Read head for ultra-high-density information storage media and method for making the same
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorSungho Jin
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Abstract
A micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device is presented that can read very high density magnetic media and very high density CD ROMs. Both the magnetic and optical read heads comprise one or more cold cathode MEMS e-beam cells. The e-beams are deflected according to the data bit being interrogated and the state of that bit is determined by a detector. Large arrays of such cells can simultaneously read large areas of the memory media. Arrays of such MEMs detectors can comprise a plurality of “steerable” e-beam emitters that can be directed to interrogate specific data sites on the magnetic media. Thus, in some cases, the media can remain stationary. Densities of 200 gigabits per square inch or more and read speeds greater than 1000 times faster can be achieved.
Claims14
A magnetic read head for reading information magnetically recorded on a medium at a density of at least 200 gigabits per square inch comprising:
- at least one nanoscale cold cathode electron emitter for emitting an electron beam toward the medium on which the information is magnetically recorded;
- and
- at least one sensor for detecting the deflection of the electron beam by magnetically recorded information on the medium.
A read head for reading information topographically recorded at a density of at least 200 gigabits per square inch comprising:
- at least one nanoscale cold cathode electron emitter for emitting a primary electron beam toward a medium on which the information is topographically recorded;
- and
- at least one sensor for detecting the deflection of the primary electron beam by the topographically recorded information on the medium.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.