes the travel of each of the multibeam illumination beams 104 along the path 170. The scanning motion of each successive lens along path 180 through active region 178 It needs to be synchronized to match the movement. With synchronization, the lens The illuminated circular portion $4186 on the eel 112 is visible when the lens passes through the active area 178. as it moves, it will completely illuminate each lens 176, thereby multiplexed data recorded within each data trace 182 as described below. Achieving the smallest possible bit diameter on the recording medium 108 for each track will be done. To achieve complete illumination, the polygon 110 and lens hoop Activation of motors 116 and 124 for each of motors 112 follows a straight path 17. One scan of the multibeam illumination beam 104 along the arcuate path 180 This occurs in response to the movement of each lens 176 through the moving part #1178, and is consistent with this movement. The synchronization is controlled for synchronization, generally designated 190, to match.

Referring now to FIG. 50, the lens 176 of the lens wheel 112 allows the recording medium to be A field of view 192 of multibeam illumination beam 104 is shown focused onto body 108. 1. As described above with respect to FIG. 2, 1. Multi-beam illumination beam 104 is used to provide high storage and retrieval data rates. is output by n writes [134(n) in write submodule 136] A multi-channel writing beam 128 is included. Therefore, recording medium 1 Each data trace 182 on 08 consists of n channels of recorded data. It will be done. Each data channel corresponds to the data in data trace 182. It is recorded on the recording medium 108 as a data track 194 (see also FIG. 5D).

The position of each writing beam 128 within the multi-beam illumination beam 104 is Illuminate separate and distinct writing spots 195 within a field of view 192 focused on 0B. Point and translation optics such that multiple channels are separated from each other for clarity As shown, the write For n=32 write sources 134 and data channels in submodule 136. There are 32 corresponding writing spots.

The allowable number of write i'X 134(n) included in the optical recorder 100 can be selected The size of the field of view 192 and the spatial combination optics shown in FIG. Limited by accuracy.

Referring now to FIG. 5D, focused multi-beam illumination for recording data 12 illustrates marking of photosensitive media with multiple writing beams 128 of beam 104. a storage medium in a portion of the data trunk 182 as shown in FIG. 108 fragments are shown. Two data tracks in data trace 182 194 portions are shown. Adjacent data traces in data trace 182 The center-to-center spacing of tracks 194 determines the center-to-center spacing of adjacent data tracks 194. With the centers of the target marks 196 separated by approximately 1 micron, approximately 1.5 microns apart. It's Ron. Referring again to ll3A, 3B and 5C, recording medium 108 Multiple collimators within the multibeam illumination beam 104 projected within the upper field of view 192 each for precise positioning and orientation of the beams in relation to each other. The writing beams i 1, 34 translate each writing beam 128 to point The moving plate 156 and Risley prism pair 158 are adjusted so that . A suitable translation and point is approximately 1.5 mm between adjacent data tracks 194. Ensure proper cron spacing. Modulating the write source 134 with the data to be recorded Also, the appropriate 1.5 micrometers between adjacent data marks 196 in data track 194 A predetermined rotation of the lens wheel 112 to maintain a spacing of approximately Adjacent data trunks as shown, adjusted according to speed 194 and the g spacing between adjacent data marks 196 can be adjusted using the system data. Maximize data density while maintaining data recording and playback accuracy.

1 to 5D, on the recording medium 108 (for recording this data) , the collimated write beam output by write submodule 136 The intensity of beam 128 is adjusted such that the beam marks the photosensitive medium. It will be done. Each write medium 128 is supported by a data signal to be recorded. amplitude modulated (on/off) according to the means 135 by a predetermined portion of the data. A plurality of write beams 128 are located inside the read-write module 102. are combined intermittently to form a multibeam illumination beam 104 into a scanning polygon 110. The lens 176 of the lens wheel 112 is translated further and focused on the medium by the lens 176 of the lens wheel 112. bundled to scan multiple data tracks 194 within each data trace 182.

in a direction perpendicular to the rotation of lens wheel 112 (indicated by arrow 184). A plurality of data traces 182 are created on the medium 108 by translation of the medium at It becomes possible to record adjacent to each other.

For example, the lens wheel 112 may include 12 lenses 176 and provide 6,000 lenses per minute. It can rotate at a speed of 500 revolutions. This results in a width of 374 inches per second. 1, 300 lenses 176 will be scanned across the tape 108. next Assuming a 1 micron spacing between adjacent marks 196 (prior art conventional one data trace per data trace 182 (as in conventional optical recorders). If a data channel (data trunk 194) is written, each data track 19,000 unformatted data samples across tape media 108 within The pull will be written. This is 24 megabytes per second, unformatted. It is equal to the speed of tsuto.

Using the multi-channel recording capability of the optical recorder 100 of the present invention, the data trace Each trunk 182 has 32 (n=32) channels (data trunk 194). A writing beam 128(n) (as shown in FIG. 50) is provided and its result The result is unformatted storage speeds of over 760 Mbits per second. Ru. This storage speed is necessary to meet current and future data recording demands. The design goal of 400 megabytes per second storage speed is easily achieved. will be fulfilled.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a plurality of precision moldings are positioned around a disc-shaped body. Or a unit type lens holder having a diamond point front lens 176. A cross section of the eel 112 is shown. Each lens 17 in the lens wheel 112 The preferred optical lens design for 6 is a flat lens with an aspherical shape on the convex side 198. It is a single convex lens. In using the flat surface 200 in conjunction with the whitening surface 198 centering two prescription surfaces together (e.g. one-sided convex or concave-convex design) by removing the alignment tolerances associated with A lens design is provided. The plano-convex design creates a gap between the contained optical surfaces within the lens. Further preferred as it minimizes rust and the flat surface provides an effective base plane. be. Thus, a plano-convex design with a convex surface 198 connected to a flat surface 200 makes manufacturing, testing and assembly of the lens wheel 112 easier, cheaper and more efficient. Make it good.

In a lens design where one surface (the aspherical surface 198) provides most of the focusing power, uses an optical material (with a refractive index greater than 2.25) to manufacture each lens 176. For example, C1eartran (Zinc sulfide) is preferably used.

In a preferred embodiment, a lens including a disk support structure and individual lenses is provided. The entire lens wheel 112 (as shown in Figure 6) may be precision molded or Unit made from optical quality materials with high refractive power using Diamond Point seating technology Formula III is constructed. Individual lenses 176 on the disk substrate of the lens wheel Precision molding offers the advantage of being consistently precise, easily reproducible, and interchangeable. A unit type lens wheel 112 is formed. In an alternative embodiment, After individual construction of each lens 176 from the preferred optical material, the lens is A plurality of apertures around the disc-shaped lens wheel 112 in accordance with the teachings of the art. inserted into one of them and fixed.

As mentioned above, the lens wheel 11 used within the read-write head 106 2 from optical quality materials using precision molding or diamond point seat technology It has a disc shape that is formed in a unit type. When precision molding techniques are used, Forming the lens wheel essentially involves the formation of the desired optical surface on the lens wheel. A master lens wheel that is negative is used. lens wheel from master 112, depending on the shape of the master, a high quality optical polymer or Precision molding of specially formulated glass. In a variant embodiment, flat high quality The optical substrate is used as a base for the deposition of a thin epoxy layer, and the master A wheel is manufactured by molding a lens inside the box.

Refractive optics are used for each individual lens 176 on lens wheel 112. If the If zero-diffractive optics are used, lithography or diamond A single diffraction lens whose master is made using a do-point lens is typically a Kinoff lens. Profiled as either ohm (kinofor+a) or binary lens In. Fresnel lenses are a specific type of kinoform. Kinofuo The smooth surface of the beam can be approximated using a flat surface step function (dual optical component). be done. The kinoform approximated to a flat surface is a diamond point sitting technique. 0 by iteratively masking and etching the substrate. , binary optics are manufactured using either photolithography or electron beam lithography. be done. Once the type of lens (refractive or diffractive) and manufacturing method are determined , a master is manufactured according to the preferred method. Multiple lens wheels are manufactured using dense molding, and the resulting lens wheels are Eels are identical, compatible and functional over a wide wavelength range. these The lenses also have virtually the same back focal plane and are free from any aberrations due to lens design. is present consistently across all lenses on the wheel.

Referring again to Figure 4, some mechanical and optical performance optimizations are discussed below. For reasons of (Resulting increase in complexity and cost on III) ), the one obtained by increasing the number of opposing edges 166 The advantage of is that the polygon 110 more closely resembles a disk, so when the polygon rotates, The point is that the effect of Windage is reduced. Furthermore, the opposite side 166 Due to the increase in the number of polygons 11 required for a constant rotational speed of the lens wheel 112 0 rotation speed decreases. This means that the high rotational speed of polygon 110 is 116 and light within several optical materials chosen for the production of polygons. This is important because it induces chemical birefringence. Finally, the opposite sides of polygon 110 As the number of 166 increases, the maximum angle of incidence of the multibeam illumination beam 104 decreases.

thus.

The variation in Fresnel reflection coefficient is reduced and due to the multi-beam illumination beam 104 S and P It becomes possible to use both polarizations of light, increasing the bandwidth of the recorder (e.g. For example, see multiple polarized writing beams in FIG. 3B).

Referring now to FIG. 7, multiple beam illumination is applied on each side of the scanning transparent polygon 110. A pair of beam expanders 202 positioned along the bright beam 104 are A read/write header for the optical tape recorder 100 of the present invention, including A code 106 is shown. The beam expander 202a has a scanning polygon 110 and the read-write module 102. beam exper The lens 202b is located between the scanning polygon 110 and the lens wheel 112! Aperture determined. The use of a pair of beam expanders 202 is such that the beam is incident on a polygon and its The diameter of the multi-beam illumination beam 104 transmitted through the polygon is narrowed to reduce the beam output from the polygon. provides a contraction-expansion system around polygon 110 that expands the diameter of the beam. .

The diameter of the multibeam illumination beam 104 transmitted through the polygon is smaller. and the mechanical and optical performance advantages brought about by increasing the number of sides 166 as described above. Depending on manufacturing complexity and cost issues, the polygon size and Shapes can be standardized. Obtained from scaling the size of polygon 110 Another advantage is that it causes a corresponding reduction in the polygonal cost. The manufacturing specifications regarding the parallelism of the opposing sides 166 are relatively relaxed. be. Furthermore, the diameter of the multibeam illumination beam 104 transmitted through the scanning polygon 110 By narrowing , the duty cycle of this system increases.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the read submodule within the read-write module 102 A schematic diagram of a module 138 is shown. The reading submodule includes a collimated A read source 204 is included for emitting a read beam 130 (see FIG. (similar to write source 134 shown in Figure 3A), read R204 includes a The light is emitted by a laser diode 154 and collimated by a lens 154. an anamorphic beam for shaping, translating and pointing the reading beam 130. Includes a pair of prisms 158, a moving plate 156, and a pair of Risley prisms 159. It is. In particular, the anamorphic ink prism pair 158 is used to record data traces. to laterally illuminate multiple data tracks 184 (channels) of base 182. A rectangular illumination field 206 within the field of view 192 focused onto the medium 108 (see FIG. 5C). The reading beam 130 is shaped to form a beam of light. The reading source 204 points and Translation optics similarly include multiple writing beams 128 and autofocus beams 132. functions to accurately position and orient the read beam 130 in relation to to ensure proper alignment of the multiple beams within multibeam illumination beam 104. read The polarization of beam 130 is determined by passing the beam into quarter wave plate 208. 1 changed by 45 degrees by Referring again to FIGS. 11, 2, 50, and 5D, the rectangular pattern of the read beam 130 Turn 206 marks data mark 1 of multiplex data track 194 (channel) in A rotating lens wheel along the length of the data trace 182 to be modulated by 96 scanned by the The multi-channel modulated read beam 130 is Transparent polygon scanning lens wheel 112 and read/write head 106 The read submodule 13 of the read-write module 102 through the form 110 8, reflected back by the medium 108, as shown in FIG. The polarization of read beam 130 is further rotated by 45 degrees by quarter-wave plate 208. (90 degrees in total.

and e.g. for changing from sm light to P polarization), the modulated reading beam 13 0 is then reflected by polarizing beam splitter 210 and transmitted by magnifying system 214. Imaged on a linear photodiode array 212. This linear photodiode Array 212 preferably has an electrical current according to multi-channel modulation of read beam 130. Multiple avalanche photodiodes or PINI photodiodes that generate optical signals Each channel of data scanned within each data trace 182 ( Recovering data tracks 194) The zero-order multiple data channels are replayed in the proper order. assembled to recover the data signal.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the autofocus submodule within the read-write module 102 A schematic diagram of module 140 is shown. Autofocus submodule has been standardized Autofocus 1216 (shown in FIG. 3A) for outputting autofocus beam 132 (similar to write source 134). The autofocus source 216 includes: Autofocus output by laser diode 152 and referenced by lens 154 Anamorphic prism for shaping, translating and pointing point beam 132 a pair of prisms 158, a moving plate 156, and a pair of Risley prisms 159.

The autofocus ff 216 point and translation optics focus on the spot on the medium 108. The autofocus beam 132 is shaped for focusing to 218 (see FIG. 50). point The beam and translation optics are associated with multiple write beams 128 and read beams 130. further operative to precisely position and direct the autofocus beam 132 by Application of multiple beams within a multi-beam illumination beam 104 focused onto recording medium 108 to ensure proper alignment. Autofocus beam 132 passes through quarter wave plate 220. The polarization of the autofocus beam is changed by 45 degrees.

Referring again to FIG. 11, FIG. 2, and FIG. 50, the autofocus beam 132 Scanned across the body 1o8 by a rotating lens wheel. auto focus beam 13 2 is a rotating lens wheel 112 and a scanning transmission of the read-write head 106. is reflected by the medium 108 through the polygon 110 to the autofocus submodule 140. As shown in FIG. 9, the polarization of the autofocus beam 132 is The one-wave plate 220 further rotates 45 degrees (total of 90 degrees, and e.g. (for changing from sm light to p-polarized light) 6 Next, the autofocus beam 132 is It is reflected by the splitter 222 and is reflected by the magnifying system 226 and the astigmatism lens 228. quadrant detector 224 focused on the target.

Quadrant detector 224 is in the shape of a spot focused onto by astigmatism lens 228. A plurality of electrical signals are then generated. The focused beam detected by quadrant detector 224 The variation in the shape of the sbot is controlled by focusing the multi-beam illumination beam 104 on the recording medium 108. Can be used for various feedback functions including determining points It is possible.

A number of autofocus techniques are available. For example, with reference to FIG. Geometry that utilizes the automatic focus detection system shown in Figure 9 to detect focusing errors The condition is shown. The distance N rpJ is the writing lens 176 of the lens wheel 112 represents the distance between and astigmatic lens (astizmatic 1ens) 228 ing. Distance “fO” represents the focal length of lens 176 on lens wheel 112. Was.

The distance ml rfl J and “fl” represent the focal length of the astigmatic lens 228. 11rdJ represents the distance between the astigmatic lens 228 and the quadrant detector 224, as follows: Obtained from the equation: d=4 (fl) (fl)/(fl + f2) distance @d is set according to the above equation Once determined, the astigmatic lens 228 then connects the recording medium 108 and the writing lens 17. If the error distance re r rJ between the focal planes of 6 is zero (i.e. autofocus 1 for the reflected autofocus beam 132 (if the beam is focused onto the medium). to focus a circular illumination spot onto quadrant detector 224. Auto focus beam records If not focused on the medium 108, the error B gl e r r is non-zero and non-zero. Point lens 228 focuses an elliptical illumination spot onto quadrant detector 224.

Detection 19224(7) Each of the elephants 1a230(1)-230(4) is an astigmatic lens. compared to the intensity of light from reflected autofocus beam 132 focused onto by lens 228. The corresponding signals (Ql to Q4) shown in the example are output. Multi-beam illumination beam 1°4 is the medium Determine a focus error signal (FES) that indicates whether or not the object is properly focused on the object 108. This signal to determine.

1-Q4 can be used. FES is determined according to the following equation: FES=[(Q1+Q3)-(Q2+Q4)]/[Q1+Q2+Q3+Q 41 The FES is output from a signal processor 232 that performs the equations described above and is The readout is performed as described below to focus the multibeam illumination beam onto the body 108. Controls the adjustment of the write head 106.

If the error hole @rerrJ is positive (i.e., the media 108 and the write lens 176 If the distance between them is greater than fO); Elephant 18230 (2) & 230 (4) t - The vertical diameter of the elliptical illumination spot that traverses quadrants 230 (1) and 230 (3) v! Therefore, signals Q2 and Q4 are , becomes larger than signals Q1 and Q3. The FES determined by the above equation is: Therefore, it is negative. The distance between media 108 and write lens 176 is less than fO In this case, the opposite is true. If the error distance rerrJ is zero (i.e. multi-bit quadrant detector 22) when the system illumination beam 104 is focused onto the medium 108). The illumination spot on 4 is circular, and the signals Q1 to Q4 are each substantially equal. (because the vertical and horizontal diameters of the spot are equal), as a result the FES is substantially is equal to zero.

Automatic focus error correction in read-write head 106 for optical recorder 100 11A-11C showing several embodiments of system 234 The embodiments of FIGS. 11A and 11B, referenced herein, provide automatic focus error correction. The embodiment of FIG. 11C illustrating a lens translation method to 4 illustrates a method of media translation to provide differential correction. Error correction system for each embodiment Translation of either the lens or the medium for quadrant detection! Exit by m224 in response to the input signals Ql to Q4 by the pro-sensor 232 according to the equations described above. Depending on the positive fL sign (either positive or negative) of the generated focus error signal (FES), (see Figures 9 and 10).

In the embodiment of autofocus correction system 234 illustrated in FIG. 11A, An autofocus lens pair 236 connects the read-write module 102 and the scanning transmissive lens. Multi-beam illumination between squares 110 including multiple write, read and autofocus beams It is positioned in line with beam 104. Path of multi-beam illumination beam 104 along.

The servo motor 238 automatically moves back and forth in the direction indicated by the double arrow 140. Adjust the position (translate) of the first one of the focusing lenses (lens 236a). ).

Translation of the autofocus lens 236a by the servo motor 238 causes the multi-beam illumination beam to The read and write modules are arranged such that the focus of the system 104 is on the recording medium 108. The accuracy of the focus error signal output from the autofocus submodule 140 of the module 102 The negative sign increases 1Ilv4. One drawback to this autofocus method is: Regarding the amount of variation in the spherical surface number difference generated by the translation of the autofocus lens 236a, The fixed autofocus lens 236a and writing lens 176 are used for correction. There is a point where it is difficult to needle.

One way to avoid the spherical difference drawback that occurs in the embodiment of FIG. 11A is to Lens wheel 112 rotates once as shown in the embodiment illustrated in 11B. 1. Translating each write lens 176 above. Servo motor 238 is mounted on the lens wheel 112 and projects a multi-beam illumination beam onto the recording medium 108. Each book is moved forward and backward in the direction represented by double-headed arrow 240 to focus beam 104. The lens 176 is connected to translate the lens 176. The average of the writing lens 176 is received from the autofocus submodule 140 of the read-write module 102. of the lens wheel disc in response to the positive or negative sign of the focus error signal (FES) It takes place within the structure. However, this technique requires that each of the four individual More complex servo motor and lens wheel 112 to translate the lens It is not preferred because it requires becoming.

An alternative to avoid both of the disadvantages of spherical aberration servo motor activation mentioned above is , translating the recording medium 108, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 11C. On the side opposite from the zero rotation lens wheel 112.

An air plate 242 is positioned below the moving recording medium 108.

Commuting back and forth of the recording medium 108 in the direction indicated by the bidirectional arrow 240 causes the medium to Air nozzle 244 discharges air through air plate 242 against the lower surface. It is done by Ray. The amount of movement of media 108 along arrow 140 Not only due to the amount of air released by the air plate 244, but also due to the It is also controlled by the amount of tension applied to the media 108 while passing over the . responsive to the sign of the FES output by autofocus submodule 140; Adjust the amount of air released through the vJ own circuit 246 and control line 248, and Furthermore, the tension on the medium 108, which is represented as a whole by the number 250, is Adjust to properly position the media to focus the multibeam illumination beam 104. Ru.

Some embodiments of the optical tape recorder according to the invention have been described in detail above. Although the invention has been described in the description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is limited to the disclosed embodiments. However, there are many possible rearrangements and alternatives without departing from the spirit. It can be deformed and deformed. I also want you to understand that.

Todoromu Todoroki Continuation of front page (72) Inventor: Gangstead, Marvin, Elle United States of America 75081, Richard Son, Harvist Glenn 50 Ji (72) Inventor Dora, Shimmy, El 75044 for Chixus, Garland, Glue Chester No. 1421 (72) Inventor: Trimple, Liciado, A. 750 for Thixus, USA 88, Rowlett, Larkin Lane 331 Hata (72) Inventor: Welch, Gieffli, Pea 7502 for American Thixus 5. Plannow, Perth Drive 1012

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. a first light source means for emitting a plurality of writing beams; a modulation means for modulating each writing beam with a designated portion of the data signal to produce a plurality of data signal modulated writing beams; spatial combining means for spatially combining data signal modulated writing beams of data signals into a multi-channel optical beam; The read-write module. 2. The plurality of first light source means each collimating emitted light into a writing beam. a plurality of laser light emitting diodes with a lens for Scope of request The continuity writing module described in item 1. 3. The spatial combination means comprises a plurality of layered reflective glasses and a single glass reflector, each reflective glass and said reflector deflecting a plurality of writing beams to converge to a point for projection. 2. The read-write module of claim 1, wherein the read-write module has a reflection angle preselected to cause the read-write module to have a predetermined reflection angle. 4. 2. The read-write module of claim 1, wherein said spatially combining means comprises lens means for receiving a plurality of combined writing beams and projecting a multi-channel light beam. 5. Write beam modulated with other data signals within the projected multichannel light beam 2. The read-write module of claim 1, further comprising adjustment means for adjusting the position of each data signal modulated writing beam in relation to the beam. 6. said adjusting means for pointing and translating the writing beam emitted by each laser diode to position and separate each writing beam in relation to other writing beams within the projected multi-channel light beam; 6. A read-write module as claimed in claim 5, comprising the following means. 7. second light source means for outputting a read beam combined into a multi-channel light beam by means for spatially combining; and a plurality of cheater signal modulated write beams within the projected multi-channel light beam. adjusting means for adjusting the position of the read beam in relation to the recording medium; To illustrate, a wall-shaped means for shaping a read beam modulated by a plurality of data tracks to produce a data modulated multi-channel read beam; 2. The reader according to claim 1, further comprising detection means for detecting multiple channels. Riichi writing module. 8. The second light source means includes a laser light emitting diode and a device for reading the emitted light. as claimed in claim 7, including a lens for collimating the beam in the form of a beam. Built-in read and write module. 9. The adjusting means further comprises: for pointing and translating the read beam emitted by the second light source for positioning and separating the read beam in relation to the plurality of write beams within the projected multi-channel light beam; 8. A read-write module as claimed in claim 7, comprising means. 10. multiple writes, each modulated by a predetermined portion of the information signal to be recorded forming means for forming a multi-channel light beam comprising multiple beam channels; focusing means for focusing the multi-channel light beam onto a surface of the recording medium; and a corresponding plurality of discrete data tracks in each data trace. complex modulated within Cheetah training for recording information signals supported by a number of write beam channels. for scanning a focused multichannel light beam across a recording medium along a An information recording device for recording information on a recording medium, the information recording device comprising: a scanning means for recording information; H. The forming means comprises: a plurality of light source means each outputting a write beam channel of a predetermined intensity; modulation means for modulating each write beam channel with a predetermined portion of the information signal; and by each of the plurality of light source means. Multiplex the output individual writing beam channels. spatial combining means for spatially combining into a beam of light beams; The information recording device according to claim 10. 12. Each light source means further comprises a laser for emitting light of a predetermined frequency and intensity for creating a mark on the recording medium, and means for shaping the light emitted by the laser into a writing beam channel. , a write beam channel is separated from another write beam to mutually separate each of the multiple write beam channels in the multichannel light beam to record separate data tracks on the recording medium within each scanned data trace. In relation to the channel 12. The information recording device according to claim 11, comprising: means for pointing and translating at a point. 13. said focusing means for focusing a multi-channel light beam is located in a circumferential direction; An information recording device for recording information according to claim 10, comprising a lens wheel having a plurality of lenses attached thereto. 14. The scanning means includes each lens momentarily receiving a multi-channel light beam and focusing it across the recording medium in each data trace into a plurality of data tracks. A method for rotating the lens wheel about one axis in such a way as to scan the lens wheel. stages, each data track containing multiple write beams in a multichannel optical beam. 14. The information recording device according to claim 13, which corresponds to one of the system channels. 15. each lens sequentially follows a first path through the active region as the lens wheel rotates, and wherein the scanning means further comprises: a first path followed by successive lenses in the rotating lens wheel; Corresponding to this the bulk chamfer across the active area along a second trail substantially aligned with the trail of the means for repetitively translating the channel light beam and a collision along the second path; movement of successive lenses on the lens wheel such that the translational movement of each of the metered light beams coincides with the movement of each successive lens along the first path around the movement center; 15. An information recording device according to claim 14, comprising means for synchronizing the repetitive translational movement of the multi-channel light beam across the area. 16. The means for repeatedly translating is incident on and passing through itself. a transmissive polygon having an axis of rotation and a plurality of opposite pairs of sides for refracting and moving in parallel a multichannel light beam transmitted by the polygon; the multi-channel light beam, which has been moved by The information recording device according to claim 15, further comprising a driving means for recursive scanning. 17. The multi-channel light beam further includes an autofocus beam channel, and forming means for forming the multi-channel light beam is further configured to be focused onto and scanned across a medium, thereby causing reflection. multiple writing beam channels and a multichannel optical beam, which should be spatially combined into a multichannel optical beam. a light source means for outputting an autofocus beam channel and a reflected autofocus beam channel; means for focusing the beam onto a single spot; detector means for detecting the shape of the focused spot; and detector means for detecting whether the multichannel light beam is properly focused onto the recording medium. 12. The information recording device according to claim 11, further comprising: means for determining from the detected shape of the spot and outputting a signal representing the shape. 18. 18. Information recording device according to claim 17, further comprising: autofocus means responsive to the signal output by the determining means for adjusting the focus of the multi-channel light beam on the recording medium. 19. The multi-channel light beam further includes a read beam channel and has the shape A scanning means is further focused on the recording medium and scanned across the medium along each data trace by a scanning means to generate duplicates within each scanned data trace. light source means for outputting a plurality of write beam channels and a read beam channel to be spatially combined into a multichannel light beam modulated by and opposed from a number of data tracks; Claim 11 further comprising: an array of photodetectors for demodulating the modulated and opposed read beam channels for recovering information signals from a plurality of data tracks of recorded data. Information recording equipment described in section. 20. The light source means for outputting the read beam channel comprises: a laser source emitting light of a predetermined frequency and intensity for illuminating the recording medium; and means for shaping the emitted light into a read beam channel. and multiple writes such that multiple channels in a multichannel optical beam are separated from each other. Point and translate the read beam channel in relation to the read beam channel. and means for shaping the read beam channel to illuminate a rectangular area on the recording medium across the plurality of data tracks in each scanned data trace. , an information recording device according to claim 19. 21. An apparatus for optically recording data signals on a recording medium, comprising: a first light source means for outputting a plurality of writing beams, each modulated by a designated portion of the data signal; Each of the written beams a spatial combining means for physically combining the multi-beam light beams in the form of a multi-beam light beam; a scanning means for repetitively scanning the beam; a focusing means for focusing the multi-beam light beam onto the recording medium; and a first path, the first and second paths being substantially aligned with each other. iteratively translating the focusing means across the active area along a second path from point 3 to point 4; translation means for moving each writing beam of the multibeam light beam to a separate data trace within each data trace; While recording the rack, detect the recording medium along the data trace and perform multi-visit recording. synchronizing the scanning of each of the multi-beam light beams along the first path to coincide with the translational movement of each of said focusing means along a second path to focus and trace the multi-beam light beams; synchronization means for; and an optical recording device. 22. The first light source means includes a plurality of lasers each emitting light having a predetermined frequency and intensity for marking a recording medium, and forming the light emitted from each laser into a separate writing beam. and a plurality of other positioning beams within the multichannel optical beam for positioning each writing beam to record a separate data track within each data trace scanned across the recording medium. Point each writing beam in relation to 22. The light according to claim 21, comprising means for moving and translating the light. scientific recording equipment. 23. The scanning means for said repetitive scanning includes a rotating shaft and a plurality of opposing mirrors for refracting and moving the multi-beam light beam as it passes through the polygon. a transparent polygon having a pair of sides of the polygon; and a driving means for rotating the polygon about an axis of rotation, thereby causing the transmitted multibeam light beam to repeatedly scan along a first path. 22. The optical recording device according to claim 21, comprising: . 24. 22. An optical recording device according to claim 21, wherein the focusing means for focusing the multi-beam light beam comprises a plurality of lenses. 25. The translation means for repeatedly translating the focusing means comprises a disc-shaped lens wheel having a plurality of lenses positioned at equal intervals around the circumference of the disc, and a disc-shaped lens wheel that traverses the recording medium along a data trace. Multi-beam optical Each lens is moved through the active area along a second path to focus and scan the beam. Rotate the lens wheel around one axis so that the lens moves instantaneously. 25. An optical recording device according to claim 24, comprising: means for determining. 26. to illuminate multiple data tracks within each recorded data trace. data marks in multiple cheater tracks to produce a modulated multi-channel read beam that is scanned across the recording medium to A plurality of write beams and a read beam are combined into a multibeam light beam by means for aerial combining, the channels corresponding to data tracks in each data trace. and means for detecting the modulated multi-channel read beam and generating a corresponding output data signal for reproducing the recorded data signal. , an optical recording device according to claim 21. 27. The second light source means comprises: a laser for emitting light of a predetermined frequency and intensity for illuminating the recording medium; means for forming the emitted light into a read beam; Read bead to illuminate across data track and means for pointing and translating the read beam in relation to the plurality of write beams to position and separate the read beam within the multibeam light beam. , an optical recording device according to claim 26. 28. third light source means for outputting an autofocusing beam that is traced across the recording medium and reflected from the recording medium and combined with a plurality of writing beams to form a multibeam light beam by means for spatial combining; and means for focusing the reflected autofocusing beam to a spot on the detector, having means for identifying the shape of the spot of the reflected autofocusing beam, and a multibeam light beam applied onto the recording medium. Determine from the identified shape of the spot whether it is properly focused or not and express it. 22. An optical recording device according to claim 21, further comprising autofocus means comprising: means for outputting an autofocus control signal. 29. A mechanism for recording data on a photoelectric recording medium and reproducing data from it. a plurality of first light sources outputting a plurality of corresponding modulated write beams, each modulated by a designated portion of the data signal; a second light source outputting a read beam; The change output by the light source in section 1 combining means for combining the conditioned writing beam and the reading beam output by the second light source into a multibeam illumination beam; and for refracting and moving the multibeam illumination beam as it is transmitted therethrough. , a transparent polygon having an axis of rotation and a plurality of opposite pairs of sides, and rotating the polygon about the axis of rotation so that a multi-beam illumination beam passed through it. drive means for repeatedly scanning the beam along a first path across the active area from a first point to a second point; Has multiple lenses positioned at intervals. a lens foil that is substantially aligned with each other, and the first and second paths are substantially aligned with each other; the lens wheel about one axis in such a way that each lens momentarily moves past the active area along a second path from a third point to a fourth point. rotate a means for recording corresponding data tracks within each data trace; The read beam is scanned over multiple recorded data tracks in the data trace, with the data track modulating the read beam to produce a modulated read beam. to scan a continuous data trace across the recording medium, illuminating the the multi-beam illumination beam along the first trailing path to coincide with the translational movement of each of the lenses along the second trailing path such that the multi-beam illumination beam is focused by the successive lenses for the purpose of A means for synchronizing the scanning of each of the team illumination beams and a means for synchronizing the scanning of each of the team illumination beams means for detecting a modulated follow-on beam and generating a corresponding output data signal in order to reproduce a data signal recorded from a data channel; 30. The first light source is a laser source that emits light with a predetermined intensity, and the frequency of the emitted light is a laser source modulated by a predetermined portion of the data signal; a means for forming the emitted modulated light into a modulated writing beam; and a reading in the multibeam illumination beam. beam and in relation to other writing beams. Point the modulated writing beam to position and separate the writing beam. 30. The cheetah recording and reproducing device according to claim 29, comprising means for tilting and translating the cheetah. 31. The second light source comprises: a laser source for emitting light with a predetermined intensity; means for forming the emitted light into a reading beam; and a plurality of writing beams in a multibeam illumination beam. Position the reading beam at Hand for pointing and translating the reading beam for positioning and separation and read bits along the data track to read each data channel within. 30. A data recording and reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 29, comprising: means for shaping the read beam to illuminate an area on the recording medium as the beam scans. 32. a third light source emitting an autofocusing beam that is combined with the read beam and the plurality of write beams to form a multibeam illumination beam and that is traced across and reflected from the recording medium; a quadrant detector, each quadrant measuring the intensity of the focused light; an astigmatism lens for focusing the reflected autofocus beam onto a spot on the individual detector; A comparison means for comparing the intensity of light measured by each quadrant of the detector to identify the shape of the focused spot and to identify whether the illumination beam is properly focused on the recording medium. Determined from the shape output means for determining and outputting an autofocus control signal representative of the illumination beam, wherein when the illumination beam is properly focused on the medium, the spot is circular and the illumination beam is output means having an elliptical shape when the beam is not sequentially focused; and adjustment means for adjusting the focus of the multi-beam illumination beam on the recording medium in response to an autofocus control signal; 30. An optical recording device according to claim 29, further comprising autofocus means comprising: