Abstract: An electron beam recorder includes an electron optical system for irradiating the electron beam on a master of an information recording medium and a shielding plate for shielding the electron beam. An electron beam irradiation quantity detector is provided on the shielding plate and is divided into first and second electron beam detecting portions along an information recording direction on the master. A difference detector calculates a difference between a first quantity of the electron beam irradiated on the first electron beam detecting portion and a second quantity of the electron beam irradiated on the second electron beam detecting portion such that a position of the electron beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to the information recording direction is detected from the difference.

Abstract: A data storage device is introduced. The data storage device comprises a write head. The write head comprises a heating element and a tip. The write head scans a data storage medium, wherein in an operation mode of the data storage device the tip is in contact with a surface of the data storage medium and heat is applied to the tip by means of the heating element. In order to achieve a good thermal contact between the tip and the data storage medium, the tip comprises a carbon element that is at least partially in contact with the surface in that operation mode. Such a write head can also be applied in the field of scanning probe lithography.

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 probe (100) is provided with: a head portion (130) including a projection (110) with its tip facing a medium (20); a return electrode (150) for returning thereto an electric field applied from the projection; a first wire (120a) extending in predetermined one direction so as to be connected to the projection; and a second wire (120b) extending in another direction different from the one direction so as to be connected to said return electrode.

Abstract: A storage device includes a storage medium and a probe to read from and write to the storage medium. The storage medium has a plurality of storage regions, where each storage region contains information to identify whether another storage region is defective.

Abstract: A method reading, writing, and erasing data includes bringing a thermal-mechanical probe into proximity with a layer of cross-linked polymeric material to induce a deformed region at a point in the film, thereby writing information; bringing a thermal-mechanical probe into proximity with the deformed region, thereby reading information; and bringing a thermal-mechanical probe into proximity with the deformed region, further deforming it in such a way to eliminate the deformed region, thereby erasing the information; and repeating the storing, reading, and erasing steps at points in the film.

Abstract: A hologram reproduction apparatus includes a light-receiving unit such as a two-dimensional sensor which obtains two-dimensionally modulated image data, and an A/D converter which A/D-converts analog data obtained by the light-receiving unit into digital data. In addition, the hologram reproduction apparatus detects a number of pixels having a digital value larger than a first defined value in the A/D-converted image data for one page, by a first pixel number detecting unit. The hologram reproduction apparatus controls a magnitude value of the image data at the time of the A/D conversion by the first control unit so that the number of detected pixels is within a predetermined range. Thereby, a dynamic range of the A/D conversion to the two-dimensional modulated image data can effectively be used. Therefore, a quantization noise due to the A/D conversion can be reduced, and also a reproduction S/N can be improved.

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 transducer for a storage medium has a supporting element positioned over the storage medium with a first head configured to interact with the storage medium and a second head operatively connected to the first head to interact with the storage medium. The second head is carried by the supporting element in a position adjacent to the first head, and the first head and the second head are aligned in a scanning direction. The first head performs the reading of a data item stored in a portion of the storage medium, the reading entailing the deletion of the data item, and the second head performs the rewriting of the data item in the same portion of the storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the wear of a tip of a probe when the tip is in contact with a surface of a substrate and when the probe is mounted on a support structure. A method is provided where a load force is applied to the probe, thereby causing the tip to be maintained substantially in contact with the substrate surface and a modulation step where the e magnitude of the load force is modulated at a modulation frequency. The modulation frequency is selected to be greater than a fundamental vibration frequency of the support structure on which the probe is mounted.

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

Abstract: A data storage medium is disclosed from which information is reproduced by scanning a surface of the medium with a tip positioned in contact therewith. The medium includes a substrate and a polymer recording surface within which data bit values are determined by the topographical state at the bit location. The polymer contains thermally reversible crosslinkages.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with the present invention can include a tip contactable with a media, the media including a substrate and a plurality of cells disposed over the substrate, one or more of the cells being electrically isolated from the other of the cells by a material having insulating properties. One or more of the plurality of cells can include a phase change material. The media is either grounded or electrically connected with a voltage source such that when the tip is placed in contact with the media and a voltage is applied to the tip, a current is drawn through the cell over which the tip is arranged. The current is drawn through the isolated cell at least a portion of the phase change material within the cell beneath the tip is heated to a sufficient temperature such that the material become amorphous in structure. The current is then removed from the phase change material, which is quickly cooled to form an amorphous domain having a resistance representing a “1” (or a “0”).

Abstract: In the state in which a FPC terminal conductor precoated with a solder bump is opposed to a suspension terminal conductor having an Au plating layer, heating and melting is carried out while the suspension terminal conductor is pressed against the solder bump by a heater chip, thereby joining the FPC terminal conductor with the suspension terminal conductor by solder without using flux. In the suspension terminal conductor, a notch, a slit, or the like is formed as a solder joint observation window through which the solder joint state by the solder bump can be visually checked from outside via an insulating layer.

Abstract: A read/write arrangement for a contact probe storage arrangement or the like, has a cantilever disposed with a medium which is movable relative to the cantilever; a device associated with one of the cantilever and the medium which is configured to be responsive to changes in electrical field between the medium and the cantilever caused by a change in distance between the medium and the cantilever; a heater disposed on the cantilever for heating the medium and for inducing localized topographical changes which represent bits of data; and a circuit which electrically interconnects both of the device and the heater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data-recording device comprising conductive microtips and to the production method thereof. According to the invention, the microtip comprises one end which is intended to be brought into electrical contact with a recording medium. Moreover, the microtip comprises a longitudinal conducting core having an essentially constant cross-section. In addition, the microtip is surrounded by a sheath of non-conducting material, such that the free ends of the core and the sheath are level at the end of the microtip. The cross-section of the sheath can diminish towards the end of the microtip, e.g. such as to form a truncated-cone-shaped part. The core can comprise a carbon nanotube. Furthermore, a multitude of microtips can be disposed in the form of a network, the ends thereof generating an essentially-flat common surface. The inventive method comprises an abrasion step.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a ferroelectric storage medium, and a transducer for reading data from the ferroelectric storage medium and for writing data to the ferroelectric storage medium, wherein the transducer includes a substrate and a probe coupled to the substrate, wherein the probe includes a conductive element and a bilayer structure causing the probe to bend toward the ferroelectric storage medium.

Abstract: A method of storing data in a storage device having a probe to form perturbations in a storage medium of the storage device includes receiving input write data bits and encoding the input write data bits to form coded write data bits. Perturbations are formed in the storage medium by contacting a probe to the storage medium, the perturbations corresponding to the coded write data bits, wherein the coded write data bits provide a generally uniform distribution of the perturbations on the storage medium.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a storage medium, and a transducer positioned adjacent to the storage medium, wherein the transducer includes a first electrode and a second electrode, with the width of the first electrode being less than the width of the second electrode. A method including: applying a first voltage to a transducer to write data to a storage medium, and applying a second voltage to the transducer to read data from the storage medium, wherein the magnitude of the first voltage is greater than the magnitude of the second voltage.

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 sensing device has a cantilever disposed with a medium which is movable relative to the cantilever, and a device associated with one of the cantilever and the medium, which is responsive to changes in electrical field between the medium and the cantilever caused by a distance between the medium and the cantilever changing.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information-recording medium for recording and reproducing information by using light and a method for recording information for the purpose of high-speed and high-density recording. The medium has a structural unit having a conductive polymer layer and an electrolyte layer sandwiched by a pair of electrode layers, each of which contains a thermally decomposable or crosslinkable compound. The medium described above allows high-speed rotation of the medium as it has a narrower range heated during recording and is more tolerant of displacement of auto-focusing or tracking, and also allows high-speed and high-density recording. The medium also allows lamination of multiple layers and easier selection of layers therein.

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 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 spin FET includes a first ferromagnetic film disposed on a first source/drain area, a direction of magnetization thereof being fixed in an upward direction or a downward direction perpendicular to a film surface, a second ferromagnetic film disposed on a second source/drain area, a direction of magnetization thereof being changed in the upward direction or the downward direction, an anti-ferromagnetic ferroelectric film disposed on the second ferromagnetic film, and a tunnel barrier film disposed at least between the first source/drain area and the first ferromagnetic film or between the second source/drain and the second ferromagnetic film. Resistance of the anti-ferromagnetic ferroelectric film is larger than ON resistance when the first and second source/drain areas conduct electricity through the channel area.

Abstract: A nonvolatile information recording and reproducing device exhibits low power consumption and high thermal stability. The information recording and reproducing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a recording layer and a unit for recording information by applying a voltage to the recording layer to generate a resistance change to be caused due to a phase change in the recording layer. The recording layer includes a material having a ramsdelite structure.

Abstract: A system for storing information comprises a media including a ferroelectric layer, a tip arrangeable in electrically communicative proximity to the media, and circuitry to detect a polarization signal having a radio frequency. The polarization signal corresponds to changes in polarization of domains of the ferroelectric layer at a relative velocity of movement between the tip and the media, wherein a domain of polarization of the ferroelectric layer is information.

Abstract: A storage device according to the invention has flexible architecture and free scalability. It includes an address input and a data input. It also includes an address and data evaluation unit, which is formed in such a way that it controls a controllable switching means, wherein in operation the address and data evaluation unit depends on the signals of said address and data inputs. Finally, a read/write line for a read/write signal is provided, which can be applied to a local probe data storage unit via the controllable switching means.

Abstract: A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface via a tip comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides data storage devices, systems and methods. An example device includes: a storage medium for storing data in the form of marks; and at least one probe. The probe(s) and storage medium are operable to move relative to each other, with each probe comprising a tip facing the storage medium and having a force creating unit associated thereto. The force creating units are operable to create a force acting between the tip and said storage medium. The data storage device is operable to erase an indentation mark in the storage medium by way of controlling the force creating unit for creating at least one erase force pulse with a force rise time being less than or equal to the order of 1 microsecond.

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

Abstract: A 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: According to embodiments of the present invention, a probe storage medium includes a conductive layer as an electrode and a metal, metalloid, and/or non-metal doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer disposed on the conductive layer. A probe array may be positioned close proximity with the layer of doped DLC. An individual probe in the probe array may have an atomic force microscope tip. The probe storage medium may be written to by applying a current, voltage, and/or power to the tip between a thresholds current, voltage, and/or power value and a limiting current, voltage, and/or power value. The current, voltage, and/or power cause the layer of DLC to change conductance. The probe storage medium may be read by applying a current, voltage, and/or power to the tip below a threshold current, voltage, and/or power value and sensing the conductance.

Abstract: An embodiment of a read mechanism used in a contact atomic resolution storage system, has a cantilever disposed with a medium which is movable relative to the cantilever. The cantilever has a probe which extends from the cantilever and which contacts a surface of the medium. A pod is formed on a side of the cantilever facing the medium and extends toward the media. A sensor element is formed on the pod so as to juxtapose the medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data storage device comprising: a data storage medium for storing data in the form of topographic features; and at least one probe for writing and/or reading the data stored in the data storage medium, wherein the data storage medium is formed on a support layer, the support layer having a lower shear modulus than the data storage medium.

Abstract: A ferroelectric information storage medium having ferroelectric nanodots and a method of manufacturing the ferroelectric information storage medium are provided. The ferroelectric information storage medium includes a substrate, an electrode formed on the substrate, and ferroelectric nanodots formed on the electrode, wherein the ferroelectric nanodots are separated from each other, and a plurality of the ferroelectric nanodots form a single bit region.

Abstract: A data storage device comprises a media including a memory layer within which are formable domains associated with information, and a conductive layer disposed over the memory layer, the conductive layer having anisotropically increased electrical conductivity in a thickness direction. A conductive tip contactable with the conductive layer is adapted to form domains within the memory layer and one of the conductive tip and the media is movable to access the memory layer.

Abstract: An optical information storage medium has multiple information layers. On each layer, information is stored in the form of an electroluminescent material. The pits are organized into regions called pages. A specific page on a specific layer can be addressed through electrodes integrated into the medium. The medium can be read-only or WORM. For the WORM embodiment, a recordable electroluminescent material is combined with a quencher and a free radical generating compound that, when thermally degraded, generates free radicals to bleach the quencher. To amplify the light from an information layer, a photoconductive layer and an additional electroluminescent layer can be provided.

Abstract: A method of writing data on a storage device using a probe technique. In the method of writing data on a memory device including a resistive probe used for reading and writing of data, a ferroelectric writing medium on which data is written by the resistive probe, and a lower electrode disposed on a bottom surface of the ferroelectric writing medium, heat and an electric field are applied simultaneously to a domain of the ferroelectric writing medium, on which the data will be written, by applying a voltage to the resistive probe and the lower 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: Embodiments of methods and systems for controlling access to information stored on memory or data storage devices are disclosed. In various embodiments, fluid-mediated modification of information or access to information is utilized. According to various embodiments, data storage devices designed for rotating access are described which include rotation-activated fluid control mechanisms.

Abstract: A composition of matter for the recording medium of nanometer scale thermo-mechanical information storage devices and a nanometer scale thermo-mechanical information storage device. The composition includes: one or more polyaryletherketone polymers, each of the one or more polyaryletherketone polymers having two terminal ends, each terminal end having two or more phenylethynyl moieties. The one or more polyaryletherketone polymers are thermally cured and the resulting cross-linked polyaryletherketone resin used as the recording layers in atomic force data storage devices.

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: Position information is formed on a recording surface of a recording medium. The position information is constructed from first line segments, which are parallel to each other, and a second line segment, which crosses the first line segments. On the basis of a distance between (i) an intersection of one of the first line segment and a scan line and (ii) an intersection of another of the first line segments and the scan line, the intersection and an intersection of the second line segment and the scan line are measured or calculated. By this, a position of a head is recognized.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive reading of a datum stored in a ferroelectric material in a stable state of polarization, the method including applying a read electrical quantity to the ferroelectric material having a value such as not to cause a variation in the stable state of polarization thereof, generating an output quantity indicative of a polarization charge variation occurring in the ferroelectric material during application of the read electrical quantity, and determining the value of the stored datum based on the output quantity. In particular, the polarization charge variation is given by a difference between a first value assumed by the polarization charge in the stable state of the ferroelectric material and a second value assumed by the polarization charge during application of the read electrical quantity.

Abstract: A data storage system having a positioning system for a micro-electromechanical system (“MEMS”) based data storage provided. The data storage system includes a MEMS-based scanner that interacts with a polymer medium to read, write and erase data. A first positioning system is coupled to the MEMS scanner to allow the storage of data over a defined area. A second positioning system is coupled to the first positioning system and the MEMS scanner to allow the use of a larger polymer medium. A plurality of storage modules is also provided to allow scalability of data storage.

Abstract: A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface via a tip comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.

Abstract: 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.