| 摘要 |
<p>A data storage unit (40) is provided with a data storage layer (42) with multiple storage areas (45) having a medium disposed thereon that changes between a plurality of states for writing and reading information thereon includes an array of light emitters (43), such as laser light probes or near- field light sources, spaced in close proximity to the data storage layer (42) for selectively directing light beams (46) to the data storage layer (42) during write and read phases. Data is stored by directing a first light beam (46) to the medium to change to a state representative of data. Data is read by exciting the storage areas (45) with a second directed light beam (46) on the medium. The light energy beams in the write or read phases may be generated by a near-field optical system generating evanescent fields. The medium generates electron-hole pairs having substantially different activity in each storage area (45), depending upon its state. The electron-hole pairs generate activity in a detection region (41) in communication with the storage areas (45) that is measured to detect the presence of data. The detection region may comprise a semiconductor diode junction (47), a photoconductive region (50) or a photo-luminescent region (70). The presence of data in the storage areas (45) is determined by the number of carriers flowing across the semiconductor junction (47), the number of carriers flowing in the photoconductive regions (50) between electrodes (56, 57), or the number of photons generated in the detection portion (72) of the photo-luminescent region (70). <IMAGE></p> |
