Abstract: Active cantilever probes having a thin coating incorporated into their design are disclosed. The probes can be operated in opaque and/or chemically harsh environments without the need of a light source or optical system and without being significantly negatively impacted by corrosion. The probes include a substrate that has a cantilever, a thermomechanical actuator associated with the cantilever, a piezoresistive stress sensor disposed on the cantilever, and a thin coating disposed on the cantilever and the piezoresistive stress sensor. The coating is bonded to the substrate, is thermally conductive, and has a low thermal resistance. Further, the thin coating is configured to have little to no impact on one or more of a mass of the active probe, a residual stress of the cantilever, or a stiffness of the active probe. Techniques for performing topography and making other measurements in an opaque and/or chemically harsh environment are also provided.

Abstract: Active cantilever probes having a thin coating incorporated into their design are disclosed. The probes can be operated in opaque and/or chemically harsh environments without the need of a light source or optical system and without being significantly negatively impacted by corrosion. The probes include a substrate that has a cantilever, a thermomechanical actuator associated with the cantilever, a piezoresistive stress sensor disposed on the cantilever, and a thin coating disposed on the cantilever and the piezoresistive stress sensor. The coating is bonded to the substrate, is thermally conductive, and has a low thermal resistance. Further, the thin coating is configured to have little to no impact on one or more of a mass of the active probe, a residual stress of the cantilever, or a stiffness of the active probe. Techniques for performing topography and making other measurements in an opaque and/or chemically harsh environment are also provided.

Abstract: A charge controller for controlling a piezoelectric actuator includes a decoupled high-frequency path for controlling the actuator in response to relatively high frequency input signal and a decoupled low frequency path for controlling the actuator in response to a relatively low frequency input signal. The charge controller includes a self-compensating circuit. Features of the charge controller allow for linear control of the piezoelectric actuator without utilizing feedback sensors or complex models.

Abstract: A method and system for neuro-feedback training are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, the method may include receiving, by a processor via a communication network, a brainwave signal measured by at least one sensor attached to a user. The method may also include determining, by the processor, a frequency distribution of the brainwave signal. The method may also include determining, by the processor, a first value indicative of an amount of the brainwave signal within a first frequency band. The method may also include generating, by the processor based on the first value, a first control signal to actuate a target device wirelessly connected to the processor. The method may further include transmitting, by the processor via the communication network, the first control signal to the target device.