US Patent 7073937- Nanotube Heater for Scanning Probe Memory

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7073937.pdf

Most are familiar with magnetic or optical discs for high density data storage but less may be familiar with phase change high density data storage devices. This is an approach currently being experimented with by IBM's "millipede" project and includes the formation of pits in a thermally sensitive medium by an array of ultrasharp heated tips of scanning probe microscopes so as to store data. In order to further increase the resolution of such devices this patent from Daiken Chemical (Japan) proposes using heated nanotubes for the writing tips. Claim 1 reads:

1. A heat emitting probe comprising: a conductive carbon nanotube probe needle with a base end portion thereof fastened to a holder and a tip end portion thereof protruding from said holder, a heat emitting body provided on a circumferential surface of said conductive carbon nanotube probe needle, a conductive carbon nanotube lead wire whose one end is fastened to said heat emitting body, and a means for causing an electric current to pass through said heat emitting body by applying a voltage between said conductive carbon nanotube lead wire and said conductive carbon nanotube probe needle so that said heat emitting body is heated by said electric current.