Abstract: A microfluidic lab-on-a-chip system for DNA gene assembly that utilizes a DNA symbol library and a DNA linker library. The lab-on-a-chip has a fluidic platform with a plurality of arrays operably connected to a voltage source and a controller for the voltage source, a set of first inlets operably connected to the fluidic platform, each first inlet for one DNA symbol from a DNA symbol library, a set of second inlets operably connected to the fluidic platform, each second inlet for one DNA linker from a DNA linker library, and a mixing area operably connected to the fluidic platform and to the plurality of first inlets and the plurality of second inlets.

Abstract: One or more networks each include a plurality of sensor nodes operable to communicate public data with each other. Each of the plurality of sensor nodes is operable to gather sensor node data and store the sensor node data locally on the sensor node. Duplicate portions of the sensor node data are distributed to the public data of others of the plurality of sensor nodes via the public data paths for backup storage. The system includes a host that is coupled to individually communicate private data with each of the plurality of sensor nodes. Each of the sensor nodes protects the private data from others of the sensor nodes using distributed key management to ensure distributed encryption.

Abstract: First and second tracks are read simultaneously via a first reader mounted in a head-gimbal assembly. The first reader provides a first signal based on detecting a total perpendicular field of the first and second tracks. The first and second tracks are read simultaneously via a second reader mounted in the head-gimbal assembly. The second reader provides a second signal based on detecting a total longitudinal field of the first and second tracks. At least one of a position error and a timing error of at least one of the first and second readers are determined based on user data read via the respective first and second signals.

Abstract: A hard disc drive includes a slider including a first reader and a second reader. The hard disc drive also includes a magnetic recording medium and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a distance between the slider and the magnetic recording medium based at least in part on amplitudes of read signals from both the first reader and the second reader.

Abstract: Pseudorandom bit sequences are recorded to a heat-assisted recording medium at a laser power that is stepped while recording the pseudorandom bit sequences. The pseudorandom bit sequences are read from the heat-assisted recording medium to determine timing differences between bits written before and after the laser power is stepped. A thermal gradient of bits written to the heat-assisted recording medium is determined based on the timing differences.

Abstract: A servo sector on a disk is read via first and second readers that both span two or more user data tracks. The servo sector has a crosstrack width that spans the two or more user data tracks. The first reader provides a first signal based on detecting a total longitudinal field of the servo sector. The second reader provides a second signal based on detecting a total perpendicular field of the servo sector. A position error of the first and second readers is detected using. A value of the first signal can be used to detect a position error, detect a track-to-track phase error, and/or detect a Gray code error of a track ID field of the servo sector.

Abstract: A first reader spans first and second tracks of a recording medium and provides a first signal responsive to a first total longitudinal field of the first and second tracks. A second read spans two other tracks, at least one of the two other tracks being different from the first and second tracks. The second reader provides a second signal responsive to a second total longitudinal field of the two other tracks. A third reader spans two or more of the tracks and provides a third signal responsive to a total perpendicular field of the two or more tracks. User data is decoded from the first, second, and third signals.

Abstract: First and second tracks of a magnetic recording medium are read simultaneously via a first reader that provides a first signal based on detecting a total perpendicular field of the first and second tracks. The first and second tracks are read simultaneously via a second reader that provides a second signal based on detecting a total longitudinal field of the first and second tracks. Data is detected from the first and second signals.

Abstract: In one implementation, the disclosure provides a method comprising detecting one or more areas of a storage medium having a data pattern with a plurality of consecutive bits, where the consecutive bits have the same polarity. The method further comprises encoding additional information on a section of the one or more detected areas, where the section of the one or more detected areas has a signal to noise ratio (SNR) higher than SNR of the other areas of the storage media.

Abstract: A method comprises writing a waveform on a magnetic recording medium using a heat-assisted magnetic recording apparatus which includes a laser. The method also comprises reading back the waveform from the medium, and detecting one or more transition shifts in the readback waveform indicative of a mode hop of the laser. The method further comprises measuring a metric of the one or more transition shifts.

Abstract: A method comprises writing a waveform on a magnetic recording medium using a heat-assisted magnetic recording apparatus which includes a laser. The method also comprises reading back the waveform from the medium, and detecting one or more transition shifts in the readback waveform indicative of a mode hop of the laser. The method further comprises measuring a metric of the one or more transition shifts.

Abstract: Optical disc stampers, methods of manufacturing the optical disc stampers, systems for manufacturing the optical disc stampers, and methods of replicating optical discs using the stampers are disclosed. The optical disc stamper is formed directly on a substrate that supports a patterning material including at least one layer of a first material and at least one layer of a second material. The first and second materials can include a metal and semiconductor. The patterning material is exposed to energy in selected areas. Unexposed areas of the patterning material are then removed, resulting in an optical disc stamper. The first and second materials can form an amorphous alloy in the exposed selected areas that remains after removal of the unexposed patterning material. The optical disc stamper can be used in the replication of optical data storage discs. Also disclosed arc systems for practicing the methods to produce optical data storage disc stampers.