Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a tape having an information layer on which information is storable in the form of perturbations, an array of probes that in function faces the tape such that the probes scan the surface of the tape, means for selectively forming the perturbations via the probes, means for detecting the presence of the perturbations via the probes, and drive means for moving the tape relative to the array of probes. The apparatus allows to store high data capacities at a small form factor.

Abstract: A microsystem switch (1, 20, 25, 30, 33) has a support (2) defining a recess (3), and a flexible bridge (6) is mounted on the support (2) bridging the recess (3). The bridge (6) is shaped so as to hold selectively a concave stable state, in which the bridge bulges into the recess (3), and a convex stable state in which the bridge bulges out of the recess (3). The switch includes an actuator (8, 9; 26, 27) for effecting flexing of the bridge (6) between the stable states, and a switching element (7, 31, 34) is mounted on the bridge (6) such that movement of the bridge between the stable states moves the switching element between an on position and an off position. According to another design, a microsystem switch (40, 55) has a support (41) defining a recess (42), and an elongate torsion member (44) is mounted on the support (41) bridging the recess (42). A flexible bridge (43, 56) is mounted on the support (41) bridging the recess (42) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the torsion member (44).

Abstract: Read/write components for AFM-based data storage devices are provided. In particular embodiments, a read/write component comprises lever means and a support structure, the lever means being connected to the support structure for substantially pivotal movement. The lever means provides first and second current paths between a pair of electrical supply lines on the support structure via which the lever means can be connected in use to power supply means operable in a write mode and a read mode. A write-mode heater is provided on the lever means in the first current path, and a read/write tip is provided on the write-mode heater. A read-mode heater is provided on the lever means in the second current path. Decoupling means is arranged to inhibit current flow to the write-mode heater via the first current path in use when the power supply means is operated in the read mode.

Abstract: A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface via a tip comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.

Abstract: A head suspension for maintaining a gap between a read-write head and a data storage disk comprises a heater for heating gas in the gap; and a sensor for generating an output indicative of the thickness of the gap. The sensor generates the output in dependence on thermal conductance across the gap. The apparatus can be used to control the thickness of the gap.

Abstract: A device for contacting and/or modifying a surface having a cantilever connected to an almost plane carrier element staying apart from said surface, said cantilever having a tip at its loose end being in close contact to said surface. It is proposed that the cantilever stand out of the plane of said carrier element. Further, a method for producing the cantilever having a tip at its loose end. The device is suitable for thermomechanical writing and thermal readout of binary information, lithographic and imaging techniques, and for surface modification.

Abstract: A vertically integrated structure includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) and a chip for delivering signals to the MEMS. The structure includes a metal stud connecting a surface of the chip and the MEMS; the MEMS has an anchor portion having a conducting pad on an underside thereof contacting the metal stud. The MEMS is spaced from the chip by a distance corresponding to a height of the metal stud, and the MEMS includes a doped region in contact with the conducting pad. In particular, the MEMS may include a cantilever structure, with the end portion including a tip extending in the vertical direction. A support structure (e.g. of polyimide) may surround the metal stud and contact both the underside of the MEMS and the surface of the chip. A temporary carrier plate is used to facilitate handling of the MEMS and alignment to the chip.

Abstract: A vertically integrated structure includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) and a chip for delivering signals to the MEMS. The MEMS has an anchor portion having a conductor therethrough, by which it is connected to a substrate. The chip is attached to the MEMS substrate in a direction normal to the substrate surface, so as to make a conductive path from the chip to the MEMS. The chip may be attached by bonding the conductor to C4 metal pads formed on the chip, or by bonding the conductor to metal studs on the chip. The MEMS substrate may be thinned before attachment to the chip, or may be removed from the underside of the MEMS. A temporary carrier plate is used to facilitate handling of the MEMS and alignment to the chip.

Abstract: A data processing system comprises a local probe storage array having a plurality of sensors for reading data from a storage surface. A plurality of data processing elements are mounted on the storage array. Each data processing element is connected to different sensor of the array for processing data read by the connected sensor. The data processing elements may be logic gates for performing simple comparisons with input data. Alternatively, each data processing element may comprise more complex logic circuitry for performing more complex functions based on data read by the storage array. Such function may involve a combination of data read by the storage array and data input to the data processing system from an another source. Each data processing element may comprise a complete microprocessor system responsive to data read from the storage array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer storage systems which have a tip (24) directed close or in contact to the storage medium (10) by which bit-writing and bit-reading is enforced. It is proposed to use a magnetizable storage medium (10), expose it to an artificial, external magnetic field H coupled externally to the storage medium, and—during bit writing—to concurrently apply heat very locally in bit size dimension in order to let the external magnetic field become locally larger than the (temperature-dependent) coercive field at the location (32) where heat is applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microprobe capable of simplifying constitution, capable of promoting measurement accuracy of sample face and capable of dispensing with alignment adjustment at each measurement and a scanning type probe apparatus using thereof. The present invention includes a low resolution cantilever portion supported by a support portion and integrally formed with heater laminating portions, heater portions formed at the heater laminating portions, piezoresistive elements provided at bending portions and a movable portion having a low resolution stylus and a high resolution cantilever portion supported by the support portion and integrally formed with piezoresistive elements provided at the bending portions and a movable portion having a high resolution stylus.

Abstract: A storage device and a method for scanning a storage medium. A storage medium for storing data in the form of marks is scanned by an array of probes for mark detecting purposes in a scanning mode. The storage medium has fields with each field to be scanned by an associated one of the probes. At least one of the fields has marks representing operational data for operating the scanning mode. Scanning parameters are computed from the operational data and the scanning mode is adjusted according to the computed parameters.

Abstract: A device for contacting and/or modifying a surface having a cantilever connected to an almost plane carrier element staying apart from said surface, said cantilever having a tip at its loose end being in close contact to said surface. It is proposed that the cantilever stand out of the plane of said carrier element. Further, a method for producing the cantilever having a tip at its loose end. The device is suitable for thermomechanical writing and thermal readout of binary information, lithographic and imaging techniques, and for surface modification.

Abstract: An optical device comprises a substrate having a plane surface. An optical path is disposed on the substrate and extends in a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate. A recess intercepts the optical path. An optical element is provided for modifying light incident thereon. The optical element is moveable within the recess between a first position in which the optical element is located in the path and a second position in which optical element is remote from the path. A cantilever suspends the optical element for movement within the recess between the second and first positions in a direction normal to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An investigation device includes a time of flight mass spectrometer with an entrance opening, and an electrically conductive tip on a cantilever which is movable from a first position near a sample on a sample holder to a second position near the entrance opening. A sample particle is obtained with the tip being in the first position from the sample. The tip, with the particle, is moved into the second position where the particle can be accelerated towards the entrance opening. The particle is analyzable by the time of flight mass spectrometer.

Abstract: To provide a dehumidification apparatus which can perpetually maintain the internal humidity of a disk drive low and can be installed on a cover or the like of the disk drive with a small space. Also, the dehumidification apparatus is controlled based on the internal humidity or the temperature condition inside and outside the disk drive, by which stable dehumidification can be effected without condensation etc. occurring inside and outside of the disk drive. There are provided a glass fiber which is arranged penetrating a cover of a hard disk drive (HDD) and extends inside and outside the HDD, and a heating member provided outside the HDD, so that the glass fiber on the outside is bonded to the heating member and is heated. Also, a cooling member is provided inside the HDD, and the glass fiber on the inside is bonded to the cooling member. Also, there is provided an apparatus for circulating air that is in contact with a heating portion and a cooling portion.

Abstract: An optical device comprises a substrate having a plane surface. An optical path is disposed on the substrate and extends in a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate. A recess intercepts the optical path. An optical element is provided for modifying light incident thereon. The optical element is moveable within the recess between a first position in which the optical element is located in the path and a second position in which optical element is remote from the path. A cantilever suspends the optical element for movement within the recess between the second and first positions in a direction normal to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving a first object relative to a second object is provided. One of the first and second objects is moved and thereby guided by a tracking device. The tracking device uses a pattern on the first object and/or second object and a releasable clamping device for holding the first and second object in contact. The first and second object can then be releasably clamped such that the patterns match and the clamping device holds the first and second object in a position defined by the pattern. This invention is particularly well suited for nanomechanical or micromechanical applications.

Abstract: A scanning or positioning system with at least two degrees of freedom is provided comprising a supporting base equipped with magnets, a movable platform equipped with at least two electrical coils, and suspension elements providing an elastic connection between the movable platform and the supporting base. The electrical coils are positioned flat on the movable platform, thereby forming an essentially flat arrangement with the movable platform. Combining the flat arrangement with the flat supporting base yields a scanning or positioning system which is potentially compact, lightweight and flat and which features fast response, low power consumption and a relatively large range of motion, e.g. up to 10 mm. The scanning or positioning system with at least two degrees of freedom can be used in the field of scanning probe microscopy or in the field of data storage or imaging.

Abstract: A head suspension for maintaining a gap between a read-write head and a data storage disk comprises a heater for heating gas in the gap; and a sensor for generating an output indicative of the thickness of the gap. The sensor generates the output in dependence on thermal conductance across the gap. The apparatus can be used to control the thickness of the gap.