DE3607932A1 - Data store, and process for producing a data store and a probe for information input and removal as well as erasure - Google Patents

Abstract

A data store of high storage capacity with low space requirement has a storage matrix having storage locations which comprise molecules and can be altered in their molecular state by physical interfering processes. These respective molecular states can be fixed in terms of time and space and the removal of the information is performed by physical signals. Envisaged as molecules are those which are recorded, in particular, by photon absorption, take-up of electric charges, magnetisation, induced chemical structural changes and the like. The molecule matrix (5) is located on a support plate (2) which can be rotated at high speed. For information exchange and, if appropriate, for erasure, there is provided at least one probe (4, 6) which can be positioned in relation to the matrix. This probe is preferably provided as a hollow-conductoral probe for photon or particle radiation. It has at one end a single gap (9) in the macrodimensional range (for example 0.1 to 1 micrometer) and at the other end a single gap (8) in the nanometer dimensional range (gap width about 1 to 10 nm). As a result, on the one hand access to storage areas which lie in the nanometer range is possible and on the other hand there is the possibility of coupling optical, electrical or magnetic supply and discharge systems. The probes are, in particular, ... using the Langmuir absorption technique for forming the gaps, in particular in ... Original abstract incomplete. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a data memory with a memory matrix, in particular a memory with a high storage capacity. So far, semiconductor memories have been used for memories with a high storage capacity and at the same time taking up little space. Such semiconductor memories have a storage capacity in the megabyte range per cm ² .

The object of the present invention is a data memory to create an essential with very little space has higher storage capacity.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes, in particular, that the memory cells of the memory matrix consist of molecules whose molecular state can be changed by physical interference methods, that these respective molecular states can be fixed in time and space and that the information is taken off by physical signals. In the case of this data storage device, the storage space size is in the nanometer range, so that accordingly a storage capacity can be accommodated in a very small space, which is at least a factor of 10 ³ to 10 ⁶ larger than in the prior art for semiconductor memories.

According to a further feature of the invention are as molecules those provided, in particular by photon absorption, Absorption of electric charges, magnetization, induced chemical structural changes or the like are excellent.  

Such molecules can have different states, whereby the change in state can be influenced from the outside. Accordingly binary storage is possible.

For information input and / or for information delivery and / or for deletion is a positionable relative to the memory matrix Probe provided. With the help of this probe, physical Signals are applied to the molecules to make a corresponding Bring about a change of state.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a Storage matrix with high storage capacity. This procedure is special characterized in that molecules which are absorbed by photons, Absorption of electric charges, magnetization, induced chemical structural changes or the like are excellent, be pulled up or condensed onto a carrier plate and that then the molecule matrix is fixed. Through this molecule Storage becomes an extremely high storage density and thus one large storage capacity achieved with a small footprint.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a Probe for information entry, information acquisition and if necessary for deletion from a data storage medium with high storage capacity, who works with molecule storage. This procedure is special characterized in that to form a wedge-shaped Waveguide probe a first plate-shaped outer wall on a Langmuir technology page z. B. with lipid molecules step-like is coated on the stair nosing of this stair layer a second, plate-shaped outer wall is placed that outer walls are fixed against each other and that the staircase-like Layers can be removed between the outer walls. This probe is by using the Langmuir method and by the stair-like formation of the layers can be produced with high precision.

Additional embodiments of the invention are in the further subclaims listed. The invention is described below with the aid of  Embodiments explained in more detail in the drawings.

It shows something schematically:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a data memory with Waveguide probes for information input and information collection,

Fig. 2 is a side view of a waveguide probe during the manufacturing process,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a waveguide probe for photon radiation,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a probe arrangement for charged particles and fields,

FIG. 5 shows the arrangement shown in FIG. 3 in connection with a memory matrix

FIG. 6 shows an arrangement corresponding approximately to FIG. 5, but here for particle radiation and

Fig. 7 is a data storage device with Polsonden for applying electrical or magnetic fields for changing the state of the molecular matrix molecules.

A data storage device, generally designated 1 , is shown with its essential components in FIG. 1. It consists essentially of a molecular memory, on a support plate 2 , z. B. glass molecules 3 z. B. are applied by mounting, condensing or the like. Furthermore, one of the data memory, the "optical" as used herein as a memory is formed and works with photons for the physical perturbation method for varying the molecular state of the molecules to provide a waveguide probe 4 opposite to the information input and on the other side a further waveguide probe 6 for information loss. The plate 2 with the molecular matrix 5 is designed as a rotating storage plate with the rotary shaft 7 . The speed can be up to 60,000 rpm. The probes 4 and 6 can be positioned somewhat radially to the plate, as indicated by the arrows PF 1 . This creates a spiral storage space distribution without overlapping the individual storage spaces.

The sequence of data storage or a change in state of the molecular stores 3 will be explained with reference to FIG. 1.

Data storage is made possible by molecules that have a chromophore Own group that exist in two stable states can, with two different absorption spectra in the visible Wavelength range and additional differences in the molecular conformation has, d. H. different absorption spectra in has infrared adsorption range. Have such properties e.g. B. the biomolecules, phytochrome, rhodopsin from invertebrates or Bacteriorhodopsins. The possibility of using these biomolecules the data storage will be explained using the example of the phytochrome. Phytochrome has two stable molecular states, the maximum Absorbance at 660 nm and 730 nm show:

If phytochrome I is irradiated with light of 660 nm wavelength, phytochrome II is transformed; conversely, phytochrome II is converted back into phytochrome I by irradiation of light with 730 nm wavelength. At the transition from state I to state II (and vice versa), a change in the infrared absorption spectrum occurs simultaneously due to conformational changes in the chromophoric group. These intrinsic molecular properties make it possible to use the transition from state I to state II (or vice versa) as data storage and to call up this data storage by measuring the changed conformational state in the infrared range. This call can be carried out as often as desired, since the energy of the infrared photons is not sufficient to convert state II into I (or vice versa). On the other hand, data deletion can be deleted by irradiation with light that corresponds to the maximum absorption of state II (or vice versa).

If data is not deleted (permanent storage without data deletion) chromophore groups can be used, that by light of a certain wavelength in its chemical Structure irreversibly changed or destroyed. As an an example may serve a matrix of diacetylenes by photon absorption polymerize in the area of absorption and partly lose their C≡C triple bond:

Once data has been saved, it can then be stored using IR signals If the loss of the C≡C triple bond or the appearance of C = C double bonds occurs would be called up as often as required. As an example of irreversible optical data storage with a biomolecule can the rhodopsin are led by vertebrates, in which by Absorption of a light quantum initiated a reaction cascade that leads to the rhodopsin molecule in its protein carrier molecule and the chromophore group (retinal) disintegrates, accompanied by absorption shifts of the chromophoric group both in the visible and in the infrared wavelength range. In this special case, data can be tapped both in the infrared as well as in the visible area because the chromophore by absorbing visible and infrared light can be transformed back into the initial state. With the possibilities of irreversible conversion processes described above the conversion takes place through photon absorption in a defined irreversible manner. But it can also undefined conversion processes are used as storage processes through destructive electron beam exposure as Save process.

The data is retrieved with an infrared continuous light source with the widest possible spectral distribution to detect the integral change in light intensity or with a monochromatic visible light beam over the same light gap that is also used for storage or via a second parallel gap. The light passing through the pane 2, 5 is registered on the back of the pane by a detector 15 , in front of the entrance slit of which the second microsensor 6 , which is adjusted to the opposite microsensor 3 , is arranged. So that transmitted light registration is possible, the carrier plate 2 , on which the memory matrix 5 is applied, and which contains the drive axle receptacle 7 , must consist of a visible, translucent or infrared-transparent material.

The waveguide probes 4 and 6 are wedge-shaped and have a gap 8 in their narrower end, the clear gap width a of which is in the nanometer range and is, for example, approximately 4 nanometers. The gap 9 located at the rear end is in the macro-dimensional range and can be, for example, 4 or 0.4 micrometers ( b ). As a result, with these waveguide probes there is the possibility of optical, electrical, electronic or magnetic access from macroscopic dimensions into the micro range or nanometer range. Accordingly, the probe (s) 4, 6 must have molecular dimensions, i.e. at least dimensions less than 10 nanometers, at the micro end and greater than 0.1 macro meter at the macro end in order to allow coupling of optical, electrical or magnetic feed and discharge systems . The individual storage locations are then scanned, as already mentioned, by a rotational movement of the storage disk and a simultaneous radial sliding movement of the probe with a positioning speed in the range from a few tenths of a millimeter per second to one millimeter per second.

In the case of the molecular matrix 5 which is mounted or condensed on the carrier plate 2 , its mechanical stability can be achieved by covalent crosslinking of embedding material with the carrier plate 2 or by a cover plate made of translucent and non-magnetic material.

In Fig. 1 and also in FIGS. 3 and 5 it is seen that at the exit gap 8 of the waveguide probe 4 is a perpendicularly disposed to the gap 8 Parallel light filter 13, z. B. an acrylic glass or glass light guide plate is arranged. This light filter serves as a two-dimensional light guide and eliminates scattered or diffracted light at the slit 8 . This scattered light or diffracted light is diverted laterally to the edges of the plate, so that essentially only light 14 incident on the plate can pass through. This prevents the light bundle dimensioned by the waveguide probe 4 from expanding. The edges 22 of the filter plate 13 are colored black. Substances can also be embedded in the parallel light filter plate 12 , which can convert electron beams into visible light, so that electron beams bundled by the waveguide probe are converted into visible light in the parallel light filter and light bundles can be generated in parallel. This can prevent undesirable damage to the matrix storage molecules by electron beams.

The waveguide probe 4 or 6 can be produced by a method that is explained with reference to FIG. 2. First, a first plate 10 , the z. B. consists of glass, coated on one side in Langmuir technology with lipids or lipid-like molecules in a step-like manner and then a second plate 16 is placed on the stair noses 11 of these layers 12 . The wedge angle and the gap width of the gap 8 , which is a few nanometers, can be influenced on the one hand by the number of layers 12 and also by their stair gradation.

Instead of this step-like configuration of the layers 12 , one or more (Langmuir) layers 12 which extend to the end of the probe at the gap 8 and are used exclusively for determining the gap width of the gap 8 can also be applied. To determine the gap 9 located at the other end, mechanical spacers in the form of a plate or the like can also be provided because of the larger dimensions.

When applying the layers 12 by the Langmuir method, lipid layers are e.g. B. Stearate layers applied in immersion and exhaust technology. By systematically changing the immersion depths, the bipolar lipid layers, each about 4 nanometers thick, are applied in steps or steps. For example, in the case of 100 layers, a difference in thickness from the first plate 10 between the first and the hundredth stage of 4 nanometers to 0.4 micrometers can arise. After placing the second plate 16 , the two plates are fixed against each other by plastic inclusions on the lateral edge parts. Then the stearate layers 12 are detached so that a waveguide of the highest precision is then produced.

In Fig. 3 is another measure to limit the length of the gap 8 of the waveguide probe 4 recognizable. For this purpose, another waveguide gap 17 is used , which is arranged crossed to the waveguide gap 8 . Referring to FIG. 3 of the waveguide gap 17 is formed as a slit diaphragm with plane-parallel plates 18, whereby the distance between these two plates 18 by coating in Langmuir technique, and further comprising the steps is approximately comparable determined with those in the preparation of the waveguide probe 4.

Depending on the plate spacing of the second waveguide gap 17 , the storage space requirement can be limited to approximately 10 nm × 10 nm. This would result in a capacity of 10 ¹² memory locations per cm ² , ie one tera byte per cm ² .

So that a discrete storage space occupancy can take place on the homogeneous matrix, the storage signal frequency must be coordinated such that the pulse duration of the propagation time on the spiral track of the molecular matrix 5 corresponds to a storage space width of 10 nm. This requirement corresponds to a cycle time of the signal pulses of 100 pico seconds.

Fig. 6 shows an arrangement which with z. B. works with electrons, protons or alpha particles. In order to avoid lateral “scattering” of the particle radiation after emerging from the gap 8 , electrically chargeable focusing plates 19 are arranged opposite one another there. If necessary, further focusing plates arranged at right angles to the focusing plates 19 can also be provided here.

FIG. 7 shows a modified form of a data memory designated overall by 1 a . In this case, electrical or magnetic fields are used for the physical interference method for changing the molecular state of the molecules. In this case, the probe for information input and / or acceptance and / or for deletion is formed by opposed wedge-shaped poles 20 arranged on both sides of the memory matrix 5 . The end of the wedge-shaped poles 20 facing the storage matrix has a width in the nanometer dimension range, for example comparable to the waveguide probes 4 and 6 from FIG . B. 4 nanometers and the opposite end a width in the macro dimension range (z. B. 4 microns).

The poles 20 can be produced using the wedge-shaped waveguide probes 4 and 6 , which are practically used for this purpose as a “production mold”. In the process, metal is deposited electrolytically into the waveguide probe and the “production mold” can then be removed if necessary. On the other hand, there is also the possibility that it remains connected to the pole 20 . With these poles 20 too, one or more pairs of focusing plates can be arranged at the ends facing the molecular matrix 5 , as is indicated in FIG. 7.

When using magnetic fields, the following should also be noted: Molecular permanent magnets are known from biology.

A protein molecule with magnetic properties is the so-called ferritin, an enzyme molecule with approx. 950 iron atoms as the core. Such high iron molecules with dimensions in the range of 5 to 10 nanometers can be used as a permanent magnet Serve units of a magnetic memory. The free rotation diffusion such molecules can be cross-linked by plastic or Prevents or limits lipid molecules as embedding material will.

In the case of electrical fields, they are suitable for the generation of stationary electrical charges in the storage matrix in a special way bound positive charges, i.e. cation storage locations, by Light absorption or voltage surges can be generated and by an applied permanent electric field or by  an electron lock can be maintained. For such Translationally immobile cation storage can be both biomolecules such as B. cytochrome, hemoglobin, iron-containing redox proteins or manganese-containing proteins, as well as on a plastic matrix covalently bound, multivalent cations are used.

It should be mentioned that the focusing plates 19 and the plane-parallel plates for the waveguide gap 17 are manufactured with the aid of the previously described mounting technique (Langmuir). The plates 18 serving as a slit diaphragm are preferably made of glass, while the focusing plates 19 have metallized surfaces on the inside. After production, the focusing plates 19 are pushed over the probes and kept at a distance by plastic inclusions and at the poles 20 are also electrically insulated at the same time, so that a counter-charge can be applied for the field limitation of the poles.

All shown in the description of the claims and the drawing Features can be used individually as well as in any Combination with each other be essential to the invention.

Claims (39)

1. Data memory with a memory matrix, in particular memory with a high storage capacity, characterized in that the memory cells ( 3 ) of the memory matrix consist of molecules that can be changed in their molecular state by physical interference methods, that these respective molecular states can be fixed in time and space and that the information is taken off by physical signals. 2. Memory according to claim 1, characterized in that too an information erasure applied to the molecules physical signals are provided. 3. Memory according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that such molecules are provided, in particular through photon absorption, absorption of electrical charges, Magnetization, induced chemical structural changes and the like are excellent. 4. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for permanent storage without data erasure Molecules are provided, their chemical and / or irreversibly changeable physical structure or is destructible.   5. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a carrier plate ( 2 ) is provided for the molecules and that the molecules z. B. are applied by mounting, condensing or the like. 6. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one relative to the matrix ( 5 ) positionable probe ( 4, 6 ) is provided for information input and / or for information removal and / or for deletion. 7. Memory, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one waveguide probe ( 4, 6 ) for photon or particle beams is provided as a probe, which at one end has a single gap ( 9 ) in the macro dimension range and the other end has a single gap ( 8 ) in the nanometer dimension range. 8. Memory according to claim 7, characterized in that the single gap ( 9 ) in the macro-dimensional range has a gap width of about 0.1 to 1 µm, preferably 0.4 µm, and the single gap ( 8 ) in the nano-meter dimension range Gap width of about 1 to 10 nm, preferably 4 nm. 9. Memory according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the waveguide probe ( 4, 6 ) is wedge-shaped and that at least to form the gap in the nanometer dimension range, a stratification in Langmuir mounting technology is provided. 10. Memory according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that to form the wedge-shaped waveguide probe ( 4, 6 ) a plate-shaped outer wall ( 10 ) z. B. made of glass with a possibly metallized surface, in Langmuir technology first on one side z. B. coated with lipids or lipid-like molecules in a step-like manner, that a second plate-shaped outer wall ( 16 ) is placed on the stair edges of this stair layer ( 12 ) and that the outer walls ( 10, 16 ) are preferably fixed to one another by a plastic embedding or the like . 11. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that to the waveguide probe ( 4, 6 ) a further waveguide gap ( 17 ) is arranged crossed to limit or length of the first waveguide gap. 12. The memory of claim 11, characterized in that the further waveguide gap ( 17 ) is designed as a slit diaphragm, which is preferably formed in Langmuir technology with one or more, in particular layers of equal length. 13. The memory of claim 11, characterized in that the two waveguide columns ( 4, 17 ) are formed by the same, wedge-shaped waveguide, which face each other with their nanometer columns ( 8 ) and preferably run approximately at right angles to one another. 14. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the memory matrix ( 5 ) is applied to a rotatable carrier plate ( 2 ) made of material which is transparent to visible light or infrared light and that the probe (s) ( 4, 6, 20th ) is (are) radially positionable or movable relative to this memory matrix. 15. Memory according to claim 14, characterized in that the carrier plate with the memory matrix can be rotated at a rotational speed of up to about 60,000 revolutions per minute and that the probe (s) ( 4, 6, 20 ) in the radial direction at a speed of up to can be positioned at a millimeter per second, preferably at about a few tenths of a millimeter per second. 16. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that a storage probe ( 4 ) and on the other side a tapping probe ( 6 ) are arranged on both sides of the storage matrix areas. 17. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized characterized that the molecules of the storage matrix together with an embedding material, e.g. B. lipid-like substances, plastic or the like are applied for fixation in the lateral direction and / or, that a cover plate made of translucent, non-magnetic and non-conductive Material is provided. 18. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that for the physical interference procedure to change the molecular state of the molecules Photon radiation (light) of different wavelengths is provided. 19. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that for the physical interference procedure to change the molecular state of the molecules a particle radiation, e.g. B. with electrons, protons or Alpha particles is provided. 20. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that for the physical interference procedure to change the molecular state of the molecules an electric or magnetic field is provided. 21. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that when using photon radiation as a physical interference method, a parallel light filter ( 13 ) arranged at right angles to the gap ( 8 ) at the outlet ( 8 ) of the probe ( 4 ), preferably from a light guide plate, e.g. B. made of acrylic or glass, and that preferably the outer sides ( 22 ) of the light guide plate is blackened to absorb the scattered light. 22. Memory according to claim 21, characterized in that in the parallel light guide plate ( 3 ) substances are embedded, which serve to convert electron beams into visible light. 23. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that when using particle radiation as a physical interference method, electrically chargeable focusing plates ( 19 ) are arranged at the outlet ( 8 ) of the probe. 24. Memory according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that at the end facing the memory matrix the waveguide probe two approximately at right angles to each other arranged focusing plate pairs are provided. 25. Memory according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a physical interference method using electrical or magnetic fields, the probe is formed by mutually opposed wedge-shaped poles ( 20 ) arranged on both sides of the memory matrix ( 5 ). 26. Memory according to claim 25, characterized in that the end of the wedge-shaped poles facing the storage matrix a width in the nanometer dimension range and the opposite End a width in the macro dimension area having. 27. A memory according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that one or more pairs of focusing plates are arranged on the ends ( 21 ) of the wedge-shaped poles ( 20 ) facing the storage matrix ( 5 ). 28. Memory according to claim 1 to 27, characterized in that the available storage capacity is greater than 1 gigabyte per cm ² and possibly extends into the tera range. 29. Memory according to claim 1 to 28, characterized in that the memory matrix has an area of about 30 cm ² to 400 cm ² . 30. Memory according to claim 1 to 29, characterized in that several, preferably eight probes ( 4, 6 ) for data input and / or data extraction side by side, are provided synchronously positionable, and that the distance between adjacent probes is at least the width of a probe provided storage tape corresponds. 31. A method for producing a data memory with a Storage matrix of high storage capacity, characterized in that molecules by photon absorption, Absorption of electric charges, magnetization, induced chemical structural changes or the like. Excellent are mounted on a carrier plate or are condensed and that the molecular Matrix is fixed. 32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that fixation by covalent cross-linking of an investment material with the carrier plate and / or through a cover plate made of translucent and non-magnetic Material is made. 33. A method of manufacturing an information input probe, Submission of information and, if necessary, deletion from one Data storage with high storage capacity, that of molecular storage works, characterized in that for Formation of a wedge-shaped waveguide probe a first plate-shaped outer wall on one side in Langmuir Technology z. B. coated with lipid molecules in a step-like manner will that on the stair nosing of this stair stratification placed a second, plate-shaped outer wall becomes that when the outer walls are fixed against each other and then the stair-like layers between the outer walls.   34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that to form a probe for electrical or magnetic Fields a waveguide made in Langmuir technology Probe used as a "manufacturing mold" in the electrolytic Metal is deposited to form the probe. 35. Method of making a probe with focusing plates according to one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that a first plate-shaped outer wall on one side with one or more layers e.g. B. of lipid molecules is coated in Langmuir technology that a second plate-shaped outer wall plane-parallel to the first Outer wall is placed on the coating that then the outer wall panels are fixed and that finally the Layers can be removed between the outer walls. 36. Method of making a probe with a slit diaphragm according to one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that that a first plate-shaped outer wall on a Side is provided with a metallized layer that on this layer in Langmuir technique z. B. with lipid molecules one or more layers is applied that subsequently a second plate-shaped outer wall with a metallized Inside with this on the coating of the first outer wall panel is placed that the outer wall plate against each other be fixed and that the Langmuir- Technology applied spacing layers between the External walls can be detached. 37. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that that when using photons to change the molecular state of the molecules for storage Light with a first wavelength, for tapping light with a different wavelength and if necessary to extinguish light with a third wavelength applied to the molecular matrix becomes.   38. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that when using magnetic fields to change the molecular state of the molecules, to store or change a magnetic signal to Magnetizing or remagnetizing is applied and that the reading by disturbance of an applied permanent magnetic field he follows. 39. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that when using electrical charges to change the molecular state of the molecules Signal for charge separation is applied and that the reading by disturbing a permanently applied electrical Field.