P. Grütter, D. Rugar, et al.
Applied Physics Letters
We have developed a simple and fast surface modification technique for possible data storage applications. Writing is accomplished by heating the metallized tip of a tapered optical fiber with microsecond laser pulses. The heated tip, which is in contact with a polycarbonate substrate, creates a nanoindentation. Deflections of this same tip are used to detect the written marks, as in atomic force microscopy. The marks have sharp edges with 10%-90% transition widths of 0.2 μm, and have been written with laser pulses as short as 5 μs at repetition rates of 50 kHz. Readback has been performed over 300 kHz on a spinning sample. Substantial improvements in mechanical response and wear properties are seen compared to micromachined cantilevers.
P. Grütter, D. Rugar, et al.
Applied Physics Letters
D. Rugar, R. Budakian, et al.
SPIE International Symposium on Fluctuations and Noise 2003
J.A. Sidles, J.L. Garbini, et al.
Reviews of Modern Physics
B.D. Terris, J.E. Stern, et al.
Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A: Vacuum, Surfaces and Films