Abstract

Nanometer and atomic scale surface modification using scanning probe microscopes is a new and promising method to store data with ultra high densities [1]-[3]. It is expected that this technique has the potential to achieve a storage density of more than 100 Gb/in² and even 1 Tb/in². Advances in storage techniques using several local probe methods such as tunneling, force and near-field optical microscopes have been reported recently. One of the most simple way is to form ultra small pits or dots on a substrate by means of field evaporation of tip surface atoms. Another method is related to the switching phenomena similar to conventional magneto-optical disk memories and by using a sharp tip to heat a point area of the storage medium.

© 1994 Optical Society of America