Static information storage and retrieval – Radiant energy – Electron beam
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-07
2001-10-16
Fears, Terrell W. (Department: 2824)
Static information storage and retrieval
Radiant energy
Electron beam
C365S121000, C365S237000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06304481
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to data storage and retrieval. More particularly, the present invention relates to a data storage medium and a method and apparatus for storing data onto the, data storage medium and reading the stored data therefrom.
2. Description of the Related Art
Over the years, there has been an increasing need for high speed mass data storage devices. With the conversion from analog systems to digital systems and the increasing speed of processing demonstrated by current processor technology, the ability to quickly access large amounts of data is lagging behind demand. This is especially true in the scientific world for computer modeling and simulations, as well as in the consumer world for high definition television (HDTV), HDTV video records, compact disks, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal communication assistants (PCAs), digital tape decks, and even such items as automobiles. Furthermore, the merging worlds of computers, multimedia, and communication will impact consumers through virtual reality, interactive television, voice recognition systems (vocally interactive), handwriting recognition systems, and integrated communications with entertainment systems, each of which will require high speed static mass data storage.
Applying conventional lithographic techniques and incremental improvement processes to current memory technologies has resulted in incremental progress. This incremental progress will simply increase the disparity between the increasing speed of processors and their capability to store and effectively utilize needed amounts of data.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a data storage medium and a method and apparatus for storing data onto the data storage medium and reading the stored data therefrom that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to the limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the method and apparatus particularly pointed out in the written description and claims thereof as well as the appended drawings.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, a data storage device comprises a member including a magnetic material; means for generating a beam of electrons, the beam electrons having a common magnetic polarization in one of a first direction and a second direction, the beam being directable at one of a plurality of portions of the member; means, responsive to an address signal, for directing the beam to a portion of the member corresponding to the address signal, and for controlling the wavelength of the beam electrons such that the portion of the member assumes a magnetic polarization corresponding to the magnetic polarization of the beam electrons; and means, responsive to the address signal, for detecting the polarization of a portion of the member corresponding to the address signal, by directing the beam at the portion.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a system including a member having a magnetic material, and a means for generating a beam of electrons, the beam electrons having a common magnetic polarization in one of a first direction and a second direction, the beam being directable at one of a plurality of portions of the member, the method comprises the steps of receiving an address signal; directing the beam to a portion of the member corresponding to the address signal and controlling the wavelength of the beam electrons such that the portion of the member assumes a magnetic polarization corresponding to the magnetic polarization of the beam electrons.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a system including a member having a magnetic material, and a means for generating a beam of electrons, the beam electrons having a common magnetic polarization in one of a first direction and a second direction, the beam being directable at one of a plurality of portions of the member, the method comprises the steps of receiving an address signal; directing the beam to a portion or the member corresponding to the address signal and controlling the wavelength of the beam electrons such that the portion of the member assumes a magnetic polarization corresponding to the magnetic polarization of the beam electrons; and subsequently, detecting the polarization of a portion of the member corresponding to the address signal, by directing the beam at the portion.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of storing data as a direction of polarization in a magnetic material, the method comprises the steps of providing a spin-polarized electron having an electron magnetic field, the electron magnetic field having a direction of polarization corresponding to one of first and second data values, the electron having a wavelength characteristic of unpaired electrons that cause the magnetic moment of the magnetic material; and directing the spin-polarized electron, through an electrically nonconductive environment, at a portion of the magnetic material to impart the direction of polarization of the electron magnetic field to the portion.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
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Fears Terrell W.
Jagtiani & Associates
TeraStore, Inc.
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