Patent ID: 6590850
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: B82Y,G11B

Abstract:
An information storage unit functioning in a vacuum, comprising:a data storage medium having an information storage area for storing and reading information thereon; an array of electron beam emitters spaced from and in close proximity to the data storage medium for selectively directing a plurality of electron beams toward the data storage medium; focusing optics between the array of electron beam emitters and the data storage medium to focus the plurality of electron beams each on one part of the information storage area of the data storage medium; a micro electromechanical motor associated with the data storage medium to move the data storage medium relative to the array of electron beam emitters, whereby each of said emitters directs an electron beam selectively to a portion of the information storage area to read or write information therein; electronic control circuitry spaced from and in electronic communication with the array of electron beam emitters to control the operations of the array of electron beam emitters; and a vacuum device in the information storage unit for maintaining the vacuum between the data storage medium and the array of electron beam emitters.