Composite holographic media and production thereof

A holographic data storage apparatus, for use in providing a recording storage media of various thickness that overcomes the problems inherent in photopolymer storage systems, said structure comprising in combination:

• a central core unit for storing the data;
• said central core unit comprising a plurality of photopolymers and aerogel monoliths for providing the storage media for said holographic data storage apparatus;
• means for sealing said central core unit in position comprising a container;
• and
• means for locking said central core unit and said sealing unit in position as a single entity.

A method of producing a holographic data storage apparatus, for use in providing a recording storage media of various thickness that over comes the problems inherent in photopolymer storage systems, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a photopolymer in a fluid or gel form for use as a recording media for the holographic data storage apparatus;
• providing an aerogel for combining the aerogel with the photopolymer into a recording storage mixture;
• positioning the aerogel in a transparent sealing unit;
• treating the aerogel for making the aerogel receptive for receiving the photopolymer;
• saturating the treated aerogel with the photopolymer for creating the central core unit that provides the recording storage capacity for the holographic data recording apparatus;
• sealing the central core unit within a container;
• and
• locking the central core unit and seals in position creating a single entity.