Abstract: A data storage device includes a conductive probe having a tip; a substrate; and a data storage medium including a layer of poled ferroelectric material. The ferroelectric layer is between the tip and the substrate.

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: An electron beam recorder includes an electron optical system for irradiating an electron beam on a master of an information recording medium and an electron beam irradiation position detecting unit for detecting an irradiation position of the electron beam in the electron optical system while the electron beam is being irradiated on the master by the electron optical system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electron beam substrate processing system. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an electron beam substrate processing system where a spindle shaft used to rotate substrates during processing includes at least one optical encoder wheel assembly. The optical encoder wheel assembly is configured to provide rotational speed data signal to a rotational speed control system and a pattern generation clock circuit configured to a provide an angular pattern generator clock signal and to a pattern generator circuit. The pattern generation circuit is configured to control modulation of an electron beam used for substrate processing. In one aspect of the present invention, while the spindle shaft is rotated at a constant linear velocity, the pattern generation circuit controls the modulation of an electron beam such that written mark lengths are sized to be about constant in angular dimension.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope includes a scanning probe tip and an electrostatic surface actuator operatively coupled to the scanning probe tip. The electrostatic surface actuator includes a movable member that has a first surface with a first plurality of electrodes disposed on the first surface and a stationary member that has a second surface with a second plurality of electrodes disposed on the second surface. The first and second surfaces are disposed in a confronting relationship The movable and stationary members are resiliently coupled so that the movable member is capable of being displaced with respect to the stationary member. The first and second pluralities of electrodes are configured to generate electrostatic forces in response to voltages applied. The electrostatic forces laterally displace the movable member in the direction generally parallel to the first and second surfaces. The scanning probe tip is controllably positioned by displacement of the movable member.

Abstract: An electron beam recorder includes an electron optical system for irradiating an electron beam on a master of an information recording medium and an electron beam irradiation position detecting unit for detecting an irradiation position of the electron beam in the electron optical system while the electron beam is being irradiated on the master by the electron optical system.

Abstract: A rapid data recording/reproducing method, a data recording system adopting the same, media for the system, and a tracking method, wherein the recording/reproducing method includes preparing media having a data recording layer in which a phase change is generated through electron absorption, generating electrons using an electron generating source at a position separated from the data recording layer by a predetermined interval, forming a magnetic field on the path of the electrons and cyclotron moving the electrons, recording data through local melting and cooling due to absorption of the electrons by the data recording layer. A micro-tip does not contact the data recording layer during electron collisions therewith, hence no damage is caused by or to the micro-tip. The present invention allows the region where the electron beam reaches the data recording layer to be minimized thereby maximizing the data recording density.

Abstract: A header of a nano storing apparatus is disclosed. If some cantilevers of the header are defective, an additional extra cantilever array is substitutively used. The header of a nano storing apparatus including: a cantilevery array including cantilevers each having a probe that is able to read and write information of the ‘n’ number of rows and the ‘m’ number of columns, an X-redundancy cantilever array to be used as a substitute when cantilever probes of a specific row in the cantilever array are defective; a Y-redundancy cantilever array to be used as a substitute when cantilever probes of a specific column in the cantilever array are defective; and a header controller for controlling each part.

Abstract: A digital data storage medium comprises data in the form of particles which are spectrally coded. The particles generally have the same size and shape. The particles are spectrally coded by tailoring metal species to have specific absorption signature. The size, shape and metal species are selected to increase storage density.

Abstract: A system for writing data using an electron beam to change the structure of a small section of a storage medium and includes at least one focused electron beam source. The duration of a write cycle of the focused electron beam source is controlled at least in part on an estimated or measured amount of charge transmitted by the focused electron beam source to the storage medium during the write cycle.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus for recording tracks includes: a rotation drive section (RDS) that supports and rotates a master disk with a resist layer; an exposure beam emitting section (EBES) deflectably applying an exposure beam to the disk to form a spot thereon; a relative movement drive section (RMDS) translating the RDS relatively to the spot in a radial direction of the disk; an emission controller supplying the EBES with an instruction for modulating an intensity of the exposure beam according to data to be recorded; and a movement controller supplying the RMDS with an instruction for moving the RDS with the rotating disk by a predetermined moving amount for each disk rotation.

Abstract: A dielectric reproducing apparatus is provided with: a probe for applying an electric field to a dielectric material of a dielectric recording medium; a return electrode for returning the electric field applied from the probe; an inductor placed between the probe and the return electrode; an oscillator which oscillates at a resonance frequency determined from the inductor and a capacitance formed in the dielectric material just under the probe; an alternating current (AC) signal generation device for generating an AC signal which is applied to the probe; a frequency modulation (FM) demodulator for demodulating a FM modulation signal modulated by the capacitance corresponding to the polarization state owned by the dielectric material just under the probe; and a phase-shift keying (PSK) demodulator for reproducing data from the demodulated signal.

Abstract: A storage device includes a storage medium and a probe having plural tips. The storage medium has a surface in which storage cells are to be formed. The tips of the probe form plural perturbations in the surface in at least one of the storage cells for representing a data bit.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a phase-change storage layer and an array of nanotubes as electron sources.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting a number of variation in resistance within a material stack in response to a scanning and injection of a non-contacting electron stream into a material stack, the material stack having a first conductive contact layer, a variable resistive layer, a fixed resistive layer, and a second conductive contact layer, and the variations in resistance within the material stack being based on one of a plurality of resistive states of the variable resistive layer. The method also includes generating two magnetic fields within a transformer, the transformer being operatively coupled to the first and second conductive contact layers and generating a differential output signal within the transformer based on the two magnetic fields, the differential output signal being associated with one of the plurality of resistive states.

Abstract: A molecular memory media having a media surface and a platform with read/write heads. The platform and media are moved to allow one of addition, removal, and repositioning of atoms, electrons, and charges on a surface of the media. The media is a material capable of storing data written to it, and detectable using a vibrating tip sensor that resonates at a free space value which is phase shifted when charges or anomalies on a surface of the media are present. Other methods of reading and writing to the media are presented. The media may be enhanced by augmenting grain boundaries of the media vis deposition and removal of PMMA materials. Servo trenches and sync bits identify positions of the read/write heads and maintain alignment during memory operations.

Abstract: An example dielectric information apparatus is provided with a plurality of electrodes for recording information in a small area of a dielectric substance and an earthed electrode. The electrodes are placed such that the dielectric substance is sandwiched therebetween. The dielectric information apparatus reads out the information recorded in the small area of a dielectric thin film by applying alternating current signals to the first electrodes. The polarization direction of the small area and the direction of an applied electric field decide the dielectric constant of the small area, and the oscillation frequency of an oscillator is determined by a capacitance Cs corresponding to the dielectric constant. An oscillation signal of the oscillator is demodulated at an FM demodulator, and the information is detected from the demodulated signal at a signal detector. When recording, record signals are applied to the first electrodes, and the polarization direction is set to correspond to the record signals.

Abstract: A media storage device is provided. The device comprises different configurations of a luminescent layer comprising a luminescent material capable of emitting light while being bombarded by a beam from a beam transmitter, a detector for detecting the light emitted from the luminescent layer, and a phase-change layer located proximate the luminescent layer. The phase-change layer is able to transform from a first phase to a second phase. Light emitted from the luminescent layer and received by the detector materially differs when the phase-change layer transforms from the first phase to the second phase.

Abstract: A fine pattern having first elements within track widths and second elements, which are shifted half a track pitch from the first elements, are drawn across the entire surface of a disk accurately and at high speed. A transfer pattern for a magnetic transfer master carrier is drawn by scanning an electron beam on a disk coated with resist. The first elements and the second elements, which are shifted half a track pitch such that they straddle adjacent tracks, are drawn. While the disk is rotated unidirectionally, the electron beam is deflected in the radial direction within a single track of the disk to draw the first elements. Deflection of the electron beam in the radial direction is shifted half a track, to draw the second elements that straddle adjacent tracks at the same time.

Abstract: There is provided a circular guard so as to surround the vicinity of a tip portion of a probe mounted on an information recording/reading head, in order to prevent dusts from touching and colliding with the probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data recording device comprising microtips and a recording medium. The recording medium comprises a substrate with a preferably-carbon resistive layer disposed thereon, said resistive layer being covered with an active layer. According to the invention, the aforementioned active layer can pass from a first electrical resistivity value to a second electrical resistivity value when a voltage is applied between the microtips and a counter electrode. The inventive data recording device also comprises at least one carbon resistive element which is disposed between the active layer and the microtips.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electron beam irradiation apparatus and an electron beam irradiation method that are capable of easily curing a material that is hard to be cured by irradiation of ultraviolet rays and of reducing the number of electron beam irradiation tubes. The electron beam irradiation apparatus has a motor for rotationally driving an irradiation target object, a shield container for rotatably accommodating the irradiation target object, and an electron beam irradiation unit provided in the shield container so that the surface of the irradiation target object is irradiated with electron beams, wherein the electron beam irradiation unit and the irradiation target object are relatively moved when the electron beam irradiation unit irradiates the surface of the irradiation target object with the electron beams during a rotation of the irradiation target object.

Abstract: An optical disk 11 (sample) is laid on a sample moving unit 21 within a vacuum chamber 20. An electron beam radiating mechanism 30 radiates an electron beam to the optical disk 11 while moving the optical disk 11 at a constant speed. Electron detecting means 27 detects an electron from the optical disk 11. Thus, the track pitch is measured on the basis of a detected electron signal and a measured movement amount of the optical disk 11. Also, the electron beam radiating mechanism 30 is provided with a fast deflector 33 for averaging within a deflection area to measure the track pitch.

Abstract: In an electron beam exposure method in which an article subjected to exposure and an electron beam irradiation spot are moved relative to each other at a continuous speed, the article is exposed at a plurality of irradiation intensities of an electron beam by changing a transmittance of an electron optical system for forming the electron beam irradiation spot on the article.

Abstract: A high-density data storage medium, a method of manufacturing the data storage medium, a high-density data storage apparatus, and methods of writing data on, and reading and erasing data from the data storage medium by using the data storage apparatus are provided. The data storage medium includes a lower electrode, an insulation layer deposited on the lower electrode, a photoelectron emission layer deposited on the insulation layer and having a plurality of protrusions from which photoelectrons are emitted due to collisions between the protrusions and photons, and a dielectric layer deposited on the photoelectron emission layer and storing the photoelectrons emitted from the photoelectron emission layer.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed at data storage devices capable of storing, reading and writing data to storage areas of nanometer dimensions. Certain embodiments are directed at devices wherein a fluid medium and particles are provided between a storage medium and an energy-emitting tip to channel energy from the tip to the storage medium. Certain embodiments are directed at devices wherein conductor molecules are attached to the surface of the storage medium and channel energy to the storage medium from an energy-emitting tip. Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed at methods of reading and writing to a storage medium by making use of intermediate particles and/or molecules to channel beams from a tip to a storage medium where data is stored.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device includes a moveable mass supported within a frame. To support the mass within the frame, a first flexure extends between the mass and the frame. An angle softening element is positioned between a first end of the first flexure and the frame to allow angular movement of the first flexure.

Abstract: Deflecting means, for deflecting an electron beam in a radial direction and the circumferential direction, and blanking means, for shielding irradiation of the electron beam at portions other than drawing portions, are provided. While the disk is rotated unidirectionally, the electron beam is repeatedly deflected in a figure 8 pattern, in which the electron beam is deflected toward the next deflection initiation point in the radial direction at track edge portions, such that the deflected directions toward the inner periphery of the disk and toward the outer periphery of the disk intersect each other. Parallel scanning is performed alternately toward the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the disk. Elements of a transfer pattern, having lengths which are integer multiples of a reference value, are drawn by performing scanning a number of times equal to the integer that the reference value is multiplied by.

Abstract: Determining a beam size of an emitter for a data storage medium is disclosed. The emitter, having an emitted beam, is moved across conductor of a detector. Current through the conductor, resulting from the emitted beam as the emitter moves across the detector, is measured. The size of the emitted beam of the emitter is determined based on the position of the emitter and the measured current.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the voltage on a lens of an electron emitting device are provided. A representative method includes: supplying an emitter voltage to an electron emitter in the electron emitting device, wherein a current amplitude is established; sensing the emitter voltage on the electron emitter; supplying a non-inverted input voltage to an amplifier that follows the emitter voltage; and providing an amplifier output voltage from the amplifier to the lens, wherein the amplifier output voltage corresponds to the emitter voltage at the electron emitter. Systems, devices and other methods also are provided.

Abstract: A detection apparatus, a detection method and an electron beam irradiation apparatus for detecting deflection electrons in order to precisely focus even if a vacuum seal valve is provided. An electron beam irradiation apparatus including a vacuum seal valve mechanism which is provided in a static pressure floating pad, and opens/closes an electron beam passage with a piston so as to switch between an electron beam irradiation state and a vacuum seal state, and a deflection electron detector which is provided between the vacuum seal valve mechanism and a master disk and detects a deflection electron signal generated from the master disk with electron beam irradiation.

Abstract: A focused ion beam (FIB) apparatus is used to record analog (i.e. continuous) and/or digital (i.e. discrete) images or data within a medium, which is then recoverable by exposing this storage medium to a light source and observing the light reflected, transmitted, and/or diffracted by the medium from a specified reception point relative to the source light and the medium surface. Changes in the optical properties of the medium surface can be achieved in a controllable and predictable way over spatial regions as small as the tightest focus of a FIB in one or several of the following ways (In the following list, “structure” is defined as a polished, solid surface to which has been added either none, one, or several optical thin films of materials which differ from the adjacent materials): 1) Changes in structure optical properties due to implantation into a substrate. 2) Changes in structure optical properties due to implantation into and milling of a substrate.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device is presented that can read very high density magnetic media and very high density CD ROMs. Both the magnetic and optical read heads comprise one or more cold cathode MEMS e-beam cells. The e-beams are deflected according to the data bit being interrogated and the state of that bit is determined by a detector. Large arrays of such cells can simultaneously read large areas of the memory media. Arrays of such MEMs detectors can comprise a plurality of “steerable” e-beam emitters that can be directed to interrogate specific data sites on the magnetic media. Thus, in some cases, the media can remain stationary. Densities of 200 gigabits per square inch or more and read speeds greater than 1000 times faster can be achieved.

Abstract: An ultra-high-density data storage device that includes at least one energy beam emitter and a data storage medium that itself includes an organic material. The organic material may include one or more Langmuir-Blodgett layers and may include a conductive polymer. Localized presence or absence of localized disorder in the Langmuir-Blodgett layers may be used to detect data bits formed in the data storage medium. The presence or absence of one-dimensional conductivity in the organic material may also be used to read data bits formed in the data storage medium.

Abstract: Described is a method for reading an array of sensors having a set of row conductors each connected to the sensors in a corresponding row of the array and a set of column conductors each connected to the sensors in a corresponding column of the array such that each sensor is connected between a row conductor and a column conductor. The method comprises: for each row of sensors in the array, performing a read cycle comprising applying an activation pulse to the corresponding row conductor to activate the sensors in the row, applying a reading pulse to the row conductor on expiry of a predetermined time interval from an edge of the activation pulse, and during the reading pulse, detecting, for each sensor in the row, a value dependent on a variable characteristic of that sensor. The read cycle for at least one row is commenced during the predetermined time interval of the read cycle for another row.

Abstract: Methods of writing information to an optical memory device. The methods comprise the step of writing a mark to the active material of the optical memory device by irradiating the material with an applied energy source. In one embodiment, the applied energy source provides a plurality of energy pulses. In another embodiment, energy in excess of that required to form a mark is released and dissipated in a manner that minimizes mark enlargement, spurious mark formation, recrystallization and back crystallization. The methods are effective to provide better cooling characteristics through enhancement of the capacitive cooling contribution.

Abstract: Methods for storing data are provided. Preferably, the method includes the steps of: providing a data storage device, and preventing an emitter associated with a first data cluster of the data storage device from writing data to another one of the data clusters. Data storage devices also are provided.

Abstract: A storage device includes a first semiconducting layer having a p-dopant and a second semiconducting layer having an n-dopant, disposed on the first semiconducting layer forming a junction between the first and the second semiconducting layers. The storage device also includes a charge trapping structure disposed on the second semiconducting layer and a conductive gate, wherein the conductive gate and the charge trapping structure move relative to the other, wherein an electric field applied across the second semiconducting layer and the conductive gate traps charge in the charge trapping structure.

Abstract: An ultra-high-density data storage device that relies on optical signals. The device includes a luminescent layer that emits light when stimulated by an electron beam. The device also includes a phase-change layer that contains data bits that may absorb or reflect the stimulated light before the light reaches a detector. Also, a method of data storage and retrieval that includes writing data bits in the phase-change layer, stimulating emissions in the luminescent layer, and reading data bits by monitoring the amount of light that reaches the detector.

Abstract: Systems for assembling wafer stacks are provided. An embodiment of the system includes a vacuum chamber, a media deposition component and a wafer stack assembly component. The media deposition component is arranged within the vacuum chamber and is configured to deposit storage media upon a first wafer. The wafer stack assembly component also is arranged within the vacuum chamber. The wafer stack assembly component is configured to align the first wafer and a second wafer relative to each other and bond the first wafer and the second wafer together while at least a portion of the vacuum chamber is maintained under vacuum pressure. So configured, the interior chamber of the wafer stack can be formed as well as maintained under vacuum pressure. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method for inspecting or reviewing a magnetized specimen using an automated inspection apparatus. The method includes generating a beam of incident electrons using an electron source, biasing the specimen with respect to the electron source such that the incident electrons decelerate as a surface of the specimen is approached, and illuminating a portion of the specimen at a tilt with the beam of incident electrons. The specimen is moved under the incident beam of electrons using a movable stage of the inspection apparatus. Scattered electrons are detected to form image data of the specimen showing distinct contrast between regions of different magnetization. The movement of the specimen under the beam of incident electrons may be continuous, and data for multiple image pixels may be acquired in parallel using a time delay integrating detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grooving apparatus which can carry information on an information track at high recording density when carrying the information on the information track through a change in shape of a groove and which also can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the information under reproduction. A grooving apparatus for forming a groove to function as an information track in an optical disk comprises an electron beam generator which emits an electron beam, an objective lens which focuses the emitted electron beam on the optical disk and which focuses the electron beam on a smaller range than the size of the groove, and an X-direction deflector and a Y-direction deflector which controls the electron beam so that the electron beam is focused in position on the optical disk, thereby forming the groove in the optical disk.

Abstract: A storage device including many field emitters in close proximity to a storage medium, and a micromover, all in a partial vacuum. Each field emitter can generate an electron beam current. The storage medium has many storage areas on it, with each field emitter responsible for a number of storage areas. Also, each storage area can be in a number of different states to represent the information stored in that area. In storing information to the storage device, the power density of an electron beam current is increased to change the state of the storage area bombarded by the electron beam current. In reading information from the device, the power density of the electron beam current is reduced to generate a signal current from the storage area bombarded by the electron beam current. During reading, the power density is selected to be low enough so that no writing occurs. The magnitude of the signal current depends on the state of the storage area.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a phase-change storage layer and an array of nanotubes as electron sources.

Abstract: Metal-insulator-metal planar electron emitters (PEES) have potential for use in advanced lithography for future generations of semiconductor devices. The PEE has, however, a limited lifetime, which restricts its commercial applicability. It is believed that the limited lifetime of the PEE is limited by in-diffusion of metal ions from the anode. The in-diffusion may be countered in a number of different ways. One way is to cool the PEE to temperatures below room temperature. This lowers the metal ion mobility, and so the metal ions are less likely to diffuse into the insulator layer. Another way is to occasionally reverse the electrical potential across the PEE from the polarity used to generate the electron beam. This counteracts the electrical driving force that drives the positively charged metal ions from the PEE anode to the PEE cathode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a data storage device, comprising a plurality of electron emitters adapted to emit electron beams, the electron emitters each having a planar emission surface, and a storage medium in proximity to the electron emitter, the storage medium having a plurality of storage areas that are capable of at least two distinct states that represent data, the state of the storage areas being changeable in response to bombardment by electron beams emitted by the electron emitters.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber, an energy beam generator emitting an energy beam for recording information on a substrate in the vacuum chamber, a spindle motor rotating the substrate in the vacuum chamber, a movable holder disposed in the vacuum chamber for carrying the spindle motor, and a feed motor unit connected to the movable holder for linearly moving the substrate in a vacuum atmosphere within the vacuum chamber. The holder, the vacuum chamber, and the energy beam generator are fixed to a common plate-shaped base member. The feed motor unit is connected to the movable holder by means of a hollow rod, a flexible sleeve element being provided over the rod between the feed motor unit and the vacuum chamber wall.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical recording reproducing apparatus which can effectively remove contamination material attached thereto and an optical recording medium used in the optical recording reproducing apparatus. To this end, the apparatus comprises: a catalyst layer formed at a specific part thereof; and a light irradiation unit for irradiating light on the catalyst layer. An optical disc used in an optical recording reproducing apparatus includes a catalyst layer.

Abstract: A data storage device is provided, such data storage device including a storage medium having a data storage location, and at least one emitter adapted to emit an electron beam generally aligned with the data storage location. The data storage device also includes a beam deflector including plural steering electrodes configured to selectively adjust positional alignment of the electron beam relative the data storage location.

Abstract: A focus-detecting emitter for a data storage device is provided, such focus-detecting emitter including a first emission zone configured to selectively produce a first electron beam portion, and a second emission zone configured to selectively produce a second electron beam portion. The first electron beam portion generates a first spot on a storage medium and the second electron beam portion generates a second spot on the storage medium such that a position of at least one of the first spot and the second spot is indicative of a focus state of at least one of the first electron beam portion and the second electron beam portion.