The photo-magnetic-electric effect in germanium as a pickup means for magnetic tape

The results of a study to determine the feasibility of using the PME effect in semiconductors as a pickup means for information stored on magnetic tape are presented, as well as pertinent information on the performance of a completed device. Because the output voltage of the device is proportional to the product of the instantaneous magnetic flux and the light intensity, reproduction of frequencies down to zero cycles per second is theoretically possible, as well as scanning speeds approaching the speed of light. A partial study of the factors affecting the PME voltage in germanium is also presented.