Abstract: A memory apparatus comprises a media, a platform, and a cantilever having a proximal end and a distal end. The cantilever is pivotably connected with the platform at a fulcrum between the distal end and the proximal end. A conductor is associated with the platform and arranged between the proximal end and the platform. A tip extends from the distal end and is adapted to write information to and read information from the media. When an electrostatic potential is applied between the proximal end and the conductor, a force urges the proximal end relative to the conductive plate and the cantilever pivots about the fulcrum, thereby causing the tip to be urged related to the platform.

Abstract: A data storage device comprises a media including a memory layer within which are formable domains associated with information, and a conductive layer disposed over the memory layer, the conductive layer having anisotropically increased electrical conductivity in a thickness direction. A conductive tip contactable with the conductive layer is adapted to form domains within the memory layer and one of the conductive tip and the media is movable to access the memory layer.

Abstract: A memory apparatus comprises a media, a tip adapted to write information to and read information from said media, a media movement mechanism attached to said media and configured to move said media in response to media control signals, and a capacitive sensor configured to detect an amount of relative movement of said media and said tip in at least an x-axis direction. The capacitive sensor includes a fixed comb having fingers protruding in an x-axis direction, a moving comb connected having fingers protruding in an x-axis direction, and an electrical path connected to said fixed comb and an electrical path connected to said moving comb. The relative movement in at least the x-axis direction is determined at least in part on a change in capacitance between said fixed and moving combs of said capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention comprises an atomic probe for high density data storage reading, writing, erasing, or rewriting. In one embodiment, the atomic probe can include a core having a conductive coating. The core can comprise an insulating or conducting material, and the coating can comprise one or more of titanium nitride, platinum, diamond-like carbon, tungsten carbide, tungsten, and tungsten oxide. Atomic probes in accordance with the present invention can be applied to a phase change media, for example to form an indicia in the phase change media by changing the structure of a portion of the media from one of a crystalline or amorphous structure to the other of the crystalline and amorphous structure.

Abstract: A device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention comprises a contact probe for high density data storage reading, writing, erasing, or rewriting. In one embodiment, the contact probe can include a silicon core having a conductive coating. Contact probes in accordance with the present invention can be applied to a phase change media, for example, to form an indicia in the phase change media by changing the electrical resistivity of a portion of the phase change media.

Abstract: Methods in accordance with the present invention can be applied, in an embodiment, to a media comprising a phase change material to alter a resolved portion of the phase change material to have a resistance different from a resistance of the bulk material. A tip having a substantially larger radius of curvature than the resolved portion can be employed by applying such methods. A substantially anisotropic columnar material can focus a current applied between the tip and the media so that the portion is narrower in width than the radius of curvature. Such highly resolved portions form bits in the media. Other objects, aspects and advantages of the invention can be obtained from reviewing the figures, specification and claims. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.

Abstract: Methods in accordance with the present invention can be applied, in an embodiment, to a media comprising a phase change layer to alter a resolved portion of the phase change layer to have a resistance different from a resistance of the bulk material. A tip having a substantially larger radius of curvature than the resolved portion can be employed by applying such methods. A substantially anisotropic columnar material can focus a current applied between the tip and the media so that the portion is narrower in width than the radius of curvature. Such highly resolved portions form bits in the media. Other objects, aspects and advantages of the invention can be obtained from reviewing the figures, specification and claims. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.

Abstract: Methods in accordance with the present invention can be applied, in an embodiment, to a media comprising a phase change material to alter a resolved portion of the phase change material to have a resistance different from a resistance of the bulk material. A tip having a substantially larger radius of curvature than the resolved portion can be employed by applying such methods. A substantially anisotropic columnar material can focus a current applied between the tip and the media so that the portion is narrower in width than the radius of curvature. Such highly resolved portions form bits in the media. Other objects, aspects and advantages of the invention can be obtained from reviewing the figures, specification and claims. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.

Abstract: Methods in accordance with the present invention can be applied, in an embodiment, to a media comprising a phase change material to alter a resolved portion of the phase change material to have a resistance different from a resistance of the bulk material. A tip having a substantially larger radius of curvature than the resolved portion can be employed by applying such methods. A substantially anisotropic columnar material can focus a current applied between the tip and the media so that the portion is narrower in width than the radius of curvature. Such highly resolved portions form bits in the media. Other objects, aspects and advantages of the invention can be obtained from reviewing the figures, specification and claims. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with the present invention can be include, in an embodiment, one or more tips and a media comprising an over-layer, an under-layer, and a phase change material disposed between the over-layer and under-layer. Portions of the phase change media which can be altered to have a resistance different from a resistance of the bulk material, thereby forming highly resolved bits. A distal end of the tip can have a substantially large radius of curvature relative to a width of the resolved portion. Other objects, aspects and advantages of the invention can be obtained from reviewing the figures, specification and claims. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.