Method for storing digital information and storage element

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This patent discloses a novel method and corresponding storage element for storing digital information by modulating the cooling rate of a storage medium that is in a non-ergodic phase, such as a magnetically or electrically 'frustrated' material. Logic values are recorded by varying how the medium is cooled—specifically, by interrupting the cooling for a certain period for storing a binary '1'. Reading the data involves reheating the medium and detecting changes in its physical properties, such as magnetization or heat capacity, that correspond to previously stored bits. This approach enables digital (and potentially analog) information storage without the need for traditional electrical, magnetic, or optical writing fields.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Non-volatile digital memory devices robust against electromagnetic disturbances (e.g., in MRI environments or near strong magnetic/electric fields).
• Data archival systems requiring high durability and resistance to local physical damage or external erasure forces.
• Secure data storage solutions, as data can only be read out by precise thermal cycling and is hard to access unintentionally.
• Memory elements in scientific or industrial equipment operating at cryogenic temperatures.
• Radiation-resistant memory for use in space exploration or high-radiation environments.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Stored data is inherently resistant to loss from external magnetic or electric fields, increasing durability and security.
• Partial physical damage to the storage medium does not necessarily erase data, enhancing fault tolerance (similar to holographic storage).
• No external field is needed for writing data, reducing hardware complexity and vulnerability to field-induced corruption.
• Potential to store multiple bits in overlapping spatial regions, increasing data density.
• Ability to rapidly write and read digital information depending on system sensitivity and temperature control.
• The storage medium can be immediately reused after read-out, supporting efficient data cycling.
• Potential for analog as well as digital information storage due to the continuous nature of the storage process.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The method involves cooling a storage medium in a monotonic manner in the non-ergodic phase. The cooling rate is modulated for storing a logic 1. The cooling is interrupted for one second for storing the logic 1. A magnetically dissatisfied system or an electrically dissatisfied dielectric is selected as the storage medium. An independent claim is also included for a device with a storage medium for storing digital information in the storage medium.