Abstract: A microfluidic analysis system for optically analyzing a substance includes a light source having a plurality of selectable single-wavelength light sources, a substance presentation member optically coupled to the light source, and an optical detection system associated with the substance presentation member.

Abstract: A nanowire e-beam or characterizing device is provided. In one implementation, the nanowire that has at least one cross-sectional dimension within the nano-scale dimension.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to laser micromachining a substrate. One exemplary method includes forming a feature into a substrate, at least in part, by directing a laser beam at the substrate. During at least a portion of said forming, the method includes supplying liquid to at least a first region of the feature along a first liquid supply path and supplying liquid to at least a second different region of the feature along at least a second liquid supply path.

Abstract: A method of preparing a surface for adhesion is provided. The method includes providing an initiator that is configured to shadow a portion of a surface of a substrate, directing a laser toward the surface of the substrate to effect ablation of a non-shadowed portion of the substrate, thus forming structures on the surface of the substrate. An adhesive then may be applied to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A control system for maximizing performance of an electronically scanned, mechanically augmented phased array (MAPA) antenna. In one preferred form, the control system forms a closed loop system which monitors a signal quality of the received signal from a primary signal source such as a primary satellite, and generates motor control signals for controlling a motor used to rotate the MAPA antenna about an axis so as to point the antenna at least slightly away from the primary signal source while electronically steering the antenna to track the primary signal source. The MAPA antenna is positioned so as to maximize the carrier-to-noise-plus-interference (CNI) ratio, and thus minimize the influence of interfering signal sources operating within a coverage region of the MAPA antenna.

Abstract: A unique and permanent identifier is provided for removable media. The identifier is preferably recorded in a previously unused or reserved portion of the media and can be generated from a combination of the originating drive serial number and the current date and time with a random number concatenated thereto. When a piece of media is loaded into a drive, the drive examines the reserved area for the presence of an identifier. If not present, the drive generates and records an identifier before performing whatever disk access operations have been requested. If the identifier is present, the drive is prevented from overwriting the identifier with a new one and the disk access operations are performed immediately. Once the media is provided with its identifier, the media, and any errors associated with the media, can be tracked throughout its life.