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: A dielectric recording/reproducing apparatus is provided with: a probe for applying an electric field to a dielectric material; a return electrode for returning the high frequency electric field for data reproduction; an inductor placed between the probe and the return electrode; an oscillator which oscillates at a resonance frequency determined according to the inductor and a capacitance formed in the dielectric material just under the probe; a switch for switching circuit connections depending on whether data recording is performed and data reproducing is performed; a recording signal input device for converting data to be recorded to generate a recording signal; a direct current voltage generation device for generating a direct current bias voltage to be applied to the dielectric material; a frequency-amplitude demodulator for demodulating an oscillation signal of the oscillator having the frequency that is changed depending on the capacitance owned by the dielectric material just under the probe; and a si

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: A data storage system that includes a positioning system for positioning the write/read mechanism and the storage medium of the data storage device with respect to each other in first and second predefined directions. The positioning system comprises a positioning apparatus comprising microfabricated first and second positioning assemblies. The positioning system further comprises a controller to position a positionable support structure of the first positioning assembly in a first predefined direction within a range of positioning that is larger than the range of movement of a moveable support structure of the first positioning assembly by controlling (A) a stationary support structure clamp in clamping and unclamping the positionable structure to and from the support structure, (B) a moveable structure clamp in clamping and unclamping the positionable support structure to and from the moveable support structure, and (C) the movement of the moveable support structure.

Abstract: An optical disk pickup system includes an array of photodiodes 101 for converting photons reflected from an optical disk into a plurality of electrical signals each representing a channel. Driving circuitry 407, 408 drives at least one of the electrical signals as a current across a conductor of a flexible cable 403. A low impedance load 404 converts the electrical signal driven across the conductor as a current into a voltage for further processing.

Abstract: A re-recordable data storage medium is disclosed. One embodiment of the medium includes a dielectric material and a filler material. The dielectric material is organized in columnar channels over which memory cells are logically distributed. The filler material is within the columnar channels to realize the memory cells. The filler material of each memory cell has at least a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration corresponds to a first storable logical value, and the second configuration corresponds to a second storable logical value.

Abstract: A storage device and a method for operating a storage device. A storage medium for storing data in form of marks is scanned by at least one probe in a scanning mode. A control unit provides a pulsed reading signal for data detecting purposes in said scanning mode. Said storage medium comprises marks for determining a clock of said pulsed signal.

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 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. A recording medium 20 comprised by 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: A dielectric recording medium unit is provided with: the dielectric recording/reproducing head; a tracking mechanism of the dielectric recording/reproducing head; the dielectric recording medium placed facing to a probe of dielectric recording/reproducing head; and a X-Y stage for parallel-translating the dielectric recording medium These components are stored in a package. The package is provided with: an electrical connection device for allowing the electrical connection with an external apparatus; and mechanical connection devices for allowing the mechanical connection with the external apparatus.

Abstract: A high-density information storage apparatus using electron emission and methods of writing, reading and erasing information using the same are provided. The high-density information storage apparatus includes a lower electrode, a photoconductive layer and a recording medium sequentially provided on the lower electrode, a conductive layer converting unit for making the photoconductive layer conductive, a data write and read unit for writing data to the recording medium or reading data from the recording medium, a data loss preventing unit for preventing loss of data during data write and read operations, and a power supply connected to the lower electrode and the data write and read unit, for supplying voltage necessary for reading and writing data.

Abstract: The invention concerns a component of composite structure (10) consisting of a layer of ferroelectric material (11) and at least a thin film of semiconductor material or of a thin metal or supraconducting film (12) in close contact with the layer of ferroelectric material (11). It further comprises means for generating local modifications of the ferroelectric material polarization. This mechanism includes a device for applying a voltage between at least one punctiform electrode (13) arranged for selectively scanning the composite structure (10) surface facing that consisting of the semiconductor or thin metal or supraconducting film (12), and the semiconductor or thin metal or supraconducting film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording and storing information on and reproducing information from a storage medium is described, wherein the active storage medium forms part of the write/read signal path.

Abstract: An optical information recording/reproducing apparatus enabling fine actuation of almost several nm order for performing the tracking correction includes a pair of fixed electrodes so as to put a probe therebetween in a direction perpendicular to the direction of data row arrangement on a recording medium and a voltage applying medium for applying the voltage between the respective fixed electrodes and the probe. The position of the tip end of the probe is controlled by the action of electrostatic attractive force between the fixed electrodes and the probe caused by applying the voltage thereacross. The probe is constructed with center core clad therearound. The base part is fixed and the sharpened tip end is free, as a so-called cantilever structure. The apparatus further enables to obtain the tracking error. Laser light is emitted from the tip end and radiated onto the information recording medium. The light reflected on the recording medium is converted optoelectrically.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a method for enabling fast and high density recording of information. A voltage is applied to a recording layer formed between a pair of electrodes. The distance between the pair of electrodes is set wider at one of land and groove areas of a subject optical disk and narrower at the other or the distance is set so that light absorption occurs only in either of the land and groove areas. The optical disk is also provided with a layer of which light absorption spectrum changes according to the application of an electric current, thereby absorbing the light. The new layer may be the recording layer itself or a layer adjacent to the recording layer. Because a heat generates only from a small area of the optical disk at the time of recording, the disk can be turned rapidly and permissively to the auto focusing and tracking offsets, thereby enabling fast and high density recording. The disk can thus be formed with easily selectable multiple layers.

Abstract: A storage device and a method for scanning a storage medium. A storage medium for storing data in the form of marks is scanned by an array of probes for mark detecting purposes in a scanning mode. The storage medium has fields with each field to be scanned by an associated one of the probes. At least one of the fields has marks representing operational data for operating the scanning mode. Scanning parameters are computed from the operational data and the scanning mode is adjusted according to the computed parameters.

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 data storage apparatus adopting a time division multiplexing technique, and a data recording method and a data reproduction method both using the apparatus, are provided. In the data storage apparatus, a recording medium stores data, and a stage supports the recording medium. A scanner drives the stage, and a cantilever array composed of a plurality of cantilevers record data to and reproducing data from the recording medium in a data detecting sequence. A controller detects data by applying a scanner driving signal to the scanner and applying a voltage signal for data recording or a voltage modulation signal for data reproduction to the plurality of cantilevers. Controlling the plurality of cantilevers using a single controller enables a data storage apparatus to be driven with low power and reduced in its circuit size. Installation of a pseudo-differential capacitor ensures high sensitivity.

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: Provided are an apparatus and a method for reproducing data using capacitance. The apparatus includes a tip, a cantilever, a positioning portion, a power supply, an electrostatic force measuring portion, and a controller. The tip contacts a recording medium on which data is recorded by a bit. The cantilever is made of conductive material and has a free end for supporting the tip. The positioning portion moves the cantilever so as to determine a position of the tip on the recording medium. The power supply is connected between the recording medium and the cantilever in order to apply a voltage to the recording medium and the cantilever so as to generate an electrostatic force therebetween. The electrostatic force measuring portion measures the electrostatic force generated between the recording medium and the cantilever. The controller determines a local capacitance of the recording medium from the electrostatic force measured by the electrostatic force measuring portion.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic bonding includes placing a first region of a first unit at least adjacent to a first region of a second unit. The first region of the first unit has trapped charge. A bond between the first region of the first unit and the first region of the second unit is formed by the electrostatic forces between the trapped charge and induced charge in the first region of the second unit. A system for electrostatic bonding includes a first unit having a first region with trapped charge and a second unit with a first region with induced charge. Electrostatic forces between the trapped charge in the first region of the first unit and the induced charge in the first region of the second unit bond the first and second units together.

Abstract: A data storage module for a high density data storage device. The storage module includes a planar rotor having top, bottom, left and right edges. The rotor is suspended within a frame surrounding the top, bottom, left and right edges of the rotor. The rotor is suspended by a plurality of flexures, wherein the flexures adjacent to the top edge are aligned with the top edge, the flexures adjacent to the bottom edge are aligned with the bottom edge, the flexures adjacent the left edge are aligned with the left edge, and the flexures adjacent to the right edge are aligned with the right edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for writing/reading digital data, comprising a recording head (10) fixed to a mobile traveller (11) that moves above a recording support (12) on which several tracks are provided, in which this head (10) comprises several microtips (13) operating in parallel, each associated with a guided optical circuit that address tracks of the recording support (12). Each microtip (13) operates in write and read modes.

Abstract: Device for writing and reading a data including a floated cantilever part connected to a support, a resistively heated tip at an end of the cantilever part, and a piezoelectric sensor formed on the cantilever part, thereby preventing an occurrence of a sensing error by reading a data and reducing power consumption by using a piezoelectric sensor, and tip wear by making heights of the cantilever array uniform by using piezoelectric actuators.

Abstract: A dielectric recording medium is provided with three layers of: a dielectric material, an electric conductor, and a substrate, and has a groove on the recording surface of the dielectric material. The groove is provided with one or a plurality of grooves. When a voltage is applied to a probe, the dielectric material just under the probe is polarized depending on an electric field generated between the electric conductor and the probe, which allows recording. Moreover, the groove facilitates the probe tracking since the probe scans along this groove.

Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman optical data storage (SERODS) systems having increased reading and writing speeds, that is, increased data transfer rates, are disclosed. In the various SERODS read and write systems, the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) data is written and read using a two-dimensional process called parallel signal transfer (PST). The various embodiments utilize laser light beam excitation of the SERODS medium, optical filtering, beam imaging, and two-dimensional light detection. Two- and three-dimensional SERODS media are utilized. The SERODS write systems employ either a different laser or a different level of laser power.

Abstract: High density data storage device has a support substrate and one or more different types of phosphors contained at each of plural regularly arranged microscopic regions of the support substrate. Each of the different types of phosphors has a fluorescence characteristic that may be faded by incident light having a different predetermined wavelength. The use of near-field light facilitates a reduction in size of the space required for each data bit. By providing a plurality of different types of phosphors at each of the microscopic regions, the amount of information storable at each bit space is rendered multi-valued to enable higher density recording.

Abstract: The record condition extraction system (1) of a dielectric recording medium is intended to obtain an applied voltage and an applied time length to be recorded when recording information in the dielectric recording medium. The record condition extraction system (1) is provided with: an applied voltage setting device (11); an applied time length setting device (12); a record control device (13); an applied voltage/applied time length record device (14); a record device (15); a dot radius measurement device (16); a dot radius record device (17); an optimum dot radius detection device (18); a record condition determination device (19); and an output device (20). The applied voltage setting device (11) and the applied time length setting device (12) set a voltage and a time applied to a probe (31) of the record device (15), respectively.

Abstract: The invention discloses an assembly/methodology for writing/erasing high-density data on a ferroelectric recording media. A preferred embodiment of the invention features a novel thermal near-field heater that may be employed in the assembly, particularly for realizing the methodology in a substantially thermal near-field mode. The invention provides advantages of data storage densities greater than that of diffraction limited systems, for example, data storage densities of approximately greater than 100 Gbit/inch2, and writing speeds approximately greater than 100 MHz.

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. Additionally, a control system electrically communicates with the first current source that facilitates a controlled current flow from the first current source to the at least one emitter.

Abstract: A position sensor for use in connection with a movable system having a pair of objects that are configured to move relative to one another along an axis through an operative range of motion. The position sensor includes a first plate secured to one of the objects and a pair of second plates secured to the other of the objects. The second plates are adjacent each other and coplanar. The first plate and second plates are configured so that the second plates are spaced from and parallel to the first plate as the objects move relative to one another along the axis. The first plate and second plates are configured so that they form two variable, spaced-plate capacitors having capacitances that vary as the objects move relative to one another within the operative range along the axis. The position sensor is configured to use the capacitances to generate output usable to determine relative position of the objects along the axis.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a phase change non-volatile memory includes a number of memory cells. The memory cells include a phase change material which may transition between two memory state. The transition time to achieve on memory state is longer than the transition time to achieve another memory state. All cells in the memory device may initially be set to the state with the longer transition time. An initial programming operation may have a reduced programming time because all state changes occur at the shorter transition time.

Abstract: There is provided an information recording medium and an information reproducing apparatus capable of carrying out information reproduction and tracking control by utilizing near-field light. A data bit 12 of a convex having a section orthogonal to a tracking direction in a triangular shape is formed on an information recording medium 3 as an information unit, by scattering near-field light formed at a reproducing probe 1 at inclined faces of the data bit 12 with directionalities, fluxes of reflected and scattered light thereby are detected by reproduced light detectors 6 and 7 arranged symmetrically in a left and right direction relative to a central axis of the reproducing probe 1 along the tracking direction, a differential signal between the detected signals is outputted by a difference circuit 20 and an actuator 22 is driven by the differential signal via a tracking signal forming circuit 21 and a position of the reproducing probe 1 is controlled to carry out the tracking control.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical recording medium having a charge generating ability capable of generating electric charges with different polarities upon irradiation with light and a charge transporting ability capable of transporting at least one of the electric charges to separate specially the electric charges from each other forming an electric field upon irradiation with light, the optical characteristics of the optical recording medium being changed depending on the electric field, wherein the charge transporting capability is imparted by a charge transporting material formed of a molecule having a charge transporting capability or a polymer containing a monomer unit having a charge transporting capability. A light intensity pattern is recorded in the optical recording medium depending on the change in the optical characteristics caused by the electric field. The average intermolecular distance of a noticed charge transporting material is defined to fall within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A near-field laser and detector apparatus and method wherein both writing and reading of optical media can be carried out using the same laser operating in a single mode for both read and write operations. The single operational mode can be utilized with both edge emitting and surface emitting laser configurations, and allows readout via rear facet output power variation or by voltage variation across the laser. A small aperture laser is operated during read and write operations at a bias current which is higher than the threshold currents associated with feedback from high and low reflectivity regions of an optical medium. The bias current and laser structure provide a relatively high, continuous output power from the front emission facet of the laser to facilitate writing, while providing substantial fluctuation or change in output power from the rear emission facet to facilitate readout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initializing a recording film by heating it over its crystallizing temperature with heat that is generated based on the current flowing on the recording film or induced thereon, the current being generated from applying electric energy to the recording film of a phase transformation typed optical disk. The electric energy is provided through conductive wires being directly in contact with the recording film, or through an induction heating technique in which electric energy is provided via induction.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing head which is small-sized and lightweight and which does not require focussing servo. In order to achieve this result, a head slider is mounted on a supporting spring movable radially of an optical disc. The head slider includes a base having a recording medium facing surface facing the optical disc, a head unit mounted to the head slider so that an optical recording and/or reproducing head will face the optical disc, a connecting unit for connecting the head unit to the air outlet side of the base, and connecting beams including electro-mechanical transducer elements. The electro-mechanical transducer elements of the beams are driven in response to the supplied driving signals to cause fine movement of the recording and/or reproducing head relative to the optical disc along the tracking direction.

Abstract: A method of assembling arrays of small particles or molecules using an atomic force microscope to define ferroelectric domains includes depositing a ferroelectric thin film upon a substrate forming workpiece, then using an atomic force microscope having a conductive, tip for generating a pattern on this thin film to define desired nano-circuit patterns. Next, exposure of this thin film to a solution containing chemical species which selectively adsorb or accumulate under the influence of electrophoretic forces in selected regions of this thin film.

Abstract: An information recording medium comprises a double-layer structure comprised of a light transmitting layer for transmitting light and a light reflecting layer for reflecting light, The light transmitting layer has a data mark which comprises a unit of information to be reproduced.

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: An ultra-high-density data storage device that includes nanometer-scaled storage areas written to and read from with a localized primary energy source. Writing to the storage areas can be performed by supplying additional energy to the storage areas via a less localized secondary energy source. Also disclosed is a method of using the ultra-high-density data storage device to store and retrieve data.

Abstract: A data storage medium that includes several stacked layers. The stacked layers can be conducting, insulating, resistive, or capable of changing between two or more states or phases. Also, a data storage device that includes the data storage medium and an energy source that can form nanometer-scaled data bits in regions of the data storage medium. The data bits can include holes through some of the stacked layers or phase-changes in portions of the layers capable of changing between two or more states. Further, a method of using such a storage medium to store nanometer-scaled data bits.

Abstract: Provided is an optical probe array head device in which a single optical detector or a plurality of optical detectors are disposed to each of the optical probes constituting an optical probe array having a plurality of apertures. The optical detectors are arranged to surround the aperture so as to be able to efficiently detect scattering of a feeble near-field light enabling similtaneous detection of a multipilicity of optical signals. In this device, an optical lens system necessary for optical detection can be omitted by integrating the optical probe array and the optical detectors. In addition, the output signals from the optical detectors can be utilized for conducting position control of the optical probe array head.

Abstract: A dielectric information apparatus is provided with a plurality of electrodes (14) for recording information in a small area of a dielectric substance (12) and an earthed electrode (13). The electrodes (14, 13) are placed such that the dielectric substance (12) is sandwiched between the electrodes (14) and the electrode (13). The dielectric information apparatus reads out the information recorded in the small area of a dielectric thin film (12) by applying alternating current signals to the first electrodes (14). 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 20 is determined by a capacitance Cs corresponding to the dielectric constant. An oscillation signal of the oscillator 20 is demodulated at a FM demodulator 21, and the information is detected from the demodulated signal at a signal detector 22.

Abstract: A high-density information storage apparatus using electron emission and methods of writing, reading and erasing information using the same are provided. The high-density information storage apparatus includes a lower electrode, a photoconductive layer and a recording medium sequentially provided on the lower electrode, a conductive layer converting unit for making the photoconductive layer conductive, a data write and read unit for writing data to the recording medium or reading data from the recording medium, a data loss preventing unit for preventing loss of data during data write and read operations, and a power supply connected to the lower electrode and the data write and read unit, for supplying voltage necessary for reading and writing data.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope (AFM) tipped with a single-wall conductive nanotube is operated to write bits onto a metal substrate by oxidizing the surface. The oxidized microregions project above an otherwise flat surface, and can therefore be detected—that is, the written bits can be read—using the same AFM arrangement.

Abstract: Ferroelectric thin films can hold non-volatile memories with bit sizes down to 30 nm at room temperature. This invention provides a data storage system that preferably comprises an electrically conducting rotatable hard disk substrate having a ferroelectric storage layer that comprises storage cells which can be written and read along concentric recording tracks, a pivoted servo arm with a free end for movement across the recording tracks. The free end of the servo arm includes both a write head, consisting of an electrically conducting tip, and a read head, consisting of a field effect transistor (FET), held close to the disk surface. The FET has a gate electrode and is positioned on the servo arm with the gate electrode held close to the ferroelectric surface of the disk during read operations of the data storage system. Read and write operations can be performed with standard semiconductor technologies in combination with existing magnetic hard-disk servo-control architecture.

Abstract: An ultra-high-density data storage device including at least one energy-channeling component and a storage medium that usually includes at least one rectifying junction region. The energy-channeling component is generally capable of emitting such energies as, but not limited to, thermal, optical and electronic energy. The energy-channeling component is generally located either within close proximity of or in direct contact with the storage medium. The storage medium typically includes nanometer-scaled storage areas.

Abstract: A data storage system that includes a positioning system for positioning the write/read mechanism and the storage medium of the data storage device with respect to each other in first and second predefined directions. The positioning system comprises a positioning apparatus comprising microfabricated first and second positioning assemblies. The positioning system further comprises a controller to position a positionable support structure of the first positioning assembly in a first predefined direction within a range of positioning that is larger than the range of movement of a moveable support structure of the first positioning assembly by controlling (A) a stationary support structure clamp in clamping and unclamping the positionable structure to and from the support structure, (B) a moveable structure clamp in clamping and unclamping the positionable support structure to and from the moveable support structure, and (C) the movement of the moveable support structure.