Retardation Effects In Magneto-Optic Readout

Alan B. Marchant

doi:10.1117/12.936848

14 January 1987 Retardation Effects In Magneto-Optic Readout

Alan B. Marchant

Proceedings Volume 0695, Optical Mass Data Storage II; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.936848
Event: 30th Annual Technical Symposium, 1986, San Diego, United States

Abstract

The performance of a magneto-optic readout system is easily degraded by optical retardations, or polarization-dependent phase shifts. Optical interference structures meant to enhance the magneto-optic effect can produce retardation which reduces the readout signal. Polarization-dependent optical elements (prisms, mirrors, etc.) can either exacerbate or compensate for this problem. Retardation due to substrate birefringence is an even more serious problem because it can cause relatively large intensity fluctuations at the photodetectors. Injection-molding techniques which minimize normal-incidence birefringence in polycarbonate substrates have been demonstrated; however vertical birefringence, which causes large retardation for marginal light rays, remains an unsolved problem.

Citation Download Citation

Alan B. Marchant "Retardation Effects In Magneto-Optic Readout", Proc. SPIE 0695, Optical Mass Data Storage II, (14 January 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.936848

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available