Apparatus and method for reading bit values using microprobe on a cantilever

摘要

Provided is a data storage media has an insulating layer on a doped semiconductor layer, with data recorded thereon as a pattern of pits burned through the insulating layer. A read head for use with this storage media has an array of doped-silicon microprobes in contact with the data storage media, each microprobe of the array is supported by a springy cantilever. As each microprobe nears the substrate a diode junction is formed between the microprobe and the doped semiconductor layer of the media. Conductivity of the junction thus formed is electronically sensed to provide an electronic data stream.