Data storage device

A storage device comprising

• an electrically conductive storage medium for storing data in the form of topographic marks, and
• at least one probe being mounted on a common frame, said common frame and said storage medium being designed for moving relative to each other for creating or detecting said topographic marks, with each probe comprising
• a tip facing said storage medium being controlled within electron tunneling distance to said electrically conductive storage medium, at least during a reading operation,
• a write element and
• a capacitive platform that forms a first electrode and is designed for a voltage potential being applied to it independent from a control signal for said write element,
• a second electrode being arranged in a fixed position relative to said storage medium forming a first capacitor together wherein said first electrode and a medium between said first and second electrode.

A method for operating a storage device comprising:

• a storage medium for storing data in the form of marks,
• at least one probe being mounted on a common frame, the common frame and the storage medium being designed for moving relative to each other for creating or detecting said marks, with each probe comprising:
• a tip facing the storage medium,
• a read sensing element,
• a write element and
• a capacitive platform, that forms a first electrode and is designed for a voltage potential being applied to it independent from a control signal for said read sensing element and for said voltage potential being applied to it independent from a control signal for said write element, and
• a second electrode being arranged in a fixed position relative to said storage medium forming a first capacitor together wherein said first electrode and a medium between said first and second electrode,
• said method comprising the step of varying a voltage potential applied to said capacitive platform dependent on a desired distance between said tip and said storage medium or on a desired force exerted by said tip on said storage medium and grounding said second electrode.