Shape memory alloy recording medium, storage devices based thereon, and method for using these storage devices
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsUrs Theodor Durig, Peter Vettiger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention concerns a storage medium for scanning probe storage devices. This storage medium comprises a substrate (20) carrying a shape memory alloy layer (24). The shape memory alloy layer (24) is chosen such that an indent (23) can be formed by mechanically deforming said shape memory alloy layer (24), if a local probe (21, 22) of said scanning probe system exerts pressure on said alloy layer (24). An indent (23) can be removed by locally heating said shape memory alloy layer (24) to its transformation temperature (Tc) or above such that the shape memory alloy returns to its Martensite form.
Claims13
Storage medium for use in a scanning probe storage system comprising a substrate (20;
- 30;
- 40 50) carrying a shape memory alloy layer (24;
- 34;
- 44;
- 54.x), wherein said shape memory alloy layer is covered by a mono-layer of molecules serving as a lubricant reducing friction between a local probe and the storage medium, said storage medium characterized in that said shape memory alloy layer (24;
- 34;
- 44;
- 54.x) is chosen such
- an incident (23;
- 33) is formed by mechanically deforming said shape memory alloy (24;
- 34;
- 44;
- 54.x) when a local probe of a scanning probe system exerts pressure on said shape memory alloy layer (24;
- 34;
- 44;
- 54.x);
- and
- an indent (22;
- 33) is removed by locally heating said shape memory alloy layer (24;
- 34;
- 44;
- 54.x) to its transformation temperature (Tc) or above.
Scanning probe storage system comprising a scanning probe or a scanning probe array and a storage medium, said storage medium comprising a substrate (20;
- 30;
- 40 50) carrying a shape memory alloy layer (24;
- 34;
- 44;
- 54.x), wherein said shape memory alloy layer is covered by a mono-layer of molecules serving as a lubricant reducing friction between a local probe and the storage medium, said storage medium characterized in that said shape memory alloy layer (24;
- 34;
- 44;
- 54.x) is chosen such an incident (23;
- 33) is formed by mechanically deforming said shape memory alloy (24;
- 34;
- 44;
- 54.x) when a local probe of the scanning probe system exerts pressure on said shape memory alloy layer (24;
- 34;
- 44;
- 54.x);
- and an indent (22;
- 33) is removed by locally heating said shape memory alloy layer (24;
- 34;
- 44;
- 54.x) to its transformation temperature (Tc) or above.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.