Abstract:
A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface via a tip comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy 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:
The present invention concerns micromechanical signal processing system comprising an oscillating member (40) designed to oscillate at a frequency f3, a micromechanical pump oscillator (42) being driven so as to oscillate at a frequency fp, with fp > f3, and a non-linear coupling element (44) to couple said micromechanical pump oscillator (42) to said oscillating member (40). These elements are arranged such that energy from the micromechanical pump oscillator (42) is transferred via said non-linear coupling element (44) into said oscillating member (40) to compensate for its losses if said oscillating member oscillates at the frequency f3.
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:
A cantilever device (30, 50, 70) for scanning a surface comprises a support (32, 52, 72), a tip platform (31, 51, 71) and a flexible arm arrangement (33, 53, 73). The tip platform (31, 51, 71) has a plurality of tips. These comprise at least two contact tips (34; 55a-55c; 74, 75) providing points of contact with a surface to be scanned, and a scanning tip (36; 55a, 55b; 75) for scanning the surface, where the scanning tip may be one of the two or more contact tips provided on the platform. The flexible arm arrangement (33, 53, 73) connects the tip platform to the support and allows orientation of the platform, via flexing of the arm arrangement, to bring the contact tips into contact with a surface to be scanned. The platform (31, 51, 71) is then at a well-defined orientation relative to the scan surface, and the scanning tip (36; 55a, 55b; 75) is appropriately positioned for the scanning operation. Scanning probe microscopes and data storage devices incorporating such cantilever devices are also provided.
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:
Apparatus for detecting data in a sensor signal generated by a read sensor in a local probe data storage device comprises a differentiation for subtracting a value of the sensor signal from the succeeding value of the sensor signal to generate a ternary difference signal ; and a convertor connected to the differentiator for converting the difference signal into a binary output signal indicative of the detected data. A local probe data storage device comprising such apparatus is also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus for detecting data in a sensor signal generated by a read sensor in a local probe data storage device comprises a differentiation for subtracting a value of the sensor signal from the succeeding value of the sensor signal to generate a ternary difference signal ; and a convertor connected to the differentiator for converting the difference signal into a binary output signal indicative of the detected data. A local probe data storage device comprising such apparatus is also described.
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:
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 transducer for detecting movement of an article mounted for movement in a plane, the transducer comprising: a heater facing the plane of movement of the article and having a temperature dependent resistance; and, an edge defined in the article between regions of different thermal conductivity; wherein, as the article describes the movement, the edge moves relative to the heater producing a corresponding variation in heat loss from the heater and a corresponding variation in resistance of the heater.