Usage of Electron Beams for near-Petabyte CD-Data Storage and Bulk Materials Processing

This proposal outlines a comprehensive research program to study and apply electron beam technology to a number of beneficial applications. Breaking down the key aspects which are unique to FEL injector Ebeam technology and evaluating them with respect to current technology or emerging technological value, allows for a thorough value assessment. In Phase I, Mainstream will assess the feasibility of several innovative small- and large-field applications of electron beam technology. These applications include high capacity data storage and high performance materials processing, joining, and fabrication. Based on detailed technical, market, and cost analyses performed in Phase I, the most promising applications will undergo proof of concept studies in the Phase II effort. Mainstream will experimentally demonstrate the improved performance, cost, and efficiency of electron beam-based technologies over the current state-of-the-art. In Phase III, the effort will focus on commercialization of this revolutionary technology.