An information storage unit functioning in a vacuum is provided wherein a data storage medium has an information storage area for storing and reading information thereon. An array of electron beam emitters is spaced from and in close proximity to the data storage medium for selectively directing a plurality of electron beams toward the data storage medium. Focusing optics between the array of electron beam emitters and the data storage medium focus each of the electron beams on one part of the information storage area of the data storage medium. A micro electromechanical motor associated with the data storage medium moves the data storage medium relative to the array of electron beam emitters, so that each of the emitters directs an electron beam selectively to a portion of the information storage area to read or write information therein. Electronic circuitry spaced from and in electronic communication with the array of electron beam emitters controls the operations of the array of electron beam emitters. A vacuum device in the information storage unit maintains the vacuum between the data storage medium and the array of electron beam emitters.