Abstract: A storage device has a stator layer, an emitter layer, and a rotor layer. The rotor layer has a plurality of data clusters, each having a substrate which is electrically isolated from the other data clusters by a dielectric material. Another storage device has a means for electrically isolating a plurality of data clusters, each having phase change media coupled to a conductive substrate, from each other. The storage device also has a means for reading a differential signal from each of the data clusters based on currents which flow from the phase change media to the conductive substrate in each data cluster. A method of electrically isolating conductive regions on a micromover device is also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a crystalline, phase-change layer that remains atomically smooth on its surface. Also, an atomically smooth, crystalline, phase-change layer made according to this method. The method can include forming a phase-change layer over a substrate, forming a thick capping layer over the phase-change layer, changing the phase-change layer from an amorphous phase to a crystalline phase, removing the thick capping layer, and forming a thin capping layer over the phase-change layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a crystalline, phase-change layer that remains atomically smooth on its surface. Also, an atomically smooth, crystalline, phase-change layer made according to this method. The method can include forming a phase-change layer over a substrate, forming a thick capping layer over the phase-change layer, changing the phase-change layer from an amorphous phase to a crystalline phase, removing the thick capping layer, and forming a thin capping layer over the phase-change layer.