Abstract: An apparatus includes a data storage media and a plurality of heads, the data storage media and heads being structured and arranged for relative movement between the heads and storage media causing the heads to move along a scan path, and an actuator for changing a magnitude of head to media force as the heads move along the scan path. A method for reducing head motion hysteresis is also provided.

Abstract: A ferroelectric recording medium and a writing method for the same are provided. The ferroelectric recording medium includes a ferroelectric layer which reverses its polarization when receiving a predetermined coercive voltage. A nonvolatile anisotrophic conduction layer is formed on the ferroelectric layer. A resistance of the anisotrophic conduction layer decreases when receiving a first voltage lower than the coercive voltage, and the resistance of the anisotrophic conduction layer increases when receiving a second voltage higher than the coercive voltage. Multi-bit information is stored by a combination of polarization states of the ferroelectric layer and the resistance of the anisotrophic conduction layer. Accordingly, multiple bits can be expressed on one domain of the ferroelectric recording medium.

Abstract: A data-storage device has a data-storage medium storing data as local deformations, and at least one read/write element including a supporting structure, which carries a local probe arranged facing the data-storage medium. The local probe is formed by a bipolar junction. The supporting structure is formed by a first and a second arms of semiconductor material, carried by a substrate and extending in cantilever fashion above a cavity made within the substrate.

Abstract: An electric field sensor includes a substrate having a low resistive semiconductor layer doped with a high-density dopant as the top layer of the substrate, a high resistive semiconductor layer doped with a low-density dopant, the high resistive semiconductor layer located at a partial area on the low resistive semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer located on the high resistive semiconductor layer, wherein a change of an electric field is detected by a change of a current flowing through the low resistive semiconductor layer, the high resistive semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer.

Abstract: A data reading/writing head reading/writing data from/to a ferroelectric recording medium by using an electric field effect, includes a semiconductor body having a first plane on which an air bearing pattern is formed and a second plane crossing the first plane. A sensing unit is located on the second plane and reads data written to the ferroelectric recording medium, wherein the second plane is separated from the first plane, and a floating gate is disposed on the sensing unit, wherein an end of the floating gate extends to the first plane to guide an electric field from the ferroelectric recording medium to the sensing unit.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus (100) is provided with comprising: recording devices (131a-131e) for recording record signals (WS1-WS5) in parallel and in synchronization with a record clock; a signal generating device (143) for generating record signals such that a reproduction clock synchronized with the record clock can be generated on the basis of the reproduced record signals, if the plurality of record signals are reproduced in parallel; reproducing devices (131a-131e) for reproducing the record signals in parallel; and a clock generating device (154) for generating a reproduction clock.

Abstract: An electron beam recording apparatus includes: a displacement detection unit including at least three displacement sensors disposed at each different angle in a radial direction of the turntable; a shape calculation unit for calculating, based on the detected displacements by the at least three displacement sensors, shape data corresponding to displacements of side surface of the turntable in the radial directions; a rotation runout computing unit for computing, based on the shape data and at least one displacement detected by the at least three displacement sensors, rotation runout of the turntable including a rotation asynchronous component and a rotation synchronous component; and a beam irradiation position adjustment unit for adjusting an irradiation position of the electron beam based on the rotation runout.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for recording/reproduction of data in a probe-based data storage device (1) in which application of a write signal causes formation of an indentation in a storage surface (5) by a probe of the device (1). Instead of storing information in the presence or absence of indentations on the storage surface as is conventionally done in such devices, information is stored in the form of grooves of variable length separated by lands of variable length. More particularly, a sequence of n>1 successive bits of a first value (typically “1's”) in a recording signal is recorded by applying a series of write signals at respective probe-positions on the storage surface (5). These probe-positions are spaced at w?M, where M is the indentation merging distance, so that the resulting indentations merge to form a groove in the storage surface (5) spanning n readback sample positions.

Abstract: A scanning system includes a base plate, an anchor structure mounted to the base plate, and a first O-topology bracket moveably mounted along a first axis of an X-Y plane to the anchor structure. The first O-topology bracket is resiliently interconnected to the anchor structure by a plurality of parallelization springs. A second O-topology bracket is moveably mounted along a second axis of the X-Y plane to the first O-topology bracket. The second O-topology bracket is resiliently interconnected to the first O-topology bracket through a second plurality of parallelization springs. The first and second O-topology brackets provide a robust, vibration resistant structure that resists both in-plane and out-of-plane deformations to enable sub-nanometer tracking.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides for non-destructive readback of a ferroelectric material. The apparatus can include a ferroelectric layer with a scannable surface wherein the ferroelectric layer has a compensation charge adjacent the scannable surface. The apparatus also can include an electrode adjacent the scannable surface to sense the compensation charge. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first ferroelectric storage layer and a second ferroelectric storage layer adjacent the first ferroelectric storage layer. A coupling layer may be between the first ferroelectric storage layer and the second ferroelectric storage layer. The ferroelectric storage layers may be configured as a data storage medium for use in a data storage system. A related method is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of a process comprising forming one or more micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) probe on a conductive metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) wafer, wherein each MEMS probe comprises a cantilever beam with a fixed end and a free end and wherein the CMOS wafer has circuitry thereon; forming an unsharpened tip at or near the free end of each cantilever beam; depositing a silicide-forming material over the tip; annealing the wafer to sharpen the tip; and exposing the sharpened tip.

Abstract: A method for writing information on a highly coercive recording medium stably with an electric field applied through a metal probe and with a magnetic field applied from external and an information recording system that employs the method. The recording medium includes a substrate, a first ferromagnetic layer formed on the substrate, a nonmagnetic layer formed on the first ferromagnetic layer, and a second ferromagnetic layer formed on the nonmagnetic layer. The coercivity Hc2 of the second ferromagnetic layer is larger than that Hc1 of the first ferromagnetic layer. A magnetic field H is applied to the magnetic recording medium from a magnetic pole to change the magnetizing direction of the first ferromagnetic layer to a direction of the applied magnetic field, then a positive or negative voltage V is applied between the metal probe and the magnetic recording medium to change the quantum well level energy between the first and second ferromagnetic layers, thereby inducing an exchange magnetic field HE.

Abstract: A probe storage device includes a scanner chip having at least a suspension layer and a table layer an array chip, and at least one coil mounted to the scanner chip. The probe storage device further includes a top plate mounted proximate to the table layer. The top plate includes at least one magnet positioned adjacent the at least one coil. A base plate is mounted proximate to the suspension layer and includes at least one magnet positioned adjacent to the at least one coil. An electronic component mounting cavity is formed in one of the table layer, suspension layer, at least one top plate and base plate. An electronic component is mounted within the electronic component mounting cavity. The electronic component is wired directly to the scanner chip to provide a direct wired connection to that eliminates the need for a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for automated microscopic analysis wherein the test protocol is obtained from interrogatable data affixed to each microscope slide. The method further comprises the algorithms that implement the test protocol.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus supports a recording medium swingably in at least two axis directions by a support section formed in a shape having elasticity. When an access can be made to a memory, the recording medium is constantly and reciprocatingly moved in a direction along data row. Thus, a positional relationship with a probe head is always grasped. When an access is made, a moving time associated with position identification is reduced, and precise and fast movement is achieved.

Abstract: A package to receive a memory device including an electromagnetic motor comprises a body having a top surface and a bottom surface. Conductive leads extend through the body so that the conductive leads are at least partially exposed within the package. A base is connectable with the bottom surface of the body, and a lid is connectable with the top surface of the body. The base and the lid have substantially matched thermal expansion characteristics and provide magnetic flux return paths for the electromagnetic motor.

Abstract: A probe memory device carries out positioning with the use of a servo pattern provided in a servo area on a recording medium, and the recording medium and a probe head section are reciprocatingly moved (scan-moved) by vibration at a specific frequency in a one-axis direction. At this time, based on information from the servo area, relative position information between the recording medium and the probe head section is acquired, the relative position information is processed at a control section, and then, feedback control is carried out for carrying out position correction relative to an actuator.

Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a ferroelectric recording medium, an electric field sensor including a source region, a drain region and a resistance region electrically connecting the source region to the drain region and having a resistance, which varies according to an intensity of an electric field due to a polarization voltage of an electric domain of the recording medium, a voltage applying unit applying a drain voltage between the source region and the drain region, and a reproducing signal detection unit including at least one negative resistor installed in an electric circuit connecting the drain region to the voltage applying unit, and detecting a change in a voltage between the drain region and the at least one negative resistor.

Abstract: A storage device including a storage medium for storing data in the form of topographic or magnetic marks. At least one probe is mounted on a common frame, the common frame and the storage medium designed for moving relative to each other for creating or detecting said marks. Each probe includes a tip facing the storage medium, a read sensing element, a write element and a capacitive platform, that forms a first electrode and is designed for a voltage potential applied to it independent from a control signal for said read sensing element and for said voltage potential applied to said capacitive platform being independent from a control signal for said write heating element. It further comprises a second electrode arranged in a fixed position relative to the storage medium forming a first capacitor together wherein said first electrode and a medium between the first and second electrode.

Abstract: A method of operating a storage device includes storing data in the form of marks in a storage medium; scanning the storage medium with at least one probe operating in a scanning mode; and utilizing a control unit to provide a pulsed reading signal for data detecting in the scanning mode, and providing the probe with oversampling reading pulses in a clock mark scanning mode, wherein the control unit further comprises an input for a response signal to the oversampling reading pulses, and a determination unit for determining the clock dependent on the response signal; wherein the storage medium comprises marks for determining a clock of the pulsed reading signal.

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: The data to be recorded onto a recording medium is directly spread and then recorded onto the recording medium through a needle-shaped member, such as a probe. Upon reproducing the data, the data read from the recording medium is de-spread and reproduced.

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: For a probe based data storage (PDS) device a ferroelectric film stack may be used as a media to store data bits by polarizing areas of the film as either an up domain or a down domain to represent bits. However a built-in-bias field (BBF) may create domain retention problems. By growing the ferroelectric films with stress and composition gradients this may generate polarization gradients which reduce the bias field. Thus, the retention (or imprint) may be improved with minimized BBF.

Abstract: A method for settling on a target track of a servo system in a storage device (110) comprising a scanning probe (e.g., a scanning probe array system (124)) is disclosed, as well as a corresponding storage device (110). A data format is employed for the data stored in servo fields (18), consisting mainly of a preamble for assisting the settle process.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises mechanically scanned ferroelectric data storage media. A scanning electrode contacts the scannable surface with a contact force. The ferroelectric data storage media generates a piezoelectric potential that is picked up by the electrode. The piezoelectric potential has a polarity that varies as a function of data polarity on the data storage media.

Abstract: An electric field read/write head, a method of manufacturing the same, and an information storage device including the electric field read/write head are provided. The electric field read/write head includes: a resistance region formed in a substrate which comprises an end surface facing a recording medium; a source and a drain formed in the substrate and disposed on both sides of the resistance region, respectively; and an insulating layer and a write electrode formed sequentially on the resistance region, wherein the length (l) to width (w) ratio (l/w) of the resistance region satisfies (l/w)?0.2.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a substrate, an electrode coupled to the substrate, a modifiable layer coupled to the electrode, and a current focusing layer coupled to the modifiable layer. The current focusing layer comprises a conductive region and an insulating region. A method comprising forming a modifiable layer on an electrode and forming a current focusing layer on the modifiable layer.

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: A method of writing to ferroelectric storage medium includes the steps of applying a first write voltage to a ferroelectric layer for writing a first bit in a first polarization direction and applying a second write voltage to the ferroelectric layer for writing a second bit in a second polarization direction opposing the first polarization direction. The first write voltage having a first magnitude, and the second write voltage having a second magnitude being greater than the first magnitude. The ferroelectric layer having a ferroelectric imprint polarization direction, and the first polarization direction being substantially the same as the ferroelectric imprint polarization direction. The ferroelectric medium contains first bits with a first surface area that is substantially equal to second bits surface area. A probe storage apparatus can use this method and ferroelectric medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having a first cantilever structure to move in a vertical direction, including a first plate formed of a conductive material, an insulation beam adapted on a portion of the first plate, and a second cantilever structure adapted on the insulation beam and including a second plate formed of a conductive material, where an air gap is present between the first and second plates. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

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: 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: A probe storage device includes a scanner chip body having at least a mechanical ground portion provided with first and second opposing surfaces and a scan table suspension portion. A scan table including a top surface and a back surface is moveably mounted to the scan table suspension portion. A probe array chip is fixedly mounted to the first surface of the mechanical ground portion. A first plate is also fixedly mounted to the first surface of the mechanical ground portion. A second plate, having a main body portion including first and second opposing surfaces, is fixedly mounted to the second surface of the mechanical ground portion. A desiccant layer is positioned upon one of the first surface of the second plate, the back surface of the scan table and one of the first and second surfaces of the mechanical ground portion.

Abstract: A ferroelectric polarization pattern with differing feedback signals. An apparatus including a ferroelectric layer and a polarization pattern configured in the ferroelectric layer to represent position data. The polarization pattern has a first switchable polarization state domain and a second switchable polarization state domain that are both switchable by an applied signal. The first switchable polarization state domain has a first feedback signal in response to the applied signal that is different than a second feedback signal of the second switchable polarization state domain at the applied signal.

Abstract: A method of recording bits on a ferroelectric medium using a scanning probe or a small conductive structure and a recording medium thereof, in which bit sizes can be decreased to increase data recording density as well as to reduce losses in reproduction signals. The method includes applying switching voltages to a lower electrode of the ferroelectric medium and the probe so as to write bits while approaching the probe to or bringing the probe into contact with a surface of the ferroelectric medium; and applying a base bias voltage, which is equal or smaller in magnitude and opposite in sign to the switching voltages between the switching voltages to make the probe equipotential with an upper portion of the record medium.

Abstract: A storage device including a storage medium for storing data in the form of topographic or magnetic marks. At least one probe is mounted on a common frame, the common frame and the storage medium designed for moving relative to each other for creating or detecting said marks. Each probe includes a tip facing the storage medium, a read sensing element, a write element and a capacitive platform, that forms a first electrode and is designed for a voltage potential applied to it independent from a control signal for said read sensing element and for said voltage potential applied to said capacitive platform being independent from a control signal for said write heating element. It further comprises a second electrode arranged in a fixed position relative to the storage medium forming a first capacitor together wherein said first electrode and a medium between the first and second electrode.

Abstract: Ferroelectric media includes a media surface that is scannable by a contact. The contact provides a read signal. A polarization pattern is written in first regions of the media surface. The polarization pattern represents position data. The first regions are selectively exposed to an energy source. The exposing provides an imprint to the polarization pattern that prevents subsequent erasure by the read signal.

Abstract: An optical data-storage hard disk drive that uses stationary Phase-Change Microhead Array Chips in place of conventional flying-heads, rotary voice-coil actuators, or other similar types of servo-tracking mechanisms to simultaneously record and/or reproduce data to and/or from a multitude of data-tracks located across the data-surfaces of a multitude of phase-change based disc media using a multitude of microheads.

Abstract: Using controlled bias voltage for data retention enhancement in a ferroelectric media is generally described. In one example, an apparatus includes a ferroelectric film including one or more domains, the ferroelectric film having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being opposite the second surface, an electrode coupled with the first surface, and an electrically conductive thin film coupled with the second surface wherein the electrically conductive thin film is sufficiently conductive that a controlled bias field applied between the electrically conductive thin film and the electrode is sufficient to grow, shrink, or actively maintain the size of the one or more domains disposed between the electrically conductive thin film and the electrode.

Abstract: An information storage device comprises a media including a ferroelectric layer and a conductive layer and a cantilever adapted to be actuated toward the media. A tip extends from the cantilever and an electrode associated with the cantilever. When the cantilever is actuated, the tip applies a contact force to strain the media so that a charge is coupled from the ferroelectric layer to the tip. A signal is applied to the electrode to generate electrostatic force between the electrode and the conductive layer, causing the cantilever to vibrate based on a frequency of the signal. Vibration of the cantilever causes the contact force applied by the tip to the media to vary. Polarization of the ferroelectric layer can be determined based on one or both of a baseband signal generated by the charge accumulated at the tip and an upper-band signal generated by the variation in phase of the charge accumulated at the tip.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having a conductive storage medium to store information in the form of electrostatic charge. The conductive storage medium can be disposed in a non-conductive layer that is formed over a charge blocking layer, which in turn may be disposed over an electrode layer. In one embodiment, a barrier layer may be disposed over the non-conductive layer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

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: 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 scanning probe apparatus for obtaining information of a sample, recording information in the sample, or processing the sample with relative movement between the sample and the apparatus, the apparatus is constituted by a probe; and a scanning stage including a drive element for moving a sample holding table for holding the sample and a movable portion movable in a direction in which an inertial force generated during movement of the sample holding table is cancelled. The scanning stage further includes a memory for storing characteristic information of the scanning stage and is detachably or replaceably mountable to a main assembly of the apparatus.

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 herein, 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 storage layer is arranged facing an array of micro-tips. The storage layer includes a plurality of insulated conductive dots designed to store electric charges. Each micro-tip includes a high-permittivity element integral to a transistor channel connecting a source and a drain. The channel has a conductance able to be modified by the electric field created by the charge of the dot arranged facing the high-permittivity element. The system can include an actuator for relative displacement of the storage layer with respect to the micro-tips. The system can include an array of electrodes able to cause displacement of the charges from one dot to the other.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for reproducing information using a semiconductor probe.