Dynamic direct-access memory utilizing fiber waveguides

It is suggested for the first time that fiber waveguides can be used to construct memory devices and the first prototype of such a device is described. The operating principles are presented and ways of constructing dynamic direct-access memory devices are considered. It is shown that the storage capacity of such memory devices may be in excess of 10⁶ bits. Physical factors governing the principal parameters of fiber waveguides are analyzed. The results are given of experiments on a prototype memory device utilizing a graded-index waveguide of 5 km length.