Abstract

Reversible optical memory materials of the phase,^1,2 magnetization,^3,4 or texture change type⁵ have attracted much interest. Phase change materials are of particular interest because they can switch between the amorphous and crystalline states by annealing and quenching, respectively, depending on the incident laser power and pulse width. The performance characteristics, such as the threshold power or energy and the switching speed, determine the usefulness of a particular reversible optical memory material with respect to system applications.

© 1988 Optical Society of America