Abstract: An ultra-high density data storage device using phase-change diode memory cells, and having a plurality of emitters for directing beams of directed energy, a layer for forming multiple data storage cells and a layered diode structure for detecting a memory or data state of the storage cells, wherein the device comprises a phase-change data storage layer capable of changing states in response to the beams from the emitters, comprising a material containing copper, indium and selenium. A method of forming a diode structure for a phase-change data storage array, having multiple thin film layers adapted to form a plurality of data storage cell diodes, wherein the method comprises depositing a first diode layer of material on a substrate, and depositing a second diode layer of phase-change material on the first diode layer, the phase-change material containing copper, indium and selenium.

Abstract: Memory storage devices that employ atomic resolution storage technology are provided. A preferred memory storage device includes a storage medium that defines one or more coverage areas. Each of the coverage areas incorporates a storage area that is configurable in one of a plurality of structural states. Typically, the structural states represent information stored in the storage area. Electron beam emitters electrically communicate with the storage medium, with the storage medium and the emitters being configured to move relative to each other. So configured, each emitter is capable of providing a beam of electrons to a respective one of the coverage areas. The memory storage device also includes a first current source that selectively electrically communicates with at least one of the emitters.

Abstract: Memory storage devices that employ atomic resolution storage technology are provided. A preferred memory storage device includes a storage medium that defines one or more coverage areas. Each of the coverage areas incorporates a storage area that is configurable in one of a plurality of structural states. Typically, the structural states represent information stored in the storage area. Electron beam emitters electrically communicate with the storage medium, with the storage medium and the emitters being configured to move relative to each other. So configured, each emitter is capable of providing a beam of electrons to a respective one of the coverage areas. The memory storage device also includes a first current source that selectively electrically communicates with at least one of the emitters.

Abstract: A personal movie storage module allows an individual to select and store a movie into the module for later retrieval and viewing. The module includes an atomic resolution memory device and a communication interface. The memory device is capable of storing one or more movies while the communication interface permits writing to and reading from the memory device. Using the module, an individual can capture a packet of entertainment media, such as a movie from a purchase center, such as a kiosk in an airport. The movie is retrieved from the module at the individual's convenience using a media player (e.g., DVD-type player, notebook computer, etc.). In one embodiment, the memory device includes an atomic resolution storage device, which is subminiature in size, allowing it to be contained within a small housing, has low power requirements, and provides for non-volatile storage of large amounts of data, including video.

Abstract: A computer comprising a data storage device for use with a magnetic storage media, and a magnetoresistive transducer, including at least one magnetoresistive element, selectively reading digital data from the magnetic storage media; a first conductor connected to the magnetoresistive element and supplying current to the magnetoresistive element; a second conductor connected to the magnetoresistive element and transporting current from the magnetoresistive element; a control conductor parallel to the magnetoresistive element; and a magnetic feedback stabilization circuit holding the magnetoresistive transducer in a stable magnetic configuration during reading from the magnetic storage media.

Abstract: In a magnetoresistive transducer, a conductor configuration in which magnetic fields in the conductors are oriented in the same direction to provide symmetric track profiles and improved track edge response. Conductor area at the transducer air bearing surface is also minimized to eliminate shorting and improve device yield and reliability. In one embodiment of the invention, inductive pickup is minimized by limiting the active width of magnetoresistive sensing elements through conductor placement. Another embodiment of the invention, useful for applications involving dual stripe magnetoresistive transducers, minimizes inductive pickup by providing relatively large conductors for each magnetoresistive stripe, arranged in parallel with each other and coupled differentially to cancel inductive pickup through common mode rejection.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic data transducer which prevents capacitive coupling between the transducer and the disk of a disk drive system, has a magnetic circuit which is maintained at the same potential as the disk, usually ground potential. With the disk and the magnetic pole tips of the magnetic circuit at the same potential, capacitive charging and consequent current flow or arcing or discharge noise between the two are prevented. Noise from current due to the variable capacitive coupling of the coil to the disk during disk rotation is also eliminated. The thin film magnetic transducer is fabricated by depositing successive layers of an electrical insulating material, a magnetic material, insulating material, electrical conducting material for a planar coil, insulating material and magnetic material, in the order named on a substrate.

Abstract: A read/write head for a hard disk provides both a magneto-resistive read function and an inductive write function in a common gap. The inductive write function is provided by a current carrying coil which is magnetically coupled to top and bottom shields or pole tips which in turn induce the magnetic fields required for writing on the disk. Mutually biasing magneto-resistive read sensor are located between the shields, which serve to improve the resolution of the read function. During a read operation, read/write circuitry maintains a current in the coil which cancels, at least partially, magnetic fields induced by sensing and bias currents in the magneto-resistive heads which might other perturb information stored in the medium. This arrangement provides a read/write head with improved read/write resolution as required by emerging high density storage media in compact formats.

Abstract: Interferometer apparatus for determining the spatial relationship of two or more observed points such as the height of a magnetic transducer head as it moves over the surface of a spinning recording disc. A monochromatic light beam having components of characteristic polarization and frequency is separated with one component being directed upon the two observation points one of which may be on the transducer head and other may be on the spinning disc. The other component is simultaneously directed upon a reference surface. The reflected beams are then combined to produce an optical beat frequency which is subsequently detected electronically and converted to a voltage representative of the phase shift between images of the two points and utilized to provide the display of the distance between the two points.