NANOMETER SCALE DATA STORAGE DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED POSITIONING SYSTEM

摘要

A data storage system that includes a positioning system for positioning the write/read mechanism and the storage medium (202) of the data storage device (200) with respect to each other in first and second predefined directions. The positioning system (100) comprises a positioning apparatus comprising microfabricated first and second positioning assemblies. The positioning system further comprises a controller (102) to position a positionable support structure (140) of the first positioning assembly (104) in a first predefined direction within a range of positioning that is larger than the range of movement of a moveable support structure (118) of the first positioning assembly by controlling (A) a stationary support structure clamp (150) in clamping and unclamping the positionable support structure to and from the stationary support structure, (B) a moveable support structure clamp (144) in clamping and unclamping the positionable support structure to and from the moveable support structure, and (C) the movement of the moveable support structure.