Fast random access to frequency-selective optical memories.

Spectral phase codes are used as storage addresses in a frequency-selective optical memory. Data are engraved over a 1.5-THz-wide spectral interval. With the help of a ferroelectric liquid-crystal modulator it takes less than 100 micros to retrieve any spectrally addressed data.

Time-encoded spatial routing in a photorefractive crystal.

The spatial routing of a temporally encoded stream of optical pulses is experimentally demonstrated. The holograms that link the temporally shaped addresses to the def lection directions are engraved in a photorefractive crystal.