Method for using electromagnetic radiation to destroy data stored on a data storage device fabricated with a conductive layer

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for using electromagnetic radiation to destroy data stored on a device that includes a data storage region and a conductive region. For example, common Compact Disks (often called a CD) and Digital Versatile Disks (often called a DVD) both have regions of the disk constructed to have at least one data storage layer and at least one conductive layer. The method disclosed in this invention relies on electromagnetic radiation, such as microwave radiation, to set up an electric field in the conductive layer of the data storage disk, where the electrical field is strong enough to alter the physical proprieties of a fraction of the data storage region of the disk. The data stored in and near these physically altered regions is destroyed.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method for destroying data on a data storage device where: 
 a. said data storage device contains at least one data storage region for said data and where,    b. said data storage device is comprised of at least one conductive region and where,    c. said data storage device is exposed to sufficient electromagnetic radiation to create an electrical field in said conductive region of said data storage device and where,    d. said electrical field is strong enough to alter the physical proprieties of at least one fraction of said data storage region of said data storage device.    
     
     
         2 . A method of  claim 1  wherein said electromagnetic radiation is generated in the microwave range of the electromagnetic spectrum.  
     
     
         3 . A method of  claim 1  wherein said electromagnetic radiation is generated by a magnetron at 2.45 GHz.  
     
     
         4 . A method of  claim 1  wherein said data storage device is a compact disk.  
     
     
         5 . A method of  claim 1  wherein said data storage device is a digital versatile disk.  
     
     
         6 . A method of  claim 1  wherein said data storage disk retains identifying information after exposure to said electromagnetic radiation.  
     
     
         7 . A method of  claim 1  wherein said electromagnetic radiation is produced by the same type of magnetron as used in a microwave oven.  
     
     
         8 . A method of  claim 7  wherein said magnetron is placed in a mechanical assembly that includes a filter and fan assembly.  
     
     
         9 . A method of  claim 7  wherein said magnetron is placed in a mechanical assembly that includes a conveyor belt assembly.  
     
     
         10 . A method of  claim 7  wherein said magnetron is placed in a mechanical assembly that includes a mechanism for loading said data storage device into said mechanical assembly.  
     
     
         11 . A method of  claim 7  wherein said magnetron is placed in a mechanical assembly that includes a disk collection bin.  
     
     
         12 . A method of  claim 7  wherein said magnetron is placed in a mechanical assembly that includes a programmable controller where said programmable controller is used to synchronize power being applied to said magnetron with location of said conveyor belt assembly.