Abstract

The "Extended Cavity Integrated Optical Head" uses a semiconductor amplifier and lases off the optical data storage surface. The device takes advantage of the high dispersion associated with Holographic Optical Elements (HOE's) to self-focus on the moving optical data storage surface, eliminating the need for mechanical focussing schemes. Passive operation of the device was studied through geometrical modeling using a geometrical ray tracing code (CODEV). The results were then verified by setting up a "Passive Cavity Experiment" which demonstrated the self-focussing effect of the device in close agreement with the geometrical model. Active operation of the device was studied by coding a numerical model based on the rate-equation approximation of the semiconductor gain medium to simulate transient laser response to a moving reflecting surface. The results of the model and simulations were then integrated in an attempt to determine suitable design parameters for the device.

© 1990 Optical Society of America