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Abstract

Methods and active media for controlled production and optical access of data in the form of physio-chemical inhomogeneities, such as controlled differences in absorption characteristics of molecules at selected regions. The methods involve use of at least two intersecting beams of radiation which are matched to selected optical properties of the active media. In a specific embodiment a bit of data at a selected portion of a region of active media is accessed by directing a first beam having a first electromagnetic radiation characteristic matched to a first optical characteristic of the media at the region to change the condition of the media to a second characteristic which is of either low or high optical reactivity, depending upon the bit value at programmed portions of the region, the second characteristic being relative to a second radiation characteristic, other than the first radiation characteristic, then directing a second beam matched to the second electromagnetic radiation characteristic to intersect the region at a selected portion containing the bit of data to be accessed to permit optical sensing of the state of the bit.

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