System and method for parallel selection and retrieval of data stored in a holographic data storage medium

A system for parallel selection and retrieval of data stored in a holographic data storage medium, comprising:

• a holographic data storage medium having a plurality of data sites, each of the plurality of data sites capable of holographically storing at least one data unit;
• a multiple beam controller and illumination apparatus for separately controlling each of at least one of a plurality of light beams to provide illumination to a different one of at least one of the plurality of data sites for separately selecting and retrieving any one of the at least one data unit holographically stored at each of the at least one of the plurality of data sites;
• and
• an optical power distribution apparatus for distributing optical power from at least one light source to a plurality of optical inputs forming a plurality of input light beams.

A method for multiple beam illumination of a medium, comprising:

• providing a plurality of light beams;
• independently controlling the plurality of light beams to illuminate a plurality of locations on a medium;
• and
• distributing optical power from at least one light source to a plurality of optical power inputs forming the plurality of light beams.