Very-high-density memory device utilizing a scintillating data-storage medium

Abstract

A very-high-density memory device which utilizes a scintillating medium for data storage. In one mode, the device operates as a read-only-memory (ROM) unit. In another mode, the device functions as a one-time-write (OTW) and then read-only-memory unit. In an exemplary embodiment, information is read at high data rates from a rotating data-storage disk or cylinder with an electron beam and sensitive photodetector. Two methods of following the data tracks on the storage medium are provided. Masks are provided for use in patterning the data or data tracks. These masks may also be used to pattern very-high-density media for other applications such as magnetic memory and optical near-field memory. A method of patterning radially-periodic structures using interferometric lithography is also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.