Multi Tbit/in² Storage Densities with Thermomechanical Probes

Abstract

Exploiting the spatial resolution of scanning probes presents an attractive approach for novel data storage technologies in particular for large-scale data repositories because of their inherent potential for high storage density. We show that multi-Tbit/in(2) density can be achieved by means of thermomechanically embossing the information as indentation marks into a polymer film. The data density is determined by the nonlinear interaction between closely spaced indents and the fundamental scaling relations governing the shape and size of the indents. We find that cooperative effects in polymers give rise to a minimum indentation radius on the order of the correlation length of the cooperatively rearranged region even if formed by an infinitely sharp indenter. Thus, cooperativity coupled to alpha-transitions in polymers is evinced in a real space geometrical experiment. Furthermore, we predict that indentation marks cannot be made smaller than 5 nm in diameter, which limits the feature resolution for embossing technologies in general.

Control Methods in Data-Storage Systems

“…Later, a storage capacity of 840 Gb/in using eight probes operating in parallel was demonstrated [14]. Furthermore, a feasibility study has shown that densities of 4 Tb/in can be achieved by using an advanced polymer medium [216]. At the time of this writing, this is the only probe-storage technology that has reached this level of functionality.…”

A New Data Allocation Method for Parallel Probe-Based Storage Devices

“…Experimental results using single cantilevers have shown that data can be recorded at a density of 641 Gb/in and read back with raw error rates better than 10 [20]. Furthermore, a feasibility study has shown that densities of 4 Tb/in can be achieved using an advanced polymer medium [21].…”

Scanning probe memories – Technology and applications

“…Extremely high densities, up to and beyond 4 Tbit/sq.in. have recently been successfully written and read by IBM using this thermo-mechanical write/read technique [11]. The IBM researchers noted that the rim that forms around each written pit is the most critical parameter governing how closely indents can be written, and therefore plays a key role in achievable density.…”