Abstract: An optical sensor apparatus includes an optically transmissive structure (e.g., a prism) having two planar faces and a third planar face that connects the two planar faces, two or more light sources located outside the structure, and a photodetector array located outside the prism. The structure, light sources, and photodetector array are configured such that light from the light sources that is totally internally reflected at an optical interface between the prism and a sample outside the structure proximate one of the two planar faces is incident on a portion of the photodetector array that depends on a refractive index of the sample. The light sources are positioned with respect to the structure and photodetector array such that the totally internally reflected light from each light source corresponds to a different range of refractive index of the sample and maps to a corresponding portion of the photodetector array.

Abstract: An optical sensor apparatus includes an optically transmissive structure having planar first, second, and third faces, two or more light sources located outside the structure adjacent the first face, and a photodetector array located outside the prism adjacent the first face. The structure, light sources, and photodetector array are configured such that light from the light sources that is totally internally reflected at an optical interface between the prism and a sample outside the structure proximate the second face is reflected at the third face and incident on a portion of the photodetector array that depends on a refractive index of the sample. The light sources are positioned with respect to the structure and photodetector array such that the totally internally reflected light from each light source corresponds to a different range of refractive index of the sample and maps to a corresponding portion of the photodetector array.

Abstract: An optical sensor apparatus includes an optically transmissive structure (e.g., a prism) having two planar faces and a third planar face that connects the two planar faces, two or more light sources located outside the structure, and a photodetector array located outside the prism. The structure, light sources, and photodetector array are configured such that light from the light sources that is totally internally reflected at an optical interface between the prism and a sample outside the structure proximate one of the two planar faces is incident on a portion of the photodetector array that depends on a refractive index of the sample. The light sources are positioned with respect to the structure and photodetector array such that the totally internally reflected light from each light source corresponds to a different range of refractive index of the sample and maps to a corresponding portion of the photodetector array.

Abstract: An optical sensor apparatus includes an optically transmissive structure having planar first, second, and third faces, two or more light sources located outside the structure adjacent the first face, and a photodetector array located outside the prism adjacent the first face. The structure, light sources, and photodetector array are configured such that light from the light sources that is totally internally reflected at an optical interface between the prism and a sample outside the structure proximate the second face is reflected at the third face and incident on a portion of the photodetector array that depends on a refractive index of the sample. The light sources are positioned with respect to the structure and photodetector array such that the totally internally reflected light from each light source corresponds to a different range of refractive index of the sample and maps to a corresponding portion of the photodetector array.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with the present invention can include a tip contactable with a media, the media including a phase change material in an embodiment (or polarity-dependent memory material or other memory material in other embodiments) disposed between a substrate and an overcoat. The overcoat is a co-deposited film having a conductive portion and a substantially non-conductive portion, the co-deposited film conducting current more efficiently through the overcoat than across the overcoat. The overcoat substantially directs the current so that a portion of the phase change material directly beneath the tip is heated to a sufficient temperature such that the structure of the material become disordered. The current is then removed from the phase change material, which is quickly cooled to form an domain having a resistivity larger than the crystalline bulk structure.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with the present invention can include a tip contactable with a media, the media including a phase change material disposed over a substrate, a lubricant layer disposed over the phase change material, and optionally an overcoat disposed between the phase change material and the lubricant layer. The lubricant layer can include polymer chains (also referred to herein as polymer fibers), the polymer chains being adapted to bond to one of the phase change material and an overcoat. Where an overcoat is used, the overcoat is a highly anisotropic material that conducts current more efficiently through the overcoat than across the overcoat. The media is either grounded or electrically connected with a voltage source such that when the tip is placed in contact with the media and a voltage is applied to the tip, a current is drawn through the media. The lubricant layer reduces wear on the tip by providing a movable surface that does not stick to the tip, but rather holds to the bonded surface.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with the present invention can include a tip contactable with a media, the media including a substrate, a conductive under-layer disposed over the substrate, and a polarity dependent memory switching media disposed over the under-layer. In an embodiment, the polarity dependent memory switching media is continuous and the media either grounded or electrically connected with a voltage source such that when the tip is placed in contact with the media and a forward voltage is applied to the tip, causing the polarity dependent memory switching media to form an Ag dendritic structure bridging the tip and the under-layer. The bridging causes a reduction in resistance corresponding to a “1” or a “0.” In an alternative embodiment, an insulating material can be disposed over the substrate such that a plurality of cells is formed, at least one of the cells including the polarity dependent memory switching media.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with the present invention can include a tip contactable with a media, the media including a substrate, a conductive under-layer disposed over the substrate, and a polarity dependent memory switching media disposed over the under-layer. In an embodiment, the polarity dependent memory switching media is continuous and the media either grounded or electrically connected with a voltage source such that when the tip is placed in contact with the media and a forward voltage is applied to the tip, causing the polarity dependent memory switching media to form an Ag dendritic structure bridging the tip and the under-layer. The bridging causes a reduction in resistance corresponding to a “1” or a “0.” In an alternative embodiment, an insulating material can be disposed over the substrate such that a plurality of cells is formed, at least one of the cells including the polarity dependent memory switching media.