초록 ▼

A data storage device including a substrate, a data storage layer on the substrate, and a spin-polarized electron source. The data storage layer comprises a fixed number of atomic layers of a magnetic material which provide the data storage layer with a magnetic anisotropy perpendicular to a surface

A data storage device including a substrate, a data storage layer on the substrate, and a spin-polarized electron source. The data storage layer comprises a fixed number of atomic layers of a magnetic material which provide the data storage layer with a magnetic anisotropy perpendicular to a surface of the data storage layer. A data magnetic field is created in the data storage layer. The data magnetic field is polarized either in a first direction corresponding to a first data value or in a second direction corresponding to a second data value. Data is stored in the data storage layer by providing a spin-polarized electron having an electron magnetic field with a direction of polarization corresponding to one of the first and the second data values, the electron having a wavelength "characteristic" of unpaired electrons in the data storage layer which cause the magnetic moment of the material, and directing the spin-polarized electron at the data magnetic field to impart the direction of polarization of the electron magnetic field to the data magnetic field. Data is read from the data storage layer by directing the spin-polarized electron at a second wavelength at the data magnetic field and detecting a deflection or attraction of the spin-polarized electron by the data magnetic field. Alternatively, data is read from the data storage layer by directing the spin-polarized electron at the data magnetic field so that the magnetic medium produces a secondary electron and then detecting certain characteristics of the secondary electron.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electron emission device for generating and emitting spin-polarized electrons comprising:a first conducting material;a magnetic ultrathin film magnetically coupled to the first conducting material;an electrically insulative and magnetically permeable medium being locat

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electron emission device for generating and emitting spin-polarized electrons comprising:a first conducting material;a magnetic ultrathin film magnetically coupled to the first conducting material;an electrically insulative and magnetically permeable medium being located between the first conducting material and the magnetic ultrathin film;a second conducting material formed into a structure that emits electrons when impinged by an electric field and electrically coupled to the magnetic ultrathin film; andan anode, electrically coupled to the structure that emits electrons, for generating the electric field that impinges on the structure that emits electrons.