What is the optical memory?

 3.2.3 Optical Memories

Optical memories or Optical disks are alternate mass storage devices with huge capacity (up to 20 GB). Information is written to or read from an optical disk using a laser beam. Only one surface of an optical disk is used to stored data. An optical disk is relatively inexpensive, and has a long life of at least 15 years. Since the read/write head does not touch the disk surface, there is no problem of disk wear or head crash. The main draw back of the optical disk system is its slow average access time. Here, we will discuss 3 types of optical disks:

1. CD-ROM (Compact-Disk Read Only Memory)
2. WORM (Write Once Read many) or CD-R (CD-Recordable).
3. Erasable Optical Disk
4. DVD-ROM, DVD-R and DVD-RAM

(1) CD-ROM

CD-ROM technology uses 12-centimeter (4.7-inch) compact disks (CDs) similar to those used in stereo music systems. Each disk can store more than 600 MB. That is approximately equivalent to 400 1.44 MB floppy disks or 300,000 double-spaced pages of text.

First of all a master disk is prepared. On a master disk, a laser records data by burning permanent microscopic pits in a spiral track to represent 1. From a master disk, CDROMs are produced on mass scale. Then CD-ROM disk drives use a laser device to read the binary codes formed by those pits.

For reading the data a laser beam of lower intensity is employed. A laser system needs 25mW for writing whereas only 5mW are needed for reading. 

CD-ROMs use long spiral tracks to store data serially, as shown in Figure 3.15. The track is divided into blocks of same size as shown in the figure. A CD-ROM disk rotates at a variable speed so that the pits are read by the laser at a constant linear speed. The speed of the disk is adjusted in such a way that the track passes under the read/write head at a constant linear velocity.

 Advantages

• High storage capacity.
• Cost per bit of storage is cheaper than the other types of memory devices.
• Removable from the computer, so suitable for archival storage. 5.25 inch disks store 650 MB data. 

Disadvantages

• Longer access time as compared to that of a magnetic hard disk (because locating a desired address involves first moving the head to the specific area then adjusting the rotating speed and then reading the address, and then to find and access the specific sector).
• Information can not be updated because it is a read-only (permanent) memory

(2) WORM or CD-R (CD-Recordable)

CD-R (compact-disk recordable) is another optical disk technology. The user can record (write) their own data once on a CD with a CD-R disk drive unit. After this recording user can read the data as many times as desired.

CD-R is suitable for data and files which are not to be changed. The user can store permanent data, information, and files for maintaining records. 

Advantages and Limitations 

• High storage capacity.
• Better reliability and long life.
• Greater access time as compared to a hard-disk. 

(3) Erasable Optical disk or CD-RW (CD-rewritable)

The major limitation of CD-ROM and CD-R disks is that recorded data can not be erased. However, CD-RW (CD-rewritable) optical disk systems have now become available which record and erase data by using a laser to heat a microscopic point on the disk‟s surface.

Advantages and limitations

• Very high storage capacity. A 5.25 inch optical disk can store about 650 MB data
• It is more reliable and has a long life.
• Longer access time as compared to that of a hard-disk. 

(4) DVD-ROM, DVD-R and DVD-RAM

DVD stands for Digital Video Disks or Digital Versatile Disks. A DVD stores much more data than a CD-ROM. Its capacities are 4.7GB, 8.5GB, and 20GB etc. The capacity depends on whether it is a single layer, double layer; single sided or double sided disk. DVD uses laser beam of shorter wavelength than CD-ROM uses and therefore more tracks are available. Working principles of DVD disks are same as those of a CD-ROM, CD-R or CD-RW. 

The Speed of CD-ROM or DVD-ROM is given in terms of nX, where n is an integer. For example 32X. In case of CD, X=150 KB/s, so 32X=32x150=4.8 MB/s. In case of DVD, X=1.38 MB/s.

DVD-R: It is a recordable DVD, same as a CD-R disk. The user can write data once on a DVD-R, then read the data as many times as required.

DVD-RAM: It is a rewritable DVD, same as a CD-RW disk. DVD-RAM uses a phase change technology to write, read and erase data. 

Table 3.7 summarizes the different types of secondary (auxiliary) memory devices