Abstract: A magnetic medium using spin-polarized electrons, and an apparatus and method of recording data on the magnetic medium are provided. The magnetic medium includes a polarization layer and a magnetic recording layer. The polarization layer spin-polarizes electrons. In the magnetic recording layer, the direction of magnetization varies depending on the direction of the spin-polarization of the electrons. The data recording apparatus includes a light source and a probe. The light source radiates circularly polarized light, and the probe injects electrons spin-polarized by the circularly polarized light into a magnetic medium and changes the direction of the magnetization of the magnetic medium to record data on the magnetic medium. Because the direction of magnetization is adjusted using spin-polarized electrons, fast data recording can be achieved.

Abstract: Provided is a data recording medium having improved data recording/storage characteristics and with an improved structure to have a higher data storage capacity, and a method of recording and/or easing data using the same. The data recording medium may include a Cu electrode layer on a substrate, and a data recording layer formed of a compound including a metal and at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of S, Se, and Te, on the Cu electrode layer. Data is recordable to or erasable from the data recording layer by changing the resistance of the data recording layer by diffusing Cu ions from the Cu electrode layer to the data recording layer or by erasing Cu ions from the data recording layer by diffusing Cu ions from the data recording layer back to the Cu electrode layer, according to a voltage pulse applied to the data recording layer.

Abstract: A storage device includes a storage medium and a plurality of probes. The probes each have a recording/reproducing portion. The probes include a first probe, a second probe spaced from the first probe in a first direction, and a third probe spaced from the first probe in the first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction. A distance Xp1 in the first direction between the portions of the first and second probes, a distance Xp2 in the first direction between the portions of the first and third probes, and a distance Yp2 in the second direction between the portions of the first and third probes satisfy the following formulae: Xp1=n×Xm Xp1=Xm Yp2=Ym/n??[Math 1] (, provided that n=2, 3, 4, - - - ), where Xm and Ym are lengths of each area in the first and second directions, respectively.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for inspecting a thermally assisted magnetic recording head element, a specimen is mounted on a table movable in a plane of a scanning probe microscope device, evanescent light is generated from a portion of light emission of evanescent light of the specimen, scattered light of the evanescent light is detected by moving the table in the plane while a cantilever of the scanning probe microscope having a probe is vertically vibrated in the vicinity of a surface of the specimen, and an intensity distribution of the evanescent light emitted from the portion of light emission of evanescent light or a surface profile of the portion of light emission of evanescent light of the specimen is inspected using position information of generation of the evanescent light based on the detected scattered light.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a waveguide including a core layer having curved edges shaped to reflect light to a focal point, and a grating positioned adjacent to or imbedded in the core layer, wherein at least a portion of the grating is positioned between the curved edges and adjacent to or imbedded in a portion of the core layer that is not traversed by light reflected from the curved edges. A data storage device that includes the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A ferroelectric recording medium includes a ferroelectric recording layer on an electrode layer, which includes an insulative layer on the ferroelectric recording layer, and includes non-continuous electrically conductive coating portions on the insulative layer.

Abstract: A memory device according to one embodiment includes: a recording array including recording regions, a first positioning region and a second positioning region; a probe array including a plurality of first probes provided oppositely to the recording regions, and a plurality of second probes provided oppositely to the first and second positioning region; an actuator; and a control circuit configured to control an operation of the actuator by using a positioning signal. The first positioning region includes a first positioning pattern. The first positioning pattern has a plurality of first line portions. The second positioning region includes a second positioning pattern. The second positioning pattern has a plurality of second line portions. The control circuit is configured to generate the positioning signal based on whether or not the second probes are in contact with the line portions of the first and second positioning patterns.

Abstract: A property, such as a quality parameter, of a write pole in a write head is determined using an optical metrology device, where the write pole is smaller than the optical resolution limit of the metrology device. The metrology device produces polarized light that is reflected off the write pole while the write pole is magnetized either during or after excitation with a write current. The magnetization alters the polarization state of the light, which can be analyzed to transform the altered polarization state into intensity. The intensity of the light is detected over the point spread function of the optics in the metrology device and an intensity value is generated. The intensity value is used to determine the quality parameter of the write pole, e.g., by comparison to a threshold or reference intensity value, which may be generated empirically or theoretically.

Abstract: MEMS storage devices and associated systems and structures are generally described. In one example, a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) storage device includes a substrate, a lateral actuation structure coupled with the substrate, a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) probe coupled with the lateral actuation structure, the MEMS probe having a first end, a second end having a probe tip, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the second end can be actuated in a direction substantially normal to a surface of the substrate, and one or more stop beam structures coupled with the lateral actuation structure to restrict motion of the MEMS probe in the direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A storage device includes a recording medium, a probe, a substrate, and a processing unit. The recording medium stores a signal. The probe reads or writes the signal to/from the recording medium. The substrate is provided with the probe via a conductive anchor interposed therebetween and a first connection terminal connected to the probe. The processing unit is provided on the substrate and has a second connection terminal. The second connection terminal is connected to the first connection terminal.

Abstract: A storage device includes a storage medium and a plurality of probes. The probes each have a recording/reproducing portion. The probes include a first probe, a second probe spaced from the first probe in a first direction, and a third probe spaced from the first probe in the first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction. A distance Xp1 in the first direction between the portions of the first and second probes, a distance Xp2 in the first direction between the portions of the first and third probes, and a distance Yp2 in the second direction between the portions of the first and third probes satisfy the following formulae: Xp1=n×Xm Xp1=Xm Yp2=Ym/n??[Math 1] (, provided that n=2, 3, 4, - - - ), where Xm and Ym are lengths of each area in the first and second directions, respectively.

Abstract: A method of performing writable optical recording of a medium to form multilevel oriented nano-structures therein, comprises steps of providing a disc-shaped, writable recording medium having a planar surface; and encoding data/information in the medium by forming a plurality of multilevel nano-structured pits in the surface by scanning with a focused spot of optical energy to form at least one data track therein, including scanning the optical spot in a cross-track direction while rotating the disc about a central axis.

Abstract: A seek-scan probe (SSP) memory involves multiple-wafer bonding needing precision small gaps in between. Solder reflow bonding is typically used to join the wafers due to its reliability and ability to hermetically seal. However, solder reflow bonding may not provide a consistently controllable gap due to flowing solder during the bonding process. Thus, a bond stop technique and process is used to provide accurate cantilever to media gap control.

Abstract: A device for mass storage of information, the device comprising: a substrate (30); an electrically-conductive tip (10) for atomic force microscopy located above the surface (31) of said substrate (30) in electrical contact therewith; and a voltage generator (41) for applying a potential difference between said tip (10) and said substrate (30); the device being characterized in that: said substrate (30) has a surface (31) of a material presenting electrical conductivity that is both electronic and ionic in nature; and in that said generator (41) is adapted to apply a potential difference that is sufficient to induce a redox reaction of said material that modifies the surface electrical conductivity of the substrate (30). The use of such a device (1) for mass storage of information.

Abstract: A resist medium in which features are lithographically produced by scanning a surface of the medium with an AFM probe positioned in contact therewith. The resist medium comprises a substrate; and a polymer resist layer within which features are produced by mechanical action of the probe. The polymer contains thermally reversible crosslinkages. Also disclosed are methods that generally includes scanning a surface of the polymer resist layer with an AFM probe positioned in contact with the resist layer, wherein heating the probe and a squashing-type mechanical action of the probe produces features in the layer by thermally reversing the crosslinkages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data storage device comprising: a polymer layer for storing data in the form of topographic features; a substrate comprising a conductor, a first surface of the polymer layer being provided on the substrate; and at least one probe which, when the device is in use, interacts with a second surface of the polymer layer, wherein, when in use, the data storage device is operable to apply a first electrical potential to the at least one probe relative to the substrate, thereby to cause a protrusion to be formed on the second surface of the polymer layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic recording medium comprising a substrate, a magnetic recording layer formed on the substrate to record magnetic information, and a piezoelectric material disposed adjacent to the magnetic recording layer and capable of contracting and expanding. Preferably, piezoelectric members made of the piezoelectric material are formed in such a manner as to be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other on the substrate in a direction crossing a track on the magnetic recording layer, and the magnetic recording layer is formed between the piezoelectric members. When subjected to laser light or ultraviolet radiation, the piezoelectric material contracts or expands at least in the direction crossing the track. The piezoelectric material is selected from the group consisting of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate, barium titanate, and potassium niobate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transducing data from a ferroelectric data storage medium using high frequency read modulation. In accordance with some embodiments, a ferroelectric data transducer has a write electrode, a doped semiconductor layer with a source, a drain and a channel therebetween, and an insulating layer disposed between the channel and the write electrode. A write circuit applies a time varying write signal at a first frequency to the write electrode to write a corresponding sequence of data bits to an adjacent ferroelectric data storage medium. A read circuit reads the sequence of data bits from the data storage medium by applying a time varying read signal at a higher, second frequency to the write electrode and detecting changes in electrical resistance of the channel.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention are devices and processes for producing high resolution lithography or pattern formation on the nanometer scale, using a voltage-biased probe that is slider-mounted along with, or separate from but linked to, a magnetic read head within a HDD mechanism. The probe is guided and positioned over a target layer by the motion of the read head which is, itself, guided by signals from servo tracks on a magnetic layer that activate an electromechanical servomechanism within the HDD. An electric field produced by the probe is capable of modifying the surface of the target layer over which the probe flies either directly, or by current induced or thermally induced effects. Targets such as amorphous or crystalline silicon can be hydrogen passivated and the electric field will produce oxidized or anodized lines with nanometer resolution.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a first read mechanism, a second read mechanism, and a data storage medium movable with respect to the first read mechanism and the second read mechanism. A first reference patch containing reference bits is positioned near a first corner of the data storage medium. The first read mechanism is configured to read the reference bits of the first reference patch and the second read mechanism is configured to read the reference bits of a second reference patch. The storage device also includes a controller configured to determine whether the first read mechanism and the data storage medium are offset with respect to each other based upon the reference bits read by the first read mechanism and the reference bits read by the second mechanism.

Abstract: An optical reproducing apparatus connectable to optical pickups and a method of controlling an optical pickup thereof are provided. The optical reproducing apparatus measures resistance of an optical pickup on a port of a connection unit to which the optical pickup is connected, and determines the type of the optical pickup according to the measured resistance. Accordingly, optical reproducing apparatuses may be controlled according to the type of optical pickups, and manufactured using various optical pickups without checking the type of optical pickups, which allows convenient manufacturing of optical reproducing apparatuses.

Abstract: An arrangement, a method and a system to read information stored in a layer of ferroelectric media.

Abstract: Provided are an electric field read/write apparatus and method, which reproduce information written in a recording medium by using an electric field read/write head including a channel. In the electric field read/write apparatus and method, an electric field generated from the recording medium is modulated by using a modulation signal, a variation in the modulated electric field is detected, and a voltage signal determined according to the detected variation is demodulated and information written in the recording medium is determined according to a result of the demodulation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a MEMS memory microprobe includes a probe tip, a lever, and a base. The probe tip is arranged to oppose a recording medium and is brought into contact with the recording medium to perform recording or reproduction of information when a current or voltage is applied between them. In the probe tip, a plurality of electrodes used in the recording or reproduction and a plurality of support portions which form the probe tip together with the electrodes are alternately arranged, and the electrodes and the support portions form a single plane which opposes the recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a read head formed in a semiconductor layer of an air bearing surface, the read head comprising a channel region formed between a source and drain which are doped to a higher conductivity than the channel region; wherein the channel region is configured to generate a charge carrier depletion region in response to a first ferroelectric dipole direction, and to accumulate charge carriers in response to a second ferroelectric dipole direction.

Abstract: Rewritable switching materials and methods for forming the same are described herein. One embodiment is a storage device comprising a first electrode, a state change element in contact with the first electrode, the state change element comprises ZrxYyOz, and a second electrode in contact with the state change element. A method for forming such a storage device is also disclosed herein. Another embodiment is a storage device comprising a first electrode a state change element in contact with the first electrode, the state change comprises at least one of cerium oxide or bismuth oxide, and a second electrode in contact with the state change element. A method for forming such a storage device is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An approach is presented for designing a polymeric layer for nanometer scale thermo-mechanical storage devices. Cross-linked polyimide oligomers are used as the recording layers in atomic force data storage device, giving significantly improved performance when compared to previously reported cross-linked and linear polymers. The cross-linking of the polyimide oligomers may be tuned to match thermal and force parameters required in read-write-erase cycles. Additionally, the cross-linked polyimide oligomers are suitable for use in nano-scale imaging.

Abstract: A dielectric material layer is deposited on exposed surfaces of a bonded structure that includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The dielectric material layer is formed on an exposed planar surface of a second substrate and the entirety of peripheral sidewalls of the first and second substrates. The dielectric material layer can be formed by chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, or plasma induced deposition. Further, the dielectric material layer seals the entire periphery of the interface between the first and second substrates. If a planar portion of the dielectric material layer can be removed by planarization to facilitate thinning of the bonded structure, the remaining portion of the dielectric material layer can form a dielectric ring.

Abstract: An electron beam writing method for writing a fine pattern that includes servo patterns and groove patterns, the method including the step of adjusting an exposure amount of the resist by changing, when controlling application timing of the electron beam by an ON/OFF signal to a blanking unit that blocks the electron beam, an application duty ratio of the electron beam by the ON/OFF signal with respect to each writing radius position for each pattern based on sensitivity variation data of the resist with respect to post exposure delay for each pattern.

Abstract: An arrangement, a method and a system to read information stored in a layer of ferroelectric media. The arrangement includes a layer including a ferroelectric media having one or more ferroelectric domains holding bit charges, a domain corresponding to information; a probe having a tip, wherein the media and the tip are adapted to move relative to one another such that the tip scans the ferroelectric domains of the media while applying a contact force to the domains to generate a direct piezoelectric effect within the domains; and circuitry coupled to the tip and adapted to generate a signal in response to an electrical coupling between the tip and the domains while scanning the tip in contact with the domains, the signal corresponding to a readout signal for ferroelectric bit charges stored in the media.

Abstract: A ferroelectric hard disk device is provided and includes: a ferroelectric media having a bottom electrode and a ferroelectric layer disposed on the bottom electrode; and a head formed above the ferroelectric media, the head being operative to write and reproduce information on the ferroelectric layer.

Abstract: An optical writing device performs writing on an exposure region of a light writing display medium. The optical writing device includes an accommodation section, a light irradiation member, a voltage application member, a medium conveyance member and control means. The control means performs control for: applying voltage with the voltage application member to a first medium; the light irradiation member irradiating the light bearing image information and moving a first distance in the first direction over the first medium; the voltage application member applying voltage to a second medium; the light irradiation member irradiating the light for image erasure onto the second medium and moving a second distance in the second direction over the second medium; and, simultaneously the movement of the light irradiation member in the second direction, the medium conveyance member conveying the first medium.

Abstract: A seek-scan-probe memory device, utilizing a media electrode to allow active cantilevers to contact the storage media, and a pull electrode to pull up cantilevers away from the storage media when in an inactive mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for assessing the results of a bioassay between probe biomolecules and target biomolecules using conventional optical disk drive.

Abstract: A data storage device and methods for storing and reading data are provided. The data storage device includes a data storage medium and second device. The data storage medium has an insulating layer, a first electrode layer over the insulating layer and at least one layer of resistance variable material over the first electrode layer. The second device includes a substrate and at least one conductive point configured to electrically contact the data storage medium.

Abstract: In a non-volatile electric memory system a memory unit and a read/write unit are provided as physically separate units. The memory unit is based on a memory material that can be set to at least two distinct physical states by applying an electric field across the memory material. Electrodes and/or contacts are either provided in the memory unit or in the read/write unit and contacts are at least always provided in the read/write unit. Electrodes and contacts are provided in a geometrical arrangement, which defines geometrically one or more memory cells in the memory layer. Establishing a physical contact between the memory unit and the read/write unit closes an electrical circuit over the addressed memory cell such that read, write or erase operations can be effected. The memory material of the memory unit can be polarized into two discernible polarization states.

Abstract: A data storage medium stories data in the form of marks, said marks being written and/or read by an array of probes. The storage medium further includes a plurality of data fields, each field including an area of the storage medium which, in use, is scanned for reading and/or writing by an associated one of the array of probes. The data fields include operational data fields having operational data for operating said scanning stored dierein, wherein the operational data fields are arranged in a plurality of clusters, each cluster including a plurality of adjacent operational data fields. The invention also provides a method of scanning the data storage medium with the probe array, in which a target data field is determined and an operational data cluster closest to the target data field is selected and the operational data stored therein is used to control parameters of the scanning.

Abstract: A position-error-signal calculation circuit (105) calculates a relative position error between a laser-focused-beam spot (103) and an information recording layer (102), and generates a focus error signal (106). A filter (108) amplifies and passes therethrough a signal component in the vicinity of the natural resonance frequency of at least one mode among the natural vibration modes of the optical disc medium (101). A drive amplifier receives through a stabilizing compensator (109) and a D/A converter (110) the focus error signal (106) passed by the filter (108), to drive an objective lens (113), thereby allowing the laser-focused-beam spot (103) to track the information recording layer (102).

Abstract: A method of evaluating astigmatism of an irradiation system irradiating an electron beam is disclosed. In this method, a figure pattern consisting of plural (for example, four) concentric circles is formed on a reference sample “WP” and an image (scanned image) is formed based on an electron signal obtained by scanning the electron beam onto the reference sample “WP”. In the scanned image, the image has a blur in a region with its longitudinal direction parallel to the generating direction of the astigmatism and the size of the blur depends on magnitude of the astigmatism. Therefore, the direction and the magnitude of the astigmatism of the irradiation system of an irradiation apparatus can be detected based on the obtained scanned image.

Abstract: Current probe-type memory architecture assumes that the minimum chunk of data that a probe tip can access is one entire track and perhaps only four out of five-thousand, for example, probes participate in the access thereby degrading performance. By subdividing the track into D finer chunks or data zones, D times more probes can cooperate to read out the data, hence increasing the data throughput by Dx. Each tip now only scans approximately one Dth of the track and hence the scan time is reduced by a factor D, while D probes are being utilized in parallel.

Abstract: Blanking by a blanking control unit is eliminated by making the tangential direction movement velocity of the substrate and the deflection velocity of the beam faster in the segment, in which the recording pattern is sparse, and making and slower in segments, in which it is dense. In this case, in segment in which it is desired to form a recording pattern thicker in the radial direction, a thick recording can be realized by setting the recording velocity by the recording velocity setting means to be slower, and in the case where is substantially constant, setting to be relatively slower, than in the segments.

Abstract: A method and structure for a ferroelectric storage medium, includes a metallic underlayer and a ferroelectric data layer over the metallic underlayer. A layer over the ferroelectric data layer has a charge migration rate faster than a charge migration rate of the ferroelectric data layer.

Abstract: A passive stylus for capacitive sensors comprises a tip and a shaft. The tip is configured to couple electrically with a capacitive sensing device and to couple physically and electrically with the stylus shaft. The tip comprises a contact surface, a support region, and a flexible region. The contact surface is configured to contact a device surface associated with the capacitive sensing device. The flexible region is disposed between the contact surface and the support region. The flexible region comprises a hardness gradient. The support region is configured to provide structural support to the flexible region.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus (100) is provided with: a first substrate (41) on which a recording medium (43) is mounted; and a second substrate (21) to which a recording/reproducing head (23), which performs information recording and information reproduction on the recording/reproducing medium is fixed, wherein the second substrate is relatively displaced in a predetermined direction substantially parallel to the first substrate with respect to the first substrate, a particulate (30) is placed in a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, the particulate can be displaced with displacement of the second substrate, the particulate has a substantially circular cross section in a direction that the second substrate is displaced when the second substrate is displaced.

Abstract: An electric field read/write head, a method of manufacturing the electric field read/write head, and an information storage device including the electric field read/write head are provided. The electric field read/write head includes: a substrate having a first surface facing a recording medium and a second surface that is perpendicular to the first surface; and a protrusion formed on the second surface and having at least a portion facing the recording medium, wherein a resistance sensor comprising a source, a drain, and a channel is included in the protrusion. An insulating layer and electric field shield layers are further sequentially formed on opposite sides of the protrusion, respectively, and at least one of the electric field shield layers is a write electrode.

Abstract: A data storage device comprises a storage medium, at least one probe designed for creating indentation marks in the storage medium, a control unit designed for creating a control parameter (CTRL) acting on the probe resulting in the creation of one indentation mark. The control unit is further designed for modifying the control parameter (CTRL), if at least a given number of consecutive indentation marks with a given minimum distance between each other should be created. According to the method the control parameter (CTRL) is modified if at least a given number of consecutive marks with a given minimum distance between each other should be created.

Abstract: A storage device including a storage medium for storing data in the form of marks in multiple tracks aligned along track center lines, at least one read transducer for writing and reading said data stored in said storage medium, and an actuator for moving said storage medium relative to said at least one read transducer. The storage device further includes stored servo sequences, which are replicated by use of at least two different types of servo marks displaced by a given unique distance in a cross track direction relative to a respective track centerline, wherein the storage device is operable to retrieve servo sequences using read-back signals obtained from at least two different types of servo marks.

Abstract: A driving apparatus is provided with: a stage structure on which a medium having a small recording domain is mounted; and a facing structure which is provided with at least one small action structure, which faces the medium, for performing a predetermined action to the medium, and which is displaced relatively on a predetermined flat surface with respect to the stage structure, the facing structure comprising a facing-side position detecting unit for detecting a relative reference position of the facing structure with respect to the stage structure, the stage structure comprising a stage-side position detecting unit for detecting a relative reference position of the facing structure with respect to the stage structure.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for data storage are discussed. Embodiments include applying a first voltage between a tip and an electrode, thereby forming a polarized domain in a ferroelectric material between 1 nanometer (nm) and 50 nm in thickness. The embodiments may also include applying another voltage through the tip, thereby generating a current responsive to an orientation of the polarized domain. The embodiments may also include measuring the current and determining the orientation of the polarized domain, based upon the measuring.

Abstract: An electro-optical device includes: a substrate; first films each of which is formed on the substrate and has an edge formed in at least a part thereof; a first insulating film that is laminated on the first films; second films that are laminated on the first insulating film; a second insulating film that is laminated on the second films; and contact holes each of which is formed in the second insulating film above the edge to pass through the second insulating film. In the electro-optical device, the contact hole is formed at a position apart from the edge by a distance equal to or larger than the thickness of the first insulating film in plan view.