Data Storage Methods & Device

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ABSTRACT A data storage method includes writing data to a ferromagnetic shape-memory material in its ferromagnetic state, the material exhibiting more than two stable states.A data storage device includes a non-volatile memory element containing a ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy in a martensite state, the shape-memory alloy being ferromagnetic in a plurality of stable states of the memory element TECHNICAL FIELD The embodiments herein pertain to data storage methods and devices, for example, containing magnetic shape memory materials.  BACKGROUND  In an embodiment, a data storage method includes writing data to a ferromagnetic shape-memory material in its ferro magnetic state, the material exhibiting more than tWo stable states. In another embodiment, a data storage method includes writing data to a ferromagnetic shape-memory NiiMniGa alloy in a ferromagnetic martensite state, reading the written data using a magnetic probe, and erasing the written data. The writing includes localiZed stress-induced deformation of the shape-memory alloy for magnetic poles to collect, thus modi fying the local magnetic stray field. In a further embodiment, a data storage device includes a non-volatile memory element containing a ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy in a martensite state, the shape-memory alloy being ferromagnetic in a plurality of stable states of the memory element.  A data storage method comprising: writing data to a ferromagnetic shape-memory material in its ferromagnetic state by creating surfaces for magnetic poles to collect, the material exhibiting more than two stable states; and erasing the written data.  Patent N0.: US 8,670,267 B2  Date of Patent: Mar. 11, 2014