Optical memory systems with associative-address access

A principle is suggested for optical large-capacity memories with associative-address access and bit-organized (localized) data recording. Such memories utilize controlled polycubic image multipliers. An analysis is made of the main parameters of such memory devices. A method is described for organizing associative data search, which makes it possible to reduce considerably the number of light-sensitive elements in a photodetector array. A method is proposed for redundant data encoding in such memories so as to increase the noise immunity and improve the operating speed. The results confirm feasibility of optical memories of this kind with a capacity exceeding $10^{10}$ bit.