Abstract: A memory for carrying information comprises a multilayer film having a plurality of monomolecular layers, in which each layer is capable of carrying a charge. Charges are introduced into one side of the film in a time sequence which corresponds to the information to be carried. A voltage is applied between the faces of the film to cause the charge carried by any layer to be transferred to the adjacent layer. The sequence of charges carried by the film can be read out. The charges are introduced by electrodes adjacent opposite faces of the film which apply across the film voltage pulses of an amplitude greater than that required to cause tunnelling without thermal activation between the layers of the film and at least equal to that required to cause electrons to tunnel without thermal activation from one of the electrodes to the film layer adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A memory comprises a multilayer film (1) in which each layer (2) is capable of carrying a charge, built up by successive deposition of a plurality of monomolecular layers (2), at least one of which has been deposited by a process of chemisorption and a photo-injector layer (D) is located on one side of the film for introducing charges into the film in a time sequence which corresponds to the information to be carried. Means (6) are provided for applying a voltage between the faces of the film to cause the charge carried by any layer to be transferred to the adjacent layer. The sequence of charges carried by the film may be read out by a photon-emitting electron arrival detector (F) on the opposite side of the film, or by a method of current differentiation. The film (1) is preferably formed of a polydiacetylene.

Abstract: A memory comprises a multilayer Langmuir-Blodgett film (1) in which each layer (2) is capable of carrying a charge. A photo-injector layer (D) is located on one side of the film for introducing charges into the film in a time sequence which corresponds to the information to be carried. Voltage source (6) is provided for applying a voltage between the faces of the film to cause the charge carried by any layer to be transferred to the adjacent layer. The sequence of charges carried by the film may be read out by a photon-emitting electron arrival detector (F) on the opposite side of the film, or by a method of current differentiation. The film (1) is preferably formed of a polydiacetylene.