High density microholographic data storage with aberration distorted holograms

We investigate the impact of SA onto the performance of microholographic data storage by observing the spatial distribution and diffraction efficiency of microgratings at different aberration degrees. Results obtained on transversal and longitudinal localization of aberration-distorted microholograms are presented. The optical localization of aberration distorted microholographic gratings makes it possible to realize resolution-limited volumetric storage without any SA correction. We propose the so-called aberration multiplexing as a method to utilize the available dynamic range of a storage material in a more homogeneous and economic way.