Can single-photon processes provide useful materials for frequency-domain optical storage?

To determine the complete set of required materials properties for a viable frequency-domain optical-storage system based on persistent spectral hole burning, we have performed analytic and computer simulations of the writing performance, signal-to-noise ratio, and number of reads that can be obtained from single-photon or monophotonic (no threshold) hole-burning mechanisms with realistic spot sizes and reading and writing times. We find that acceptable reading performance occurs only for materials with high quantum efficiencies, low absorption cross sections, and high solubilities. This work for the first time clearly defines the parameter space of single-photon materials that can be utilized in a frequency-domain optical-storage system.