Multi beam track system and method for an optical memory

Abstract

A multi beam track system and method is used for the retrieving of information stored in optical memories like optical disks. The information carrying beams reflected on the surface of such a optical disk results in spots on the surface of a detector array. Because these beams are very close to each other, the resulting spots tend to overlap so that cross talk conditions between neighboring channels occur. As result the S/N ratio becomes worse. According to the present invention a plurality of laser beams arranged in a row is used, where the laser beams are linear polarized and the polarization of neighboring beams differ by 90.o slashed., i.e. neighboring laser beams have perpendicular linear polarization. After reflection on the surface of the optical disk the row of reflected laser beams is separated into two rows by an separating means which is polarization dependent so that beams are separated in space according to the polarization. Such a separator can be a polarizing beamsplitter or a birefringent prism crystal. As a result two spacially separated rows of laser beams are achieved, which can be detected by two separate detectors. As result no overlap between neighboring spots occurs on the surface of the detectors, resulting in the elimination of crosstalk.