Write strategies for multiterabit per square inch scanned-probe phase-change memories

A mark-length write strategy for multiterabit per square inch scanned-probe memories is described that promises to increase the achievable user density by at least 50%, and potentially up to 100% or more, over conventional approaches. The viability of the write strategy has been demonstrated by experimental scanning probe write/read measurements on phase-change (GeSbTe) media. The advantages offered by adopting mark-length recording are likely to be equally applicable to other forms of scanned probe storage. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.