Claims
- 1. In a multiple beam optical data processing system for use in recording or retrieving information recorded in tracks, wherein said system includes first and second turntables for recording information in a near-continuous operation, a source of information signals provides a first stream of continuous data, an apparatus comprising a light beam modulated with said information signals, and switch means for switching said light beam from said first turntable to said second turntable to effect near-continuous recording; wherein said means for switching includes:
- polarizing means for effecting a polarization change of said light beam;
- actuator means for linearly moving said polarizing means to move said polarizing means in a linear manner such that said polarizing means is positioned in first and second positions, being positioned in said light beam path and out of said light beam path; and
- directing means for directing said light beam in first and second directions such that said light beam follows a first predetermined path when said polarizing means is in said first position and follows a second predetermined path when said actuator means is in said second position.
- 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said polarizing means is a half-wave plate.
- 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said actuator means is a voice coil.
- 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said directing means comprises a polarizing beam splitter.
Government Interests
The government has rights in this invention pursuant to a government contract.
US Referenced Citations (6)