Molecular memory systems and methods
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorsYong Chen, Robert G. Walmsley
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Abstract
A molecular memory system that includes a protective layer that is disposed over a molecular recording layer is described. The protective layer enables a scanning probe to write information to and read information from a molecular memory element by direct electrical contact without substantial risk of damage to either the scanning probe or the molecular recording medium. In this way, the invention avoids the high emission currents, which may damage the probe electrode or the recording media, or both, and avoids other difficulties often associated molecular memory systems with non-contacting probe electrodes.
Claims21
A molecular memory system, comprising:
- a first electrode structure;
- a second electrode structure having a substantially planar protective surface exposed for contact with a probe tip and comprising an array of spaced-apart electrodes separated by electrically insulating material;
- and
- a recording medium having a molecular recording layer disposed between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure.
A molecular memory method, comprising:
- providing a first electrode structure;
- disposing over the first electrode structure a recording medium having a molecular recording layer;
- and
- disposing over the recording medium a second electrode structure having a substantially planar protective surface exposed for contact with a probe tip and comprising an array of spaced-apart electrodes separated by electrically insulating material.
A molecular memory method, comprising:
- providing a molecular memory system comprising
- a first electrode structure,
- a second electrode structure having an exposed substantially planar protective surface and comprising an array of spaced-apart electrodes separated by electrically insulating material, and
- a recording medium having a molecular recording layer disposed between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure;
- contacting a probe array against the exposed substantially planar protective surface of the second electrode structure;
- and
- scanning the contacting probe tip array across the exposed substantially planar protective surface of the second electrode structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.