High density data storage on ultraviolet sensitive tape.

A novel recording material for optical data storage has been developed. On this material information can be recorded permanently by means of ultraviolet light and read out by visible light, and no developing or fixation process is required. Immediate control reading is possible. With a tape of this material, experimental investigations were performed concerning the design of a bit-by-bit storage system. The results confirm that excellent specifications are attainable by using a simple way of light deflection and tape guidance and a new principle of readout: Storage density of at least some Mbits/cm(2) at transfer rates for recording and reading up to at least some Mbits/sec and immediate control readout.