Abstract: A method for inspection of a sample that includes a first layer having a known reflectance property and a second layer formed over the first layer. The method includes directing radiation toward a surface of the sample and sensing the radiation reflected from the surface so as to generate a reflectance signal as a function of elevation angle relative to the surface. A feature due to reflection of the radiation from the first layer is identified in the reflectance signal. The reflectance signal is calibrated responsively to the identified feature and to the known reflectance property of the first layer. The calibrated reflectance signal is analyzed to determine a characteristic of the second layer. Other enhanced inspection methods are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: A method for inspection of a sample includes irradiating the sample with a beam of X-rays and measuring a distribution of the X-rays that are emitted from the sample responsively to the beam, thereby generating an X-ray spectrum. An assessment is made of an effect on the spectrum of a non-uniformity of the beam, and the spectrum is corrected responsively to the effect.

Abstract: A signal sampler digitally samples magnetic signals detected by read head(s) of a magnetic tape drive, and a signal quality system extracts from the digital samples of a format required signal of the magnetic signals, such as a data set separator pattern, an estimated amplitude of write equalization transitions of the format required signal; and compares the extracted estimated amplitude to acceptable amplitude.

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 of a sample having a surface layer. The method includes acquiring a first reflectance spectrum of the sample while irradiating the sample with a collimated beam of X-rays, and processing the first reflectance spectrum to measure a diffuse reflection property of the sample. A second reflectance spectrum of the sample is acquired while irradiating the sample with a converging beam of the X-rays. The second reflectance spectrum is analyzed using the diffuse reflection property so as to determine a characteristic of the surface layer of the sample.

Abstract: A method for testing a surface of a sample includes irradiating the surface at a grazing incidence with a beam of radiation having a focal region, whereby the radiation is reflected from the surface. At least one of the focal region and the sample is adjusted through a plurality of adjustment stages within an adjustment range so as to vary a location of the focal region relative to the surface. Respective angular profiles of the radiation reflected from the surface are measured at the plurality of adjustment stages, and the angular profiles are compared in order to select an adjustment within the range at which the surface is in a desired alignment with the beam.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and article of manufacture to provide for filtering a servo signal in a tape drive using a matched filter that is optimized for the operating tape velocity of the tape drive. A servo controller for track following on a tape uses a digital filter implementation of the matched filter to produce a filtered servo signal. The digital filter is optimized for different tape velocities by selecting digital filter coefficients for the digital filter that depend upon the tape velocity presently in use. The filtered servo signal is used by the servo controller to provide improved track following in a tape drive.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and article of manufacture to provide for filtering a servo signal in a tape drive using a matched filter that is optimized for the operating tape velocity of the tape drive. A servo controller for track following on a tape uses a digital filter implementation of the matched filter to produce a filtered servo signal. The digital filter is optimized for different tape velocities by selecting digital filter coefficients for the digital filter that depend upon the tape velocity presently in use. The filtered servo signal is used by the servo controller to provide improved track following in a tape drive.

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. Also disclosed is a technique in which the determined values for the one or more programmable registers are determined using a sample of the signal.

Abstract: Reflectometry apparatus includes a radiation source, adapted to irradiate a sample with radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample, and a detector assembly, positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal responsive thereto. A shutter is adjustably positionable to intercept the radiation, the shutter having a blocking position, in which it blocks the radiation in a lower portion of the range of angles, thereby allowing the reflected radiation to reach the array substantially only in a higher portion of the range, and a clear position, in which the radiation in the lower portion of the range reaches the array substantially without blockage.

Abstract: Channel parameters for a magnetic readback channel are optimized by detecting a readback signal that is recorded on a magnetic medium. The readback signal contains a plurality of predetermined-length control fields. Each control field is arranged between two user data fields and contains at least one transition. At least one selected readback parameter, such as a frequency of a readback channel system clock, a gain of the readback channel, a equalization response of the readback signal, and/or an amplitude asymmetry of the readback channel, is optimized based on information contained in at least one control field.

Abstract: Adjustment of a read detection equalizer filter of a magnetic tape drive is conducted utilizing a required control pattern signal which comprises a required portion of a normal recording format of the magnetic tape. An example comprises a data set separator signal. The sensed required control pattern signal is processed with respect to a target reference pattern signal to adapt the read detection equalizer filter to the target reference pattern signal.

Abstract: A method for inspection of a sample that includes a first layer having a known reflectance property and a second layer formed over the first layer. The method includes directing radiation toward a surface of the sample and sensing the radiation reflected from the surface so as to generate a reflectance signal as a function of elevation angle relative to the surface. A feature due to reflection of the radiation from the first layer is identified in the reflectance signal. The reflectance signal is calibrated responsively to the identified feature and to the known reflectance property of the first layer. The calibrated reflectance signal is analyzed to determine a characteristic of the second layer. Other enhanced inspection methods are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: A method for testing a surface of a sample includes irradiating the surface at a grazing incidence with a beam of radiation having a focal region, whereby the radiation is reflected from the surface. At least one of the focal region and the sample is adjusted through a plurality of adjustment stages within an adjustment range so as to vary a location of the focal region relative to the surface. Respective angular profiles of the radiation reflected from the surface are measured at the plurality of adjustment stages, and the angular profiles are compared in order to select an adjustment within the range at which the surface is in a desired alignment with the beam.

Abstract: Adjustment of a read detection equalizer filter of a magnetic tape drive is conducted utilizing a required control pattern signal which comprises a required portion of a normal recording format of the magnetic tape. An example comprises a data set separator signal. The sensed required control pattern signal is processed with respect to a target reference pattern signal to adapt the read detection equalizer filter to the target reference pattern signal.

Abstract: Reflectometry apparatus includes a radiation source, adapted to irradiate a sample with radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample, and a detector assembly, positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal responsive thereto. A shutter is adjustably positionable to intercept the radiation, the shutter having a blocking position, in which it blocks the radiation in a lower portion of the range of angles, thereby allowing the reflected radiation to reach the array substantially only in a higher portion of the range, and a clear position, in which the radiation in the lower portion of the range reaches the array substantially without blockage.

Abstract: Reflectometry apparatus includes a radiation source, adapted to irradiate a sample with radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample, and a detector assembly, positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal responsive thereto. A shutter is adjustably positionable to intercept the radiation, the shutter having a blocking position, in which it blocks the radiation in a lower portion of the range of angles, thereby allowing the reflected radiation to reach the array substantially only in a higher portion of the range, and a clear position, in which the radiation in the lower portion of the range reaches the array substantially without blockage.

Abstract: Reflectometry apparatus includes a radiation source, adapted to irradiate a sample with radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample, and a detector assembly, positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal responsive thereto. A shutter is adjustably positionable to intercept the radiation, the shutter having a blocking position, in which it blocks the radiation in a lower portion of the range of angles, thereby allowing the reflected radiation to reach the array substantially only in a higher portion of the range, and a clear position, in which the radiation in the lower portion of the range reaches the array substantially without blockage.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-sensor device which generates a signal comprised of one or more electromagnetic waveforms, that are transmitted against a first target material, such as a wall, whereupon said wave or portion thereof is reflected by a first surface and a second wave or portion of said first wave will penetrate the target material and be reflected in part by a second surface for the purpose of ascertaining if the cavity between said first target surface and said second target surface contains a quantity of United States currency.

Abstract: Reflectometry apparatus includes a radiation source, adapted to irradiate a sample with radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample, and a detector assembly, positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal responsive thereto. A shutter is adjustably positionable to intercept the radiation, the shutter having a blocking position, in which it blocks the radiation in a lower portion of the range of angles, thereby allowing the reflected radiation to reach the array substantially only in a higher portion of the range, and a clear position, in which the radiation in the lower portion of the range reaches the array substantially without blockage.