Patent ID: 7301887

Claim:
A method of erasing a target bit cell within a media including a phase change layer, the method comprising: determining a location of the target bit cell within the media; identifying a tip operatively associated with the target bit cell from a plurality of tips contactable with corresponding portions of the media, the tip extending from a cantilever; activating the tip by selectively associating the tip with a write circuit; urging the cantilever so that the tip contacts the media; repositioning one of the tip and the media so that the target bit cell is accessible to the tip; positioning the tip over a leading edge of the target bit cell; passing the current through the media so that the media is heated to at least a crystallization temperature; moving the tip across the target bit cell from the leading edge to a trailing edge of the target bit cell; and allowing the target bit cell to cool so that the phase change layer within the target bit cell is substantially crystalline in structure.