System and method for steering fresnel region data to access data locations in a holographic memory

A method of steering a complex, spatially-modulated incident beam of coherent light to gain access to data locations in a holographic memory cell (HMC), comprising the steps of:

• receiving the complex, spatially-modulated incident beam of light into a refractive element;
• reflecting said incident beam in a Fresnel region thereof with first and second reflective elements;
• and
• moving said first and second reflective elements in tandem to steer said incident beam with respect to said HMC thereby to cause said incident beam to illuminate a location on said HMC that is a function of a movement of said first and second reflective elements.

A system for steering a complex, spatially-modulated incident beam of coherent light to gain access to data locations in a substantially planar holographic memory cell (HMC), comprising:

• a light source;
• a spatial light modulator located to modulate a beam of light received from said light source;
• a refractive element that receives said beam from said spatial light modulator;
• first and second reflective elements locatable to receive and reflect said beam in a Fresnel region thereof;
• and
• a reflective element steering mechanism, coupled to said first and second reflective elements, that moves said first and second reflective elements in tandem to steer said beam with respect to said HMC thereby to cause said beam to illuminate a location on said HMC that is a function of a movement of said first and second reflective elements.