Abstract:
The present invention concerns a cantilever arrangement for scanning a surface (16). This arrangement comprises a first cantilever (11) having a first probe (14) and a second cantilever (13) having a second probe (15). Both cantilevers (11, 13) are mechanically coupled such that the second cantilever (13) follows the movement of the first cantilever (11), i.e. the deflection of the first cantilever (11) defines the deflection of the second cantilever (13).
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a storage system which enables memory density of several hundred Gb/inch2 without receiving mechanical wear. SOLUTION: The method of using a magnetizable memory medium (10), exposing the memory medium to an artificial external magnetic field H coupled externally to the memory medium, simultaneously applying heat extremely locally thereto at magnitude of a bit size in bit writing and making the external magnetic field locally greater than the holding magnetic field (dependent upon temperature) in locations (32) where the heat is applied is proposed. Further, two-dimensional arrays of cantilever chips (24) are advantageously used in this storage system. The respective chips act as heat sources when activated by current. The current flows in the resistance passages in the chips (24) and generates the necessary temperature in the small memory medium locations (32) where the writing of the bit is planned. This temperature is made closer to the Curie temperature or compensation temperature of the magnetic material.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic scanning/positioning system which has at least two items of degree of freedom. SOLUTION: A magnetic scanning/positioning system includes a support base 6 to which magnets 7.1 and 7.2 are attached, a movable platform 1 to which at least two electric coils 2 are attached and suspension elements 4 with which the movable platform is elastically connected to the support base. The electric coils 2 are arranged on the movable platform horizontally to provide an essentially flat construction with the movable platform. As the flat construction is combined with the flat support base, a magnetic scanning/positioning system which is characterized in a latently small size, light weight and flat structure, fast response, low power consumption and a relatively large movement range, for instance maximum 10 mm, can be provided. The magnetic scanning/ positioning system with at least two items of degree of freedom can be used in the fields of a scanning probe microscope, data memory and imaging.
Abstract:
Described is a method for erasing data recorded in a data storage device in which a data bit (120) is written onto a surface (90) by applying a first combination of energy (Ew) and force (Fw) to the surface via a tip (40) to form a pit in the surface representative of the data bit by local deformation of the surface. The method comprises applying a second combination of energy (Ee) and force via the tip to pre recorded deformations of the surface to be erased to substantially level the surface.
Abstract:
A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface (90) via a tip (40) comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy (250) is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.
Abstract:
Apparatus for reducing sensitivity of an article to mechanical shock comprises a frame; first and second planar masses mounted in the frame for bi-directional movement relative to the frame along a first axis of displacement; a first lever pivotable about a first fulcrum secured to the frame; the lever having one end connected to the first mass and the other end connected to the second mass, and the fulcrum being disposed between the ends of the lever; whereby the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the first mass is countered by the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the second mass in response to a mechanical shock applied to the frame along the axis of displacement such that an article carried by the first mass in use has reduced sensitivity to the shock.
Abstract:
An optical device comprises a substrate having a plane surface. An optical path is disposed on the substrate and extends in a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate. A recess intercepts the optical path. An optical element is provided for modifying light incident thereon. The optical element is moveable within the recess between a first position in which the optical element is located in the path and a second position in which optical element is remote from the path. A cantilever suspends the optical elements for movement within the recess between the second and first positions in a direction normal to the surface of the substrate.
Abstract:
An optical device comprises a substrate having a plane surface. An optical path is disposed on the substrate and extends in a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate. A recess intercepts the optical path. An optical element is provided for modifying light incident thereon. The optical element is moveable within the recess between a first position in which the optical element is located in the path and a second position in which optical element is remote from the path. A cantilever suspends the optical elements for movement within the recess between the second and first positions in a direction normal to the surface of the substrate.
Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a tape having an information layer on which information is storable in the form of perturbations, an array (10) of probes (11) that in function faces the tape (2) such that the probes scan the surface of the tape, means for selectively forming the perturbations via the probes, means for detecting the presence of the perturbations via the probes, and drive means (20, 25, 40, 42) for moving the tape relative to the array of probes. The apparatus allows to store high data capacities at a small form factor.
Abstract:
A data storage device comprises a storage medium, at least one probe designed for creating indentation marks in the storage medium, a control unit designed for creating a control parameter (CTRL) acting on the probe resulting in the creation of one indentation mark. The control unit is further designed for modifying the control parameter (CTRL), if at least a given number of consecutive indentation marks with a given minimum distance between each other should be created. According to the method the control parameter (CTRL) is modified if at least a given number of consecutive marks with a given minimum distance between each other should be created.