SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPE UTILIZING OPTICAL FLUORESCENT FOR READING

摘要

Provided is a method for reading information recorded in an information layer comprised of a fluorescent dye. In order to read the recorded information, the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope is passed over the information layer, said scanning tunneling microscope being of sufficient voltage to excite the fluorescent dye material to an excited state. Upon return of the dye material to ground state, fluorescence results. By measuring the fluorescence, or absence thereof, the recorded information can be deciphered.