Abstract: A method for analysis includes directing a converging beam of X-rays toward a surface of a sample having an epitaxial layer formed thereon, and sensing the X-rays that are diffracted from the sample while resolving the sensed X-rays as a function of angle so as to generate a diffraction spectrum including a diffraction peak and fringes due to the epitaxial layer. A characteristic of the fringes is analyzed in order to measure a relaxation of the epitaxial layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods self-organize a multifunctional power and energy control and management system by integrating multiple backplane based modules through module descriptions. Dynamic data table structures may be configured based on information provides with the module descriptions and provide for improved data accessing, storing, and updating.

Abstract: A method for analysis includes directing a converging beam of X-rays toward a surface of a sample having multiple single-crystal layers, including at least a first layer and a second layer that is formed over and tilted relative to the first layer. The X-rays that are diffracted from each of the first and second layers are sensed simultaneously while resolving the sensed X-rays as a function of angle so as to generate a diffraction spectrum including at least a first diffraction peak due to the first layer and a second diffraction peak due to the second layer. The diffraction spectrum is analyzed so as to identify a characteristic of at least the second layer.

Abstract: An exercise handle for use with a cord and a method for the use thereof, the handle having a channel portion having at least two channel ends that are positioned non-diametrically relative to each other on the channel portion, the channel portion being rounded relative to a center point; a channel being fashioned on the channel portion, the channel being adapted to receive the cord; a grip portion being positioned between the at least two channel portion ends in an off-center relationship to the center point of the channel portion.

Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticles are detected across a thin membrane that separates the nanoparticles from a magnetic sensor. The technique can be used in a medical context, in which an analyte of interest (present in a test fluid, such as blood) is attached to the membrane. Other compounds are in turn bound to the analyte, with one of these compounds including a magnetic nanoparticle that is then detected by the sensor. In this way, the analyte is detected by detecting the magnetic nanoparticle. By counting the number of magnetic nanoparticles, the concentration of the analyte in the test fluid can be determined.

Abstract: A method for analysis includes directing a converging beam of X-rays toward a surface of a sample and sensing the X-rays that are diffracted from the sample while resolving the sensed X-rays as a function of angle so as to generate a diffraction spectrum of the sample. The diffraction spectrum is corrected to compensate for a non-uniform property of the converging beam.

Abstract: A tape head and bearing assembly comprises an air bearing structure having a tape bearing surface with a plurality of openings therein configured to provide a continuous air bearing of pressurized air to support a linear tape moving along a path, the air bearing being provided on only one side of the linear tape. A head slider assembly, such as an HDD-type assembly, is positioned at the opposite side of the linear tape from the tape bearing surface and is configured to be in contact with the linear tape.

Abstract: A method for analysis includes directing a converging beam of X-rays toward a surface of a sample having an epitaxial layer formed thereon, and sensing the X-rays that are diffracted from the sample while resolving the sensed X-rays as a function of angle so as to generate a diffraction spectrum including a diffraction peak and fringes due to the epitaxial layer. A characteristic of the fringes is analyzed in order to measure a relaxation of the epitaxial layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a read sensor for a recording head for a magnetic media storage system, has first and second shields, and a magneto-resistive sensor disposed between and shielded by the first and second shields in which the sensing axis of the sensor is tilted with respect to the recording surface of the head. In one embodiment, the sensing axis is oriented at an angle between 10 and 60 degrees with respect to the normal of the recording surface. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An exercise handle for use with a cord and a method for the use thereof, the handle having a channel portion having at least two channel ends that are positioned non-diametrically relative to each other on the channel portion, the channel portion being rounded relative to a center point; a channel being fashioned on the channel portion, the channel being adapted to receive the cord; a grip portion being positioned between the at least two channel portion ends in an off-center relationship to the center point of the channel portion.

Abstract: A tape head and bearing assembly comprises an air bearing structure having a tape bearing surface with a plurality of openings therein configured to provide a continuous air bearing of pressurized air to support a linear tape moving along a path, the air bearing being provided on only one side of the linear tape. A head slider assembly, such as an HDD-type assembly, is positioned at the opposite side of the linear tape from the tape bearing surface and is configured to be in contact with the linear tape.

Abstract: An exercise handle for use with a cord and a method for the use thereof, the handle having a channel portion having at least two channel ends that are positioned non-diametrically relative to each other on the channel portion, the channel portion being rounded relative to a center point; a channel being fashioned on the channel portion, the channel being adapted to receive the cord; a grip portion being positioned between the at least two channel portion ends in an off-center relationship to the center point of the channel portion.

Abstract: A method for inspection includes irradiating a sample using an X-ray beam, which is focused so as to define a spot on a surface of the sample. At least one of the sample and the X-ray beam is shifted so as to scan the spot along a scan path that crosses a feature on the surface. Respective intensities of X-ray fluorescence emitted from the sample responsively to the X-ray beam are measured at a plurality of locations along the scan path, at which the spot has different, respective degrees of overlap with the feature. The intensities measured at the plurality of the locations are processed in order to compute an adjusted value of the emitted X-ray fluorescence over the scan path. A thickness of the feature is estimated based on the adjusted value.

Abstract: The computer-implemented method for inspection of a sample includes defining a plurality of locations on a surface of the sample, irradiating the surface at each of the locations with a beam of X-rays, and measuring an angular distribution of the X-rays that are emitted from the surface responsively to the beam, so as to produce a respective plurality of X-ray spectra. The X-ray spectra are analyzed to produce respective figures-of-merit indicative of a measurement quality of the X-ray spectra at the respective location. One or more locations are selected out of the plurality of locations responsively to the figures-of-merit, and a property of the sample is estimated using the X-ray spectra measured at the selected location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for updating a read-detect channel. A signal is processed in a read-detect channel that has one or more programmable registers. While signals continue to be processed by the read-detect channel, it is determined with a channel auxiliary processor whether to dynamically replace values of the one or more programmable registers. When it is determined that values of the one or more programmable registers are to be replaced, a channel auxiliary processor determines values for the one or more programmable registers and replaces existing values for the one or more programmable registers with the determined values.

Abstract: A method for X-ray analysis of a sample includes directing a beam of X-rays to impinge on a structure in the sample such that the X-rays are scattered from the structure in a pattern of stripes, and receiving the scattered X-rays using an array of detectors. A relative alignment between the sample and the array is adjusted so that the stripes are parallel to the detectors.

Abstract: A dressing assembly configured to treat a herpetic lesion including a semi-permeable material sized and shaped to cover a herpetic lesion on human tissue. The invention also provides a method of treating a herpetic lesion (such as lesions caused by, e.g., herpes simplex 1, herpes simplex 2, or herpes zoster) including the step of applying a semi-permeable dressing to cover said wound for a sufficient time to heal said lesion.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for asymmetric maximum likelihood detection. An initialization module initializes a plurality of branch metrics and a plurality of path memories. A coefficient module calculates a plurality of coefficients. A computation module calculates a first and second specified likelihood function. A selection module calculates a third specified branch metric as the maximum of the first and second specified likelihood functions. A path metrics module calculates a third specified path memory from a first and second specified path memory. A results module identifies a data output value from one or more path memories.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for inspection of a sample includes defining a plurality of locations on a surface of the sample, irradiating the surface at each of the locations with a beam of X-rays, and measuring an angular distribution of the X-rays that are emitted from the surface responsively to the beam, so as to produce a respective plurality of X-ray spectra. The X-ray spectra are analyzed to produce respective figures-of-merit indicative of a measurement quality of the X-ray spectra at the respective locations. One or more locations are selected out of the plurality of locations responsively to the figures-of-merit, and a property of the sample is estimated using the X-ray spectra measured at the selected locations.

Abstract: A tape head and bearing assembly comprises an air bearing structure having a tape bearing surface with a plurality of openings therein configured to provide a continuous air bearing of pressurized air to support a linear tape moving along a path, the air bearing being provided on only one side of the linear tape. A head slider assembly, such as an HDD-type assembly, is positioned at the opposite side of the linear tape from the tape bearing surface and is configured to be in contact with the linear tape.