Showing papers by "Gerd Binnig published in 1995"

Mass-storage applications of local probe arrays

Abstract: The present invention concerns a storage device comprising a local probe array (72) and a storage medium (70) with an array of storage fields (71). The local probe array (72) is situated opposite to the storage medium (70) such that each local probes (73) of the local probe array can be scanned over the corresponding storage field (71). The storage device further comprises circuit for distinguishing between information to be erased from a first section of the storage medium and information in this section which is not to be erased, circuit for selectively copying the information which is not to be erased into a memory, preferably another section of said medium, and circuit for erasing the whole first section.

Mechanical signal processor based on micromechanical oscillators and intelligent acoustic detectors and systems based thereon

Abstract: The present invention concerns mechanical signal processing means comprising a mechanical adder as basic building block. Such a mechanical adder (40), which is a basic element of the present invention, comprises: a first micromechanical member (40.1) being sensitive to a first frequency (f1); and a second micromechanical member (40.2) being sensitive to a second frequency (f2). The two micromechanical members (40.1, 40.2) are coupled via linear coupling means (41) to provide a superposition (sum) of the two frequencies f1 and f2. Based on the above adder, AND-gates and OR gates can be realized by adding further micromechanical members and appropriate linear and non-linear coupling elements.

Data acquisition and control apparatus for scanning probe systems

Abstract: The present application concerns an apparatus for data acquisition and control to be used in connection with a scanning probe system. This apparatus comprises positioning means (3), used to provide for a relative, lateral scan movement of a sample to be scanned and a probe of said scanning probe system, and interface means (1) for processing analog signals (z1, z2) generated by the probe, and for conversion of these analog signals into digital data signals (d1, d2). The apparatus further comprises a converter (4) for conversion of said digital data signals (d1, d2) into composite video signals, and a process controller (2) connected to the positioning means (3), interface means (1) and converter (4) for the control and management of the operation of the scanning probe system.