Abstract This disclosure is directed to a reversible, yet optionally permanent dual electro-optical record and storage medium, bistable in both the optical and electrical modes and nonvolatile in the electrical mode having high resistivity contrast in the electrical mode between the write and erase states, high resolution and contrast in the optical mode between the write and erase states. The record medium can be used for display purposes and is capable of high bitpacking density and thermal microrecording and erasure and comprises a baked oxide solid film material containing lead oxide, boron oxide, copper oxide and silicon dioxide (silica) as major components and optionally minor concentrations of other oxides (depending on the glass substrate upon which the record medium is formed).
A medium as in claim 1 wherein said material includes alumina as a minor component.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
31 words
A medium as in claim 1 wherein a portion of the lead oxide in selected areas of a major surface of said medium is present in the reduced form as lead.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A medium as in claim 1 wherein a substantial portion of the copper oxide in selected areas of a major surface of the record medium is present in the reduced form as copper.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A medium as in claim 1 having a thickness ranging from about 0.0001 to about 0.015 centimeter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method of preparing the record medium of claim 1 comprising depositing lead and copper in a weight ratio of about 0.25 to about 5.0:1 respectively, onto a substrate containing silica and boron oxide as essential components and heating said deposit at temperatures ranging from about 400* C. to about 700* C. in the presence of available oxygen.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method of writing data areas in both optical and electrical modes comprising heating pre-selected areas of the record medium of claim 1 to temperatures ranging from about 600* C. to about 900* C. in the presence of a reducing medium and removing said heat.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 7 wherein said writing is conducted at temperatures ranging from about 750* C. to about 850* C.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method of erasing data areas stored in both optical and electrical modes in the medium of claim 1 by subjecting such data areas thereof sought to be erased to temperatures ranging from about 200* C. to about 550* C.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 9 wherein said erasure is conducted at temperatures ranging from about 250* C. to about 550* C.