Cantilever including a fulcrum to actuate a probe tip for use in systems and methods of probe data storage

Abstract

A memory apparatus comprises a media, a platform, and a cantilever having a proximal end and a distal end. The cantilever is pivotably connected with the platform at a fulcrum between the distal end and the proximal end. A conductor is associated with the platform and arranged between the proximal end and the platform. A tip extends from the distal end and is adapted to write information to and read information from the media. When an electrostatic potential is applied between the proximal end and the conductor, a force urges the proximal end relative to the conductive plate and the cantilever pivots about the fulcrum, thereby causing the tip to be urged related to the platform.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
     
     
         8 . A memory apparatus comprising: 
 a media;    a platform;    a cantilever having a proximal end and a distal end, the cantilever being pivotably associated with the platform at a fulcrum between the distal end and the proximal end;    wherein the proximal end is conductive;    a conductor associated with the platform;    a tip extending from the distal end and adapted to write information to and read information from said media;    wherein when an electrostatic potential is applied between the proximal end and the conductor, a force urges the proximal end toward the conductor and the cantilever pivots about the fulcrum, thereby causing the tip to be urged relative to the platform.    
     
     
         9 . The memory apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the fulcrum includes a first torsion bar electrically connectable with the proximal end and a second torsion bar electrically connectable with the tip.  
     
     
         10 . The memory apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the first torsion bar is electrically isolated from the second torsion bar.  
     
     
         11 . The memory apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the proximal end is generally shaped to approximate a shape of the conductor.  
     
     
         12 . The memory apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein a footprint of the proximal end generally overlaps a footprint of the conductor.  
     
     
         13 . The memory apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a second conductor associated with the platform and arranged between the fulcrum and the distal end; 
 wherein when a second electrostatic potential is applied between the cantilever and the second conductor, a repulsive force uses the cantilever away from the second conductor.    
     
     
         14 . The memory apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein: 
 the media includes a nitride recording layer; and    the tip is adapted to cause one of electrons and electron holes to be formed in the nitride recording layer.    
     
     
         15 . The memory apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein: 
 the media includes PZT; and    the tip is adapted to cause an anomaly within the PZT.    
     
     
         16 . A memory apparatus, comprising: 
 a media;    a platform;    a tip assembly including; 
 a cantilever having a proximal end and a distal end, the cantilever being pivotably connected with the platform between the distal end and the proximal end;  
 wherein the proximal end is conductive;  
 a conductor connected with the platform and arranged to at least partially overlap the proximal end;  
 a tip extending from the distal end and adapted to write information to and read information from said media;  
   wherein when an electrostatic potential is applied between the proximal end and the conductor, a force urges the proximal end relative to the conductor so that the cantilever pivots, thereby urging the tip relative to the platform.    
     
     
         17 . The memory apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the cantilever is pivotably connected with the platform by a first torsion bar and a second torsion.  
     
     
         18 . The memory apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein: 
 the first torsion bar is electrically connected with the proximal end and the second torsion bar is electrically connectable with the tip; and    the first torsion bar is electrically isolate from the second torsion bar.    
     
     
         19 . The memory apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the proximal end is generally shaped to approximate a shape of the conductor.  
     
     
         20 . The memory apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the proximal end generally overlaps the conductor.  
     
     
         21 . The memory apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a second conductor associated with the platform: 
 wherein a second electrostatic potential is applied between the cantilever and the second conductor, a force urges the cantilever relative to the second conductor.    
     
     
         22 . The memory apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein: 
 the media includes a nitride recording layer; and    the tip is adapted to cause one of electrons and electron holes to be formed in the nitride recording layer.    
     
     
         23 . The memory apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein: 
 the media includes PZT; and    the tip is adapted to cause an anomaly within the PZT.    
     
     
         24 . A method of writing information to a media with a tip extending from the distal end of a cantilever pivotably connected with a platform between the distal end and a proximal end, the method comprising: 
 arranging the tip over the media; and    applying an electrostatic force between the proximal end and a portion of the platform at least partially overlapping the proximal end such that the proximal end is urged relative to the platform.    
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein applying electrostatic force urges the tip into approximate electrical contact with the media.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising applying a pulse to the tip in approximate contact with the media such that a charge is injected into the media.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising applying a pulse to the tip approximate contact with the media such that an electrical property of a portion of the media beneath the tip is altered.