Patent ID: 7385839

Claim:
A structure operation method, comprising: providing a structure comprising (a) a substrate, (b) a first electrode region and a second electrode region on the substrate, (c) a third electrode region disposed between the first and second electrode regions, and (d) a tunneling dielectric layer disposed between the first and third electrode regions, wherein there exists a force such that in response to the force being applied to the third electrode region, the third electrode region changes its own shape and subsequently retains its changed shape even if the force is no longer present; applying a first write voltage potential between the first and third electrode regions so as to move portions of the third electrode region towards and into direct physical contact with the tunneling dielectric layer; after said applying the first write voltage potential is performed, applying a pre-specified read voltage potential between the first and third electrode regions resulting in a sensing current tunneling between the first and third electrode regions through the tunneling dielectric layer; and using a sensing circuit to sense said sensing current.