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: Embodiments of emitter clusters for a data storage device are provided, each such emitter cluster including a plurality of electron sources. Each electron source is configured to emit an electron beam to form a collective spot on a storage medium.

Abstract: An accelerometer includes a field emitter to generate an electron beam current and a medium. An effect is generated when the electron beam current bombards the medium. The magnitude of the effect is affected by a physical impact imparting an amount of energy to the accelerometer to cause a relative movement between the field emitter and the medium. The amount of energy imparted to the accelerometer by the physical impact is determined by measuring the magnitude of the effect. The accelerometer can be integrally implemented in a storage device.

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 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: 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: A method for read/write data onto a recording medium by using a nano-tip array and a data storage device incorporating the nano-tip array. The nano-tip array is fabricated on a silicon on insulator wafer to form a multiplicity of silicon micro-tips first by a MEMS technique, followed by forming integrally on each one of the multiplicity of silicon micro-tips at least one carbon nanotube extending outwardly away from the one micro-tip. The data storage device further includes an anode with a multiplicity of apertures therein with each apertures corresponding to one of the multiplicity of silicon micro-tips, and a recording medium that has an active surface positioned immediately adjacent to the multiplicity of silicon micro-tips.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for overwriting data in a probe-based data storage device in which data bits are represented by the presence and absence of pits at bit positions on a storage surface, the pits being formed in the storage surface by a probe mechanism of the device. Input data is coded to generate a coded bit sequence and an overwrite technique is employed to record the coded bit sequence on the storage surface over an old, previously-recorded bit sequence. Together with the properties of the coded bit sequence, the overwrite technique exploits the physical mechanism of the write process in that, with appropriate spacing of the bit positions on the storage surface, writing a pit at a bit position can erase an existing pit within a defined number of neighboring bit positions.

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: 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: A field emission device, which among other things may be used within an ultra-high density storage system, is disclosed. The emitter device includes an emitter electrode, an extractor electrode, and a solid-state field controlled emitter that utilizes a Schottky metal-semiconductor junction or barrier. The Schottky metal-semiconductor barrier is formed on the emitter electrode and electrically couples with the extractor electrode such that when an electric potential is placed between the emitter electrode and the extractor electrode, a field emission of electrons is generated from an exposed surface of the semiconductor layer. Further, the Schottky metal may be selected from typical conducting layers such as platinum, gold, silver, or a conductive semiconductor layer that is able to provide a high electron pool at the barrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a data storage device. The data storage device comprises a closed interior space containing a noble gas, a plurality of electron emitters having emission surfaces exposed within the interior space, the electron emitters adapted to emit electron beams, and a storage medium contained within the interior space in proximity to the electron emitters, 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 electron beam irradiation apparatus in a partial vacuum method is structured with a static pressure floating pad 18 connected to a vacuum chamber 14 containing an electron beam column 15 and in a condition that the static pressure floating pad 18 is attached to a subject 1 to be irradiated without contacting, and an electron beam irradiating the subject 1 to be irradiated through an electron beam path 19 of the static pressure floating pad 18, whereby the vacuum chamber and the electron beam column can be maintained in the required degree of vacuum even in a condition that the static pressure floating pad 18 is separated from the subject 1 to be irradiated. A vacuum seal valve 30 including a piston to open and close the electron beam path 19 is provided within the static pressure floating pad 18.

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: 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: The present invention relates to an optical memory device and an operating process thereof. The optical memory device have a recording layer containing a photochromic compound and an electron-accepting compound which is a Lewis acid compound having a Lewis acid part and a long chain part having carbon atoms of C12 or more. One aspect of the operating process has a recording step which recording is performed on the optical memory device by irradiating visible light corresponding to the absorption band of the colored photochromic compound for recording using decolorizing, before and after recording, heating treatments are performed to control the decolorizing sensitivity of the photochromic compound, and an erasing step which ultraviolet light is irradiated to the area including the recorded portion in order to uniformly color the recording layer again.

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: 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: 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: 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 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.

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: An apparatus of manufacturing a master by irradiating an electron beam on a substrate mounted on a turntable includes a rotation drive section for rotating the turntable; first and second correction-signal generating sections for respectively detecting first and second asynchronous components of rotational fluctuation of the turntable in a predetermined direction and in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction to generate first and second correction signals; and a deflection control section for controlling the electron beam deflection on the basis of the first and second correction signals.

Abstract: A storage device and a storage system employing the storage device. In one embodiment, the storage devices include an electron emitter and a storage medium in close proximity to the electron emitter. The storage medium includes a phase change material. A read signal detector capable of detecting light is provided in communication with the storage medium.

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: 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 data storage module for a data storage device has a rotor having a plurality of storage areas for data storage, the storage areas each being in one of a plurality of states to represent the data stored in that area. A first set of flexures suspends the rotor within a first frame and permits the rotor to move in a first direction. A first comb drive is connected to the rotor and the first frame for moving the rotor in the first direction. A second set of flexures suspends the first frame within a second frame and permits the first frame to move in a second direction normal to the first direction. A second comb drive is connected to the first frame and the second frame for moving the first frame in the second direction.

Abstract: The field emission planar electron emitter device is disclosed that has an emitter electrode, an extractor electrode, and a planar emitter emission layer, electrically coupled to the emitter electrode and the extractor electrode. The planar electron emitter is configured to bias electron emission in a central region of the emission layer in preference to an outer region thereof. One structural example that provides this biasing is achieved by fabricating the planar emitter emission layer so that it has an outer perimeter that is thicker in depth than at an interior portion of the planar emitter emission layer, which reduces electron beam emission at the outer perimeter when an electric field is applied between the emitter electrode and the extractor electrode. The electric field draws emission electrons from the surface of the planar emitter emission layer towards the extractor electrode at a higher rate at the interior portion than at the outer perimeter.

Abstract: An information storage unit functioning in a vacuum is provided wherein a data storage medium has an information storage area for storing and reading information thereon. An array of electron beam emitters is spaced from and in close proximity to the data storage medium for selectively directing a plurality of electron beams toward the data storage medium. Focusing optics between the array of electron beam emitters and the data storage medium focus each of the electron beams on one part of the information storage area of the data storage medium. A micro electromechanical motor associated with the data storage medium moves the data storage medium relative to the array of electron beam emitters, so that each of the emitters directs an electron beam selectively to a portion of the information storage area to read or write information therein. Electronic circuitry spaced from and in electronic communication with the array of electron beam emitters controls the operations of the array of electron beam emitters.

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: 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 data storage unit includes a data storage layer with multiple storage areas having a storage medium disposed thereon that changes between a plurality of states for writing and reading information. An array of beam emitters, such as laser light probes or near-field light sources, are spaced in close proximity to the data storage layer. A layer adjacent to the storage layer (LASL) generates carriers (electrons, holes or photons) in response to the light beams. Data is read by directing a light beam onto the data storage layer. The storage medium on the data storage layer affects the generation of carriers or alters the transport of carriers after generation by the LASL, depending upon the state of the storage medium. The carriers are detected in a detection region in carrier communication with the LASL to detect the presence of data. The detection region may comprise any type of region for detecting carriers, including a semiconductor diode junction and a photoconductive region.

Abstract: A disk 1 comprised by a substrate 11, a signal layer 12 made of aluminum in which pits 14 are formed, and a protective plate 13. The information reproducing apparatus emits an electron beam E from an electron gun 40 to the signal layer 12 of the disk 1, detects a change of the incident intensity of the reflection thereof via a detector 42, and reproduces the information of the disk 1 by a reproducing circuit 5.

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

Abstract: Pits are exposed and formed on a resist master disc by an electron beam recorder. A leading end and a trailing end of each pit are substantially the same form. The electron beam recorder includes: an electron beam source that discharges electron beams; a voltage controller that generates voltages based on a predetermined information signals; control electrodes that deflect the electron beams based on the voltages; a shield plate having a passing position to pass the electron beams and a shielding position to shield the electron beams; and a turntable that carries and rotates the disc. The voltage controller controls the voltages applied to the control electrodes to substantially equalize a first velocity of the electron beams to travel from a first shielding position to the passing position with a second velocity of the electron beams to travel from the passing position to a second shielding position.

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: The present disclosure relates to a data storage device. The data storage device comprises a closed interior space containing a noble gas, a plurality of electron emitters having emission surfaces exposed within the interior space, the electron emitters adapted to emit electron beams, and a storage medium contained within the interior space in proximity to the electron emitters, 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: 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: An information reproducing apparatus emits an electron beam E from an electron gun 40 to a signal layer 12 of a disk 1, detects a change of the incident intensity of the reflection thereof via a detector 42, and reproduces the information of the disk 1 by a reproducing circuit 5. A recording medium 20 has a conductive layer 22, an insulating layer 23, and island-like fixed electrodes 24 thereon electrically insulated from the periphery with a memory function imparted to the fixed electrodes. For the writing, electrons are injected into the fixed electrodes by the electron gun. For full erasure, a voltage is applied to the conductive layer 22. For the reading, the electrostatic effect of the counter electrodes and the fixed electrodes is utilized. This enables an increase of the volume of information and an enhancement of precision of the reading of the information.

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: 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: An accelerometer includes a field emitter to generate an electron beam current and a medium. An effect is generated when the electron beam current bombards the medium. The magnitude of the effect is affected by a physical impact imparting an amount of energy to the accelerometer to cause a relative movement between the field emitter and the medium. The amount of energy imparted to the accelerometer by the physical impact is determined by measuring the magnitude of the effect. The accelerometer can be integrally implemented in a storage device.

Abstract: An information storage unit functioning in a vacuum is provided wherein a data storage medium has an information storage area for storing and reading information thereon. An array of electron beam emitters is spaced from and in close proximity to the data storage medium for selectively directing a plurality of electron beams toward the data storage medium. Focusing optics between the array of electron beam emitters and the data storage medium focus each of the electron beams on one part of the information storage area of the data storage medium. A micro electromechanical motor associated with the data storage medium moves the data storage medium relative to the array of electron beam emitters, so that each of the emitters directs an electron beam selectively to a portion of the information storage area to read or write information therein. Electronic circuitry spaced from and in electronic communication with the array of electron beam emitters controls the operations of the array of electron beam emitters.

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: 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: 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: An assembly suitable for reading data based on thermal coupling. The assembly can realize resolution/density specifications that can transcend diffraction limited focused laser beam techniques. The assembly includes a temperature sensor supported by a head-like structure, the temperature sensor capable of monitoring thermal coupling between the sensor and a media, and a heater element for heating the temperature sensor. A controller is used for coordinating a mutual positioning of the head-like structure and the media so that changes of thermal coupling between the assembly and a media provide indicia of a media bit pattern.

Abstract: A method of generating or modifying patterns of topically specific magnetic modifications in an at least potentially ferromagnetic surface comprising the step of subjecting the surface to a controlled impact of energized subatomic particles, preferably in the form of electron radiation, directed at the surface for producing a predetermined pattern of discrete magnetized areas on the surface. The method serves to increase the density of magnetically coded information on magnetic media, such as hard disks.

Abstract: Data storage media are integrated into a microfabricated data storage system. Each data storage medium is located on one surface of a movable support. Flexures connected to the movable support allow the medium to move within a plane so that data can be stored at different locations on the medium, but significantly resist any out of the plane motion of the medium. Therefore, tips or other devices for writing or reading to or from the medium can be placed a small distance from the medium, thereby facilitating microfabrication of the data storage system. First electrodes are coupled to a second surface of the movable support opposite the medium. Second electrodes are located opposite the first electrodes to form an electrostatic surface actuator. Electric fields generated by the second electrodes interact with an electric field generated by the first electrodes to apply a force to the first electrodes and, hence, the movable support and the medium.