摘要:
An optical data storage system comprises a multiple data surface medium (12) and optical head. The medium (12) comprises a plurality of substrates (50, 56, 62, 68, 74) separated by a light transmissive medium (78). Data surfaces (90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104) are located on the substrate surfaces. A layer of a semiconductor material is deposited onto each of the data surfaces. The thickness of the semiconductor layer determines the amount of reflectivity for each of the data surfaces.
摘要:
A method of optical recording uses a film of a material which has a crystallisation temperature between 100 DEG C and 400 DEG C and can be switched between the amorphous and the crystalline states. Both the amorphous and crystalline states are substantially a single phase where the stoichiometric ratio of the material remains unchanged. A spot on the film is heated with a laser beam with a controlled pulse duration and intensity to melt the material in the spot. When the laser irradiation is stopped, the material in that spot is quenched at a rate that produces the desired state, that is, either to the crystalline or the amorphous state.
摘要:
A method for recording, reading and erasing data bits in a data storage device is described. Using extended scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) techniques, a tunnelling electron current by resistive heating selectively melts discrete areas of a state-transformable film; then heat is dissipated rapidly, writing data bits by changing the film in the areas from a first state to a second state wherein an electronic property, such as conductance, work function or band gap, in the areas is changed. Again, using extended STM techniques, the effect of this changed electronic property of the film on the tunnelling current is measured for reading the written data bits. Minimising the effect of blemishes on the material is effected, during operation in STM constant current mode by measuring dI/dV or dI/ds, and during operation in STM variable current (constant gap) mode by measuring (dI/dV)/I or (dI/ds)/I. Also, by using extended STM techniques, data bits can be selectively erased by resistance heating the film to a temperature higher than the crystallisation temperature for a sufficient period of time, restoring selected discrete areas to the first state and each affected electronic property substantially to its original condition.
摘要:
A method of optical recording uses a film of a material which has a crystallisation temperature between 100°C and 400°C and can be switched between the amorphous and the crystalline states. Both the amorphous and crystalline states are substantially a single phase where the stoichiometric ratio of the material remains unchanged. A spot on the film is heated with a laser beam with a controlled pulse duration and intensity to melt the material in the spot. When the laser irradiation is stopped, the material in that spot is quenched at a rate that produces the desired state, that is, either to the crystalline or the amorphous state.