Abstract:
A storage medium is described wherein coded information is destructively written by selectively inducing breakdown in a threshold biased capacitor having an electron sensitive variable conductivity layer positioned therein. In one specific embodiment, a hexachlorobutadiene dielectric layer and a juxtaposed lead oxide semiconductive layer are sandwiched between a tin oxide electrode and an electron transparent aluminum electrode. After threshold biasing the structure in a direction opposing conductivity in the lead oxide layer, a 10 kv. electron beam is selectively penetrated into the layer of lead oxide to induce conductivity therein thereby shifting the biasing voltage division in the storage medium to effect a localized dielectric breakdown in the hexachlorobutadiene. The dielectric breakdown in the hexachlorobutadiene selectively ruptures both the dielectric layer and the aluminum electrode thereover producing 10- 50 mil diameter apertures at points of electron beam irradiation. Information is readout by reverse biasing the storage medium and selectively scanning the medium with an electron beam. In a preferred embodiment, a semiconductive wafer is substituted for the tin oxide electrode to permit readout of the recorded information unimpeded by capacitive coupling between the electrodes.
Abstract:
Precise control of an electron beam impinging on a large area receiving surface is achieved by employing, between the electron source and the receiving surface, a first matrix of electron deflection apparatus and by employing, intermediate the receiving surface and the first matrix, but close to the receiving surface, a second matrix of electron deflection apparatus of sufficient size to cover substantially all of the receiving surface. A predetermined one of the first matrix of lenses serves to direct the electron beam onto a predetermined one of the second matrix of lenses which provides fine control of the beam as it is swept over the underlying portion of the receiving surface.
Abstract:
A method and system for thermoplastic recording involves the transfer of an electrostatic charge pattern from a photoconductive member to a deformable thermoplastic storage medium. Upon softening, the thermoplastic medium deforms in accordance with the electrostatic charge pattern. The information can be permanently retained by cooling the deformed thermoplastic. The retrieval of the information may be accomplished by the use of a Schlieren optical readout system.