Abstract: High numerical aperture collection optics for particle analyzers may include an ellipsoidal reflector or an ellipsoidal reflector in combination with a spherical reflector, and may efficiently collect light scattered or emitted by particles in a sample stream and then couple that collected light into a lower numerical aperture portion of the instrument's optical detection system, such as into an optical fiber for example. The reflectors may be integrated with a flow cell through which the sample stream passes, or may be separate components arranged around a flow cell or, in instruments not employing a flow cell, arranged around a sample stream in air. Refractive beam steering optics may allow multiple closely spaced excitation beams to be directed into the sample stream at low angles of incidence. The collection optics and refractive beam steering optics may be employed separately or in combination with each other.

Abstract: High numerical aperture collection optics for particle analyzers may include an ellipsoidal reflector or an ellipsoidal reflector in combination with a spherical reflector, and may efficiently collect light scattered or emitted by particles in a sample stream and then couple that collected light into a lower numerical aperture portion of the instrument's optical detection system, such as into an optical fiber for example. The reflectors may be integrated with a flow cell through which the sample stream passes, or may be separate components arranged around a flow cell or, in instruments not employing a flow cell, arranged around a sample stream in air. Refractive beam steering optics may allow multiple closely spaced excitation beams to be directed into the sample stream at low angles of incidence. The collection optics and refractive beam steering optics may be employed separately or in combination with each other.

Abstract: A differentiated sensor includes a pair of magnetic layers having magnetization directions that are substantially antiparallel in a quiescent state. At least one of the magnetic layers is a free layer. A spacer layer is disposed between the pair of magnetic layers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spin valve sensor for use in a data storage system, that is adapted to receive a sense current and produce a GMR effect in response to applied magnetic fields. The spin valve sensor includes first and second ferromagnetic free layers, a spacer layer positioned between the first and second ferromagnetic free layers, and a biasing component. The first ferromagnetic free layer has a magnetization (M1) in a first direction, when in a quiescent (non-biased) state. The second ferromagnetic free layer has a magnetization (M2) in a second direction that is anti-parallel to the first direction, when in a quiescent (non biased) state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spin valve sensor for use in a data storage system, that is adapted to receive a sense current and produce a GMR effect in response to applied magnetic fields. The spin valve sensor includes first and second ferromagnetic free layers, a spacer layer positioned between the first and second ferromagnetic free layers, and a biasing component. The first ferromagnetic free layer has a magnetization (M1) in a first direction, when in a quiescent (non-biased) state. The second ferromagnetic free layer has a magnetization (M2) in a second direction that is anti-parallel to the first direction, when in a quiescent (non biased) state.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive (MR) head (100) for use in a data storage system includes an MR sensor layer (170) and a soft adjacent layer (SAL) (120) disposed along a length of the MR sensor layer and adapted to vertically bias the MR sensor layer. A spacer layer (130) is formed between the MR sensor layer and the SAL in a central region (200) of the MR head. The MR sensor layer and the SAL are independently stabilized by first and second permanent magnet (PM) layers (160, 140), each formed in contact with one of the SAL and the MR sensor layer in first and second wing regions (210, 220) of the MR head. This allows a layer of low resistivity material (150) to be placed between the first and second PM layers in the first and second wing regions in order to lower the resistance of the MR head.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor (10) having permanent magnet stabilization includes a magnetoresistive layer (12), at least one permanent magnet (14a or 14b), and first and second current contacts (16a and 16b). The magnetoresistive layer (12) has an active sensing region (18) having a first thickness, and at least one under layer region (26a or 26b), with each under layer region (26a or 26b) having a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. Each permanent magnet (14a or 14b) is formed upon an under layer region (26a or 26b) of the magnetoresistive layer (12), and the first and second contacts (16a and 16b) are electrically coupled to the active region (18).