Patent ID: 6970413
Filing Date: 2005-11-29
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A data storage unit, comprising: a data storage layer having a plurality of data storage areas for storing and reading data thereon during read and write phases, respectively; an array of directed light beam emitters in close proximity to the data storage layer for selectively directing a first light beam to the data storage layer to write data in certain data storage areas during the write phase and for selectively directing a second light beam to the data storage layer to read data in certain data storage areas during a read phase; a medium disposed on the data storage areas that changes between a plurality of states in response to the first directed light beam during the write phase, and that generates electron-hole pairs in response to the second directed light beam during the read phase, the plurality of states exhibiting substantial differences in the activity of electron-hole carrier pairs generated in response to the second directed light beam; a detection region in communication with the data storage areas for determining the activity of the electron-hole pairs during the read phase, the activity of electron-hole pairs being relative to the state of each storage areas; and a detector associated with the detection region for measuring the activity of the electron-hole carrier pairs to determine the data stored in the data storage areas.