Dynamic information storage or retrieval – Specific detail of information handling portion of system – Electrical modification or sensing of storage medium
Patent
1998-01-07
2000-07-04
Tran, Thang V.
Dynamic information storage or retrieval
Specific detail of information handling portion of system
Electrical modification or sensing of storage medium
369127, 3692752, G11B 900
Patent
active
060848499
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to shape memory alloy storage media, storage devices based on these storage media, and methods for operating these devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Improvements in semiconductor processing techniques have led to drastic reductions in the size of todays computers. However, while the microprocessors, displays and other components are getting cheaper and smaller, the bulk data memory units limit the overall size reduction. For further reduction in size and power consumption the conventional disk drive storage systems need to be replaced by small, high capacity storage devices.
There is a demand for storage devices having storage capacity of more than 1 Terabit. Further criteria for such storage devices are: power consumption, overall weight and size, reliability, data security, and shock resistance (if used in portable computer systems).
With a storage device which combines the capacity of a rotating memory with the speed, size, power consumption and reliability of solid state memories, computers would take another quantum leap in performance and compactness.
The development of scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopes has led to first storage systems which make use of local probes.
A scanning tunneling storage system has been proposed in the European patent EP 247219, for example. This system comprises current detectors being attached to an array of cantilevers. A storage medium is placed opposite to the array. The storage medium is displaced by means of a two-dimensional piezoelectric positioning device. There is no adequate approach for erasing of information disclosed.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,311 a memory device is described which makes use of a very large set of independently operating subdevices. It employs an array of hundreds of microcantilevers having an area in which bits are stored. Opposite to these cantilevers there are hundreds of read/write heads which are similar in nature to scanning tunneling or atomic force microscope scanning tips. Each cantilever is moved in an oscillatory manner such that the respective read/write head scans over the bits stored thereon.
It is essential for a storage device that information can be recorded (WRITE), retrieved (READ) and deleted (ERASE). In particular in case of scanning probe storage systems which have been developed so far, no reliable and satisfying erase technique has been proposed. Recent material investigations have revealed special materials which are in principle suitable as erasable storage medium. However, steps required to erase information being stored in such a material are either to slow, or cannot be controlled properly to facilitate erasure of single bits within a storage medium. There is currently no storage medium known, which satisfies the needs for use in scanning probe storage devices.
A typical example of a scanning probe storage device and the mechanism for data recording is addressed in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,688. The storage medium comprises a state-transformable material. Current pulses induced by voltage pulses sufficient to selectively heat discrete areas of the state-transformable material are applied to a STM tip. If one cools the state-transformable material after local heating the electronic properties are locally altered. These locally altered areas can be detected (READ) using a STM tip and sensing the tunneling current between storage medium and tip.
In view of the disadvantages of known media suitable for use in scanning probe storage systems there is a need for improved materials and storage concepts in particular to overcome the known problems. The high resolution available through the application of a STM or AFM is certainly a most desirable attribute. However, for purposes of mass data storage, the storage medium as such requires additional attention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved storage medium for storage system, and in particular for scanning probe storage systems.
It is an object of the present invention to provid
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Durig Urs Theodor
Vettiger Peter
International Business Machines - Corporation
Schechter, Esq. Marc D.
Tran Thang V.
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