Ultrahigh-density ferroelectric data storage with low bit error rate

Actual information data were recorded on a LiTaO₃ single-crystal medium using a data storage system based on scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy. For increasing recording density and reducing bit error rate, conductive-diamond-coated probes with a sharp tip and thin recording media were prepared. The domain-switching characteristics of virgin and prepolarized recording media were compared. The conditions of pulse voltage for writing were optimized. As a result, actual information data containing 128 × 128 bits were recorded at an areal density of 258 Gbit/inch² without bit errors; thus, the bit error rate was calculated to be less than 1 × 10^-4.