Abstract: A read sensor for a magneto resistive head is formed through the use of a bilayer lift-off mask. According to one embodiment, a release layer is formed on top of a sensor layer. A silicon-containing resist layer is formed over the release layer. The resist layer is patterned according to the desired dimensions of the read sensor. Then, plasma etching, such as oxygen plasma etching, is used to remove the portion of the release layer that is exposed by removal of resist material. The release layer may be etched to undercut the patterned resist layer, or may entirely removed beneath the patterned resist layer to provide a bridge of the resist material. In either case, isotropic plasma etching, anisotropic plasma etching, or some combination thereof may be applied.

Abstract: High density circuitry and metallic patterns are grown from polymer that has been patterned using a contact molding process. The patterned polymer is either intrinsically seedable or treated to make it seedable, e.g., it may be seeded with metallic seed ions, such as Pd ions. The patterned polymer is placed in an electroless deposition bath, with metal being plated onto its surface. Using these methods, metal (e.g, copper) may be deposited onto substrates of either organic or inorganic dielectric materials. The dielectric materials may comprise epoxy resins, ceramics, semiconductors (Si), glass, and silicon oxide.

Abstract: A biomolecular array includes a substrate across which is distributed an array of discrete regions of a porous substance. The porous substance is designed to bind chemical targets useful in biotechnology applications, such as gene expression, protein, antibody, and antigen experiments. The regions are preferably optically isolated from each other and may be shaped to enhance detection of optical radiation emanating from the porous substance, e.g., as a result of irradiation of the regions with ultraviolet light. The discrete regions may be configured as microscopic wells within the substrate, or they may reside on top of the substrate in the form of microscopic mesas.

Abstract: A method for making a patterned magnetic recording disk uses patterned ion implantation of the disk substrate. Energetic ions, such as He, N or Ar ions, are directed to the disk substrate through a mask, preferably a non-contact mask. They are implanted into the substrate, and the process causes localized topographic distortions in the substrate surface. A magnetic layer is then deposited over the substrate in the conventional manner, such as by sputtering. The result is a disk with patterned magnetic regions that are raised above the substrate surface. Because these regions are elevated, they are closer to the recording head in the disk drive and can thus be individually recorded to form discrete magnetic bits. Depending on the type of substrate used, the ion implantation can cause either localized swelling to form pillars or localized compaction to form pits. The patches of magnetic material on the tops of the pillars, or on the substrate surface between the pits, form the discrete magnetic bits.

Abstract: An ambient light reflective color electrophoretic display is comprised of a plurality of color pixels; each comprised of at least two electrophoretic cells. Each cell is comprised of a suspension of charged, black or colored light-absorbing pigment particles in a light-transmissive fluid. Each cell is also comprised of a light-transmissive front window, at least one non-obstructing counter electrode, at least one non-obstructing collecting electrode, a light-reflective panel, and a color filter medium. The cells of different colors are in a laterally adjacent relationship to each other and the charged pigment particles are responsive to the electrodes. The filter medium in each cell can be a light-transmissive color filter element or a light-reflective colored surface or the pigment suspension fluid can be colored and serve as the filter medium.

Abstract: An ambient light reflective color electrophoretic display is comprised of a plurality of color pixels; each comprised of at least two electrophoretic cells. Each cell is comprised of a suspension of charged, white or colored light-scattering pigment particles in a light-transmissive fluid. Each cell is also comprised of a light-transmissive front window, at least one non-obstructing counter electrode, at least one non-obstructing collecting electrode, a light-absorbing panel, and a color filter medium. The cells of different colors are in a laterally adjacent relationship to each other and the charged pigment particles are responsive to the electrodes. The filter medium in each cell can be a light-transmissive color filter element. Alternatively, the pigment suspension fluid itself or the pigment particles themselves can be colored and serve as the filter medium.

Abstract: A transmissive electrophoretic color display is comprised of a plurality of color pixels; each uniformly illuminated from the rear by a backlight and each comprised of at least two electrophoretic cells. Each cell is comprised of a suspension of charged, black or colored light-absorbing pigment particles in a light-transmissive fluid. Each cell is also comprised of a light-transmissive front and rear window, at least one non-obstructing counter electrode, at least one non-obstructing collecting electrode, and a color filter medium. The cells of different colors are in a laterally adjacent relationship to each other and the charged pigment particles are responsive to the electrodes. The filter medium in each cell can be a light-transmissive color filter element or the pigment suspension fluid can be colored and serve as the filter medium.

Abstract: A transmissive electrophoretic display is generally comprised of a regular lateral array of transmissive electrophoretic cells; each uniformly illuminated from the rear by a backlight. Each cell is comprised of a suspension of charged, black or colored light-absorbing pigment particles in a light-transmissive fluid. Each cell is also comprised of a light-transmissive front and rear window, at least one non-obstructing counter electrode, and at least one non-obstructing, vertically-disposed collecting electrode. With the application of appropriate voltages to the collecting and counter electrodes, each cell can be switched between a light and dark state. In the dark state, the light-absorbing pigment particles are distributed to cover the horizontal area of the cell, thus absorbing light from the backlight and preventing it from reaching the viewer.

Abstract: Stabilized pigment particles for use in electrophoretic display. Stabilization of the pigment particles is effected by covalently bonding the pigment to a polymeric stabilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ambient light electrophoretic display comprising a plurality of cells containing a suspension of charged pigment particles in a light-transmissive fluid. Each cell comprises a light-transmissive front window, a nonobstructing collecting electrode and counter electrode disposed in the cell, and a panel having a reflective or absorbing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ambient light electrophoretic display comprising a plurality of cells containing a suspension of charged pigment particles in a light-transmissive fluid. Each cell comprises a light-transmissive front window, a nonobstructing collecting electrode and counter electrode disposed in the cell, and a panel having a reflective or absorbing surface.