Abstract: In an information recording/reproducing apparatus for effecting recording/reproduction of information using a probe, a recording bias is applied to between a recording medium and the probe to record information on the recording medium. A current flowing through the recording medium and the probe is detected. The detected current is determined whether it exceeds a predetermined value. When the detected current exceeds the predetermined value, the application of the recording bias is stopped after a predetermined time.

Abstract: A probe having an electroconductive section is brought close to a recording medium having a recording layer on an electrode. The recording layer is composed of an organic compound capable of emitting light as a voltage is applied thereto. While the recording medium is scanned by the probe, a recording voltage is applied to the recording layer via the probe to a level adapted to produce changes in the light emitting performance of the recording layer to thereby record information. The changes in the light emitting performance is detected optically to thereby reproduce the recorded information.

Abstract: This invention is characterized in that information is recorded by injecting electric charge into a charge holding region made from a donor or acceptor, and the recorded information is reproduced by using changes in luminescence characteristics of the luminescent material contained in the charge holding region or a light emitting region formed near the charge holding region, that occur in accordance with the charge condition of the charge holding region.

Abstract: An electro-optical storage system based on a near-field configuration having phase-distortion reducing mechanism. The system comprises a read/write head and a head positioning system, an optics module including beam relay optics and signal detectors, an optical medium and a corresponding medium driving unit, and an electronic control system. The optical head includes a near-field lens positioned over the optical medium by a fraction of the wavelength. The phase-distortion reducing mechanism imposes a phase-compensating profile on the optical wavefront and/or rotates the beam polarization to reduce a phase distortion caused by the lens aberrations and an extra phase profile induced by the near-field configuration.

Abstract: A recording surface of a disk-shaped record medium is scanned by respective proves of a planar apertured probe array including a plurality of apertured probes arranged in a two-dimensional manner such that the recording surface of the record medium is scanned along a plurality of parallel scanning tracks whose pitch is smaller than a half of a data track pitch. Evanescent light generated by respective probes is interacted with the recording surface to produce scattered light whose intensity is modulated in accordance with the recorded data. The scattered light is received by a plurality of light receiving elements to generate electric signals, and these electric signals are once stored in a storage device. These electric signals are processed to select valid data, and desired data is extracted from the valid data.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing device includes an inorganic recording medium having at least one material selected from the group consisting of a phase change material, a shape changing material and a magnetic material. A conductive probe, which is proximate to or contacting a recording surface of the recording medium, is movable relative to the recording medium. Information is recorded by heating the recording medium in the area where the conductive probe is proximate or contacting to change a physical state therein. The area of the recording medium where the conductive probe is proximate or contacting is heated by applying voltage between the conductive probe and the recording medium.

Abstract: A micromechanically fabricated read/write head for charge storage devices comprising a supporting base, a cantilever and a tip with a shaft and frontside end. The supporting base, cantilever and tip form one integral part made of electrically conducting material. The frontside end of the tip is so designed as to allow writing and reading of information in direct contact with the surface of a charge storage device. The shaft of the tip has a small diameter and is surrounded by a strengthening shell.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for magnetic recording and reproducing comprising: detecting a tunnel current generated by a spin tunnel effect caused between a conductive magnetic recording film, in which a signal is recorded as a difference of magnetizing directions, and a conductive magnetic film, which is located on the magnetic head and magnetized in a predetermined direction; and reproducing the above signal recorded in the conductive magnetic recording film, to thereby obtain a high recording density and a reproducing signal having a high frequency.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a storage medium for scanning probe storage devices. This storage medium comprises a substrate (20) carrying a shape memory alloy layer (24). The shape memory alloy layer (24) is chosen such that an indent (23) can be formed by mechanically deforming said shape memory alloy layer (24), if a local probe (21, 22) of said scanning probe system exerts pressure on said alloy layer (24). An indent (23) can be removed by locally heating said shape memory alloy layer (24) to its transformation temperature (Tc) or above such that the shape memory alloy returns to its Martensite form.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is used for recording and/or reproducing information on a recording medium by means of a plurality of probes. The apparatus comprises a substrate carrying thereon a plurality of probes arranged two-dimensionally in a plane, at least three sensors at three different points on the substrate for detecting the distance between the substrate and the recording medium, a switching circuit for selecting a parallel connection or a serial connection for the sensors, and a regulating system for regulating the relative inclination and the distance between the probe plane and the recording medium surface plane according to the output of the sensors connected in series and that of the sensors connected in parallel.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a probe with a minute aperture, the probe is coated with conductive material, a tip of the probe is brought into contact with a conductive substrate and a voltage is applied between the probe and the substrate to remove the coating material at the tip of the probe and form the minute aperture at the tip of the probe. The thus-fabricated probe can be used in a scanning near-field optical microscope for observing an object on the basis of a change in intensity of near-field light and an information recording and/or reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded in a record medium by using near-field light.

Abstract: An integrated read/write head structure saves and retrieves saved data stored in storage locations on a ferroelectric optical storage medium. A first ultra-violet light source generates a single beam for exciting the electrons of a ferroelectric molecule of the optical storage medium. An induced electric field transducer orients the potential difference of the ferroelectric molecule during saving data. A second ultra-violet light source generates a single beam and a MOSFET transistor detects the electric fields from a ferroelectric molecule.

Abstract: In recording of information, a voltage is applied to between a probe and a recording medium. A capacitor stores charges from a DC power supply. A switch is provided so as to disconnect the capacitor and the DC power supply. When information is to be recorded, the capacitor and the DC power supply are disconnected from each other by the switch and the charges stored in the capacitor are output to the probe or recording medium.

Abstract: An integrated read/write head structure saves and retrieves saved data stored in storage locations on a ferroelectric optical storage medium. A first ultra-violet light emitting diode generates a single beam for exciting the electrons of a ferroelectric molecule of the optical storage medium. An induced electric field transducer orients the ferroelectric molecules potential difference during saving data. A second ultra-violet light emitting diode generates a single beam and a silicon photo diode detects the reflected ultra-violet light from a ferroelectric molecule.

Abstract: Techniques for ultrahigh density writing on an erasable magnetic medium include using a micromachined mechanism having two probes for writing to the medium. Use of the two probe embodiment eliminates the need to change the magnetic orientation of the probe. In another embodiment, a single probe is provided which is heated to the vicinity of its Curie temperature to enable the magnetic orientation of the probe to be switched. The probe may be heated to its Curie temperature through the use of a heating element or a focused laser. In another embodiment of the present invention, either the magnetic orientation of the probe or the magnetic orientation of the medium may be switched through the combination of a static magnetic field, a radio frequency magnetic field and, under certain circumstances, the magnetic field of the probe. In all cases, the writing techniques enable information to be written to a magnetic medium in a manner which enables the information to be erased and the medium rewritten.

Abstract: An information recording medium including a substrate, an intermediate conductive layer, and a high molecular weight layer. When the high molecular weight layer is heated to close to its glass (transition) temperature by applying an AC field in order to induce thermal motion in molecular electric coupling poles present in the high molecular weight layer, the coupling poles are polarized by an external electric field applied between a microscopic probe tip and the intermediate conductive layer, the polarization becoming fixed when the temperature of the layer drops.

Abstract: A disk storage device has a simultaneous data transfer head (2284) having a plurality of data transducer (2570) for the simultaneous storage and/or retrieval of a plurality of data on a disk. The device makes it feasible for the simultaneous transfer of data to and from a disk storage device with a storage area formed thereon (2272), thereby increasing the I/O between the processing limit and the storage device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, which utilizes a physical phenomenon occurring between a probe and a sample to detect information from the sample, includes a device for moving the probe in order to adjust a clearance between the probe and the sample, a device for detecting a physical phenomenon occurring between the probe and the sample, a device for generating a control signal for the moving device to change the clearance between the probe and the sample to a desired clearance, based on a result of detection of the detecting device, and a device for applying an offset signal to the control signal in order that the probe can move with respect to a reference located at a position deviated from a center position of a movable range of the probe by means of the moving device.

Abstract: An electro-optical storage system based on a near-field configuration having phase-distortion reducing mechanism. The system comprises a read/write head and a head positioning system, an optics module including beam relay optics and signal detectors, an optical medium and a corresponding medium driving unit, and an electronic control system. The optical head includes a near-field lens positioned over the optical medium by a fraction of the wavelength. The phase-distortion reducing mechanism imposes a phase-compensating profile on the optical wavefront and/or rotates the beam polarization to reduce a phase distortion caused by the lens aberrations and an extra phase profile induced by the near-field configuration.

Abstract: A probe has a metal tip on a cantilever. A diffused layer made from a metal silicide is formed at an interface between the tip and the cantilever. In the diffused layer, a material for forming the cantilever and a material for forming the tip are diffused.

Abstract: A micro needle probe apparatus that includes a probe and its associated electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is formed in a substrate and includes at least one metal interconnection layer. The probe is cantilevered over the electronic circuit and is composed of a metal probe arm, a support post that anchors one end of the probe arm to the substrate, and a micro needle mounted adjacent the moveable end of the probe arm. The probe apparatus may be used as the read/write mechanism of the moving-medium type memory device.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus, including a probe made of a ferromagnetic film movable relative to a magnetic recording medium while having a distal end facing the magnetic recording medium; a head section having a recording element for recording a signal on the magnetic recording medium and a reproducing element including at least a probe for reproducing a signal recording on the magnetic recording medium; and a head slider for mounting the head section.

Abstract: In a disk apparatus using a ferroelectric thin film coated on the surface of a disk as a recording medium, an electrode layer is formed on a substrate and the ferroelectric thin film is formed on the electrode layer, thereby forming a disk. A head is installed on an arm over the disk. The head has a reflector, and a microtip electrode, for creating or erasing polarization of the ferroelectric thin film. An optical system is provided over the head. The head moves towards or away from the disk depending on recorded information (polarization direction), and the movement is read by the optical system. Therefore, a low-priced disk apparatus, capable of freely recording and reproducing information semipermanently, is realized.

Abstract: A micro-tip for detecting tunneling current, micro force or magnetic force is manufactured as follows. A recess portion is formed on the surface of a first substrate. A peeling layer are formed on the substrate including the recess of the first substrate. A micro-tip is formed on the peeling layer of the first substrate. A joining layer is formed on a second substrate. The micro-tip on the peeling layer including the recess in the first substrate is transferred onto the joining layer on the second substrate. The peeling layer mainly consists of an oxide or a nitride, of a metal element, a semi-metal element or a semiconductor element.

Abstract: An integrated lead disk drive suspension including a load beam and one or more conductive leads. The load beam has a mounting region on a proximal end, a head bonding platform on a distal end, and one or more spring regions connecting the head bonding platform to the mounting region. The conductive leads are integrated with and insulated from the load beam by an adhesive dielectric layer, and extend between the head bonding platform and the mounting region. The leads are adapted to reduce mechanical effects of the leads and/or dielectric layer on spring characteristics of the spring regions. One embodiment of the leads includes at least a first compensating portion which extends off the load beam and traverses a nonlinear path around at least a portion of one or more of the spring regions. In another embodiment the portions of the conductive leads extending between the distal end of the load beam and the head bonding platform are substantially free from the dielectric layer.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope (AFM) based data storage disk drive uses a cantilever structure that provides independent detection of vertical and lateral motion of the AFM tip as a track with data marks moves past the tip. The vertical detection of the tip deflection toward and away from the disk surface is used for data detection of the data marks that form the tracks. The lateral detection of the tip deflection in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the disk surface is used as the input signal to a tracking servo control system to maintain the tip on a data track. The cantilever structure includes a base connected to the disk drive actuator, a beam made up of a plurality of ribs that have their fixed ends connected to the base, and a probe connected to the free ends of the ribs. The beam ribs have piezoresistors connected to electrical circuitry that detects a resistance change as the ribs are bent laterally.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a storage device comprising a local probe array (72) and a storage medium (70) with an array of storage fields (71). The local probe array (72) is situated opposite to the storage medium (70) such that each local probes (73) of the local probe array can be scanned over the corresponding storage field (71). The storage device further comprises circuit for distinguishing between information to be erased from a first section of the storage medium and information in this section which is not to be erased, circuit for selectively copying the information which is not to be erased into a memory, preferably another section of said medium, and circuit for erasing the whole first section.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, at least one of recording and reproduction of information is performed while two-dimensionally scanning a recording medium with a probe, utilizing a physical phenomenon occurring between the probe and the medium. The apparatus includes a scanning mechanism for effecting relative movement between the probe and the medium so as to translate the probe as drawing a circular or elliptic locus on the medium and a recording and/or reproducing circuit for performing at least one of the recording and reproduction of information, utilizing the physical phenomenon during the relative movement.

Abstract: An image reader system for reading an image recorded on a polymer dispersed type of liquid crystal recording medium in which liquid crystals are dispersed and fixed in resin is provided. Illumination light is directed from a point light source to the liquid crystal recording medium to read the recorded image by a photoelectric conversion element through an optical system with the liquid crystal recording medium defining an object plane and the photoelectric conversion element defining an imaginary plane. Any lowering of contrast is avoided and the image can be read with high precision.

Abstract: An information recording system includes a recording medium, and a probe electrode provided at a location opposed to the recording surface of the recording medium. The probe electrode is capable of recording on the recording medium by application of a voltage between the probe electrode and the recording medium. An elastic member supports the probe electrode for motion relative to a base member arranged perpendicular to the recording surface. The distance between the recording surface and the probe electrode is adjustable by a mechanism provided for that purpose. The displacement of the probe electrode caused by an interatomic force acting between the recording medium and the probe electrode is detected, and a displacement signal based on the detected displacement is output. A control circuit feeds back the displacement signal so that the probe electrode can move back to its original position.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and optical readout apparatus and method, wherein a recording and readout head member records and reproduces a signal while moving relatively to a magnetic recording medium. The head member has a magnetic recording head and a readout head in a body. The head member is supported by a suspension so as to contact the medium or to keep a slight distance from the medium by a lifting-up force being generated by air flow, while moving relatively to the medium. A laser beam is radiated from a laser emitting element through a light transmitting hole formed in a light intercepting layer, whose diameter is smaller than the laser beam wavelength of the laser emitting element. By radiating the laser beam through the hole, localized near field electromagnetic waves are generated and reflected at the medium. The reflected electromagnetic waves bear changes of a polarization angle corresponding to the recorded information, which are detected by the readout head to reproduce the signal.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing a circumferential data string from a recording medium, there are provided a scanning mechanism for performing relative movement of the probe and the recording medium so that the probe scans the recording medium, a driving circuit for supplying a drive signal to the scanning mechanism so as to permit the probe to scan the recording medium circumferentially, an oscillation circuit for performing micro-vibration of the probe in a direction perpendicular to the data string, a detection circuit for detecting a signal that corresponds to a positional deviation of the probe from the data string, and a multiplier for multiplying the signal that is detected and the drive signal.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus for performing recording/reproduction by running a probe relative to a recording bit string on a recording medium and detecting recording bits in the recording bit string, comprising a plural-recording-bit-detection device for letting the probe perform plural recording bit detections as taking positions thereof shifted relative to a same recording bit string on the recording medium; and a recording bit determining device for performing determination of true recording bit, based on the results of the plural recording bit detections.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus having a light generator for emitting light as a signal of information being recorded, a probe formed of an optical fiber for physically or chemically changing a recording medium on the basis of the light, a slider coupled to the probe and maintaining the distance between the tip of the optical fiber and the recording medium to be within the radius of an aperture provided at the tip of the optical fiber when recording is made, a medium support for supporting the recording medium, and a medium driving mechanism for driving the recording medium to move.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for retrieving data stored on a magnetic medium with a high resolution is described. It is characterized by measuring a tunneling current which is partly depending on the magnetization of the medium (1). This dependence is caused by irradiating the medium (1) with polarized non-ionizing light. The tunneling current can be measured with a high lateral resolution by applying a probing tip (2) as known from conventional scanning tunneling microscopy or related techniques.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus has a recording and/or reading head having a tip for recording and/or reproducing information on and/or from a recording medium. Information is recorded and/or erased by way of a polarization reversal or transport of electric charges in a predetermined area of the recording medium in response to application of a pulse voltage from the head. The information recorded in the predetermined area is detected as a change in the electric charges or an electrostatic capacitance or a surface potential or their differential in the predetermined area for reproducing the information.

Abstract: An electro-optical system is provided for the high speed storage and retrieval of digital information. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises pairs of closely coupled optical waveguides, with an intervening boundary storage layer. Data may be written to the storage layer during fabrication or by an external laser process. Data is read by injecting an input optical pulse which is lightly coupled through the storage layer to the data waveguide, where it may exit as an optical pulse train. This output may be converted to electrical signals.

Abstract: In an information recording and/or reproduction apparatus, a recorded bit row on a record medium is relatively scanned with a probe and the recorded bit is detected. The information recording and/or reproduction apparatus includes a scanning unit for effecting a plurality of relative scans of the recorded bit row with the probe, a detecting unit for detecting a tilt of the recorded bit row relative to a direction of the relative scan on the basis of a reproduction signal obtained by the scans performed by the scanning unit, and a correction unit for correcting the direction of the relative scan on the basis of a detected result by the detecting unit.

Abstract: An optical recording and retrieval system and method that employs phase-controlled evanescent field illumination to optically encode and decode information at full-field and in real-time or substantially real-time. The system is particularly useful for high density information storage in media in which submicron optically active sites are formed. The light waves comprising the evanescent electromagnetic field are inhomogeneous in that their planes of equal phase are substantially perpendicular to the direction of propagation and to their planes of constant amplitude. The planes of equal phase are therefore normal to the surface to which the evanescent field is adjacent and to an optical recording media surface illuminated by this field as well. By controlling the phase of the source of illumination and analyzing the output from or beneath the surface, either by phase analysis or phase to amplitude decoding, subwavelength lateral surface feature resolution is enhanced without sacrificing vertical resolution.

Abstract: Microstylus recording device covered by a magnetoresistive multilayer. According to the invention, a microstylus (12) is covered by a magnetoresistive layer (46).

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator includes a movable plate arranged on a substrate through a gap, a movable electrode arranged on the movable plate, and a fixed electrode arranged on the substrate to oppose the movable electrode. The movable electrode and the fixed electrode are arranged not to overlap at any portion in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the fixed electrode. The movable electrode and the fixed electrode have comb-like shapes.

Abstract: A buffered probing device includes a cantilever-shaped probe having a micro-needle at its tip, and an electric circuit that applies electrical signals between the micro-needle and a probe target to which an electrical stimulus is applied. In one embodiment of the invention, the probe includes a suspension member having a spring constant per unit length that is less than that of a probe body. The micro-needle is formed on the suspension member. In another embodiment of the invention, the electric circuit applies oscillations at a specific frequency to the probe, such that the micro-needle is always or intermittently in contact with the surface of the probe target. As a result, wear of the needle is greatly reduced.

Abstract: In recording/reproduction of information, a probe is used to scan the surface of a recording medium in which a recording bit is formed and the recording bit is detected by comparing a signal detected via the probe with a predetermined threshold value. A signal detected within the recording surface is normalized on the basis an amplitude value of a signal detected on a portion where no recording bit is present by the probe.

Abstract: A probe for use in an information recording apparatus for recording information on a recording medium by applying a voltage between the recording medium and a tip of the probe includes a conductive tip, wiring provided on the probe for applying a voltage to the tip from a voltage application device, and an electrical resistance provided in the tip or in the wiring on the probe. The resistance may be composed of an oxide film on the surface of the tip. Instead of providing the electrical resistance, the tip or the wiring may be covered with an electromagnetic shield. As another alteractive, an electrical resistance layer may be provided between a substrate of the recording layer and the tip of the probe.

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: Abstract of the Disclosure: A process useful for information storage is described for the time-stable labeling of individual atoms or groups of atoms in the surface of a solid by locally removing individual atoms or group of atoms from the surface of a solid.

Abstract: An optical information recording/reproducing method for recording and reproducing information using an evanescent light beam includes the steps of installing an optical head near an optical information recording medium, the optical head having a semiconductor laser, a photodetector for detecting a laser beam emitted from a first end surface of the semiconductor laser, and a device for generating evanescent light from the laser beam emitted from a second end surface of the semiconductor laser; injecting a current into the laser to produce a laser beam; generating an evanescent light by the laser beam in the evanescent light generating device; and interacting the evanescent light with the recording medium to record information on or reproduce information from the recording medium.

Abstract: A physical action such as voltage or the like is locally applied to a recording medium in accordance with information to be recorded and a physical quantity such as a current, a voltage, and the like of a portion of the recording medium to which the physical action is applied, is measured. Recording of information is confirmed on the basis of the measured physical quantity.

Abstract: A new form of rotating media disk drive is described. Data storage densities of many gigabits per square inch can be obtained at low cost. Data is stored in localized regions of electric charge that are stored within a thin dielectric layer that is coated upon both sides of an electrically conductive platter, rather than in magnetic domains that are stored in thin magnetizable films that are coated upon both sides of platters. Data is stored three-dimensionally, in electric dipoles whose axes are perpendicular to the plane of the platters, rather than in magnetic dipoles that lie along the surface of a platter. Data is read and written via ungated field emitter tips rather than with transformers and magnetically sensitive elements. The read/write head is built from the read/write head chip that contains field emitter tips and other elements.

Abstract: A distance-controlled tunneling transducer comprises a plurality of tunnel tips arranged in an array at a tunneling distance from an electrically conductive surface of a storage medium. Each tip is attached to a respective cantilever beam permitting the distance between each tip and the surface to be individually pre-adjusted electrostatically. Arranged in juxtaposition with each cantilever beam is an active control circuit for adjusting the tip-to-surface distance during operation of the storage unit, thus preventing crashes of the associated tip into possible asperities on the surface of the recording medium. Each control circuit is designed such that its operating voltage concurrently serves to pre-adjust its associated cantilever beam and to maintain the tip-to-surface distance essentially constant.