Abstract: Modifications to the indenter probe tips and transducer, and proper selection of optics in an indentation system allow straight down or slightly angled optical viewing of the sample surface under the indentation tip by a microscope, by providing an optical path through the transducer from the sample surface under the tip to a microscope objective, thereby simplifying alignment of the tip to features on the sample.

Abstract: Probe structures that utilize a folded beam structure to support the probe tip. The folded beam or supported-beam structure provides a linear spring force over a large displacement range while resisting probe tip tilting and lateral motion of the probe tip. In one embodiment, the probe structure has a supported-beam structure comprising an inner beam structure surrounded by an outer support, the inner beam structure pivotally connected to the outer support. The inner beam structure has a central region and the outer support having outer corner regions. The outer corner regions provide an attachment region to a supporting mechanism for the probe structure. A probe tip is located at the central region of the inner beam structure. The probe structure may have at least three arms, for example, four arms.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer of multi-layer construction includes at least one rotor plate supported by flexible springs, A number of improvements are disclosed including a hollow rotor plate structure for reduced moving mass, buckling resistant features for the springs, improved spring anchor joint design for reduced creep and hysteresis, and material selection and matching for reduced thermal sensitivity. one embodiment allows measurement of force and/or displacement in multiple directions.

Abstract: An actuator and associated method is provided, the actuator having an arm defining an aperture, an electrical circuit supported by the arm and terminating at a contact, a flexure assembly defining a boss and supporting a second electrical circuit terminating at a second contact, wherein the contacts are resultingly positioned in operable mating engagement with each other placing the electrical circuit in electrical communication with the second electrical circuit when the boss is operably disposed within the aperture and there affixed to the arm.

Abstract: A shielded integrated circuit structure including an integrated circuit having a plurality of functional elements thereon, and a tiled array comprising a plurality of shielding elements, each functional element having one of the plurality of shielding elements proximate thereto. The shielding elements comprise a magnetic material having a saturation less than or equal to 20,000 gauss.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing sliders with protective contacts features the fabrication of which is initiated at the wafer level. Recesses are formed in the wafer, a protective material is provided in the recesses, and the wafer is sliced along the recesses and diced into sliders, such that the protective material forms corners of the sliders. The protective material may be disposed such that it has a low elastic modulus at the corners, and a higher elastic modulus at a displacement from the corners which is still lower than the elastic modulus of the slider body, thereby providing superior protection for potential contacts between the slider and an adjacent media surface.

Abstract: A sensor device comprising a base substrate and first and second flux concentrator fixedly attached to the base substrate. The first flux concentrator and the second flux concentrator are positioned with their proximal end regions facing and spaced apart, defining a gap therebetween. A magnetic sensor element is positioned in the gap, the sensor element moveable towards and away from the base substrate. The sensor device has a first system to offset stray magnetic fields, a second system to modulate the sensor element to detect KHz frequency, and a third system to dither noise from the first and second flux concentrators.

Abstract: A supported probe device that has a probe tip and probe body, the probe body having a sample facing surface and an opposing surface. The probe tip and a first electrode are on the sample facing surface. A second electrode is present on the probe body opposing surface. A third electrode is spaced from the second electrode, so that the second electrode is between the third electrode and the probe body. A first DC voltage source is electrically coupled to the first electrode, as is a first sensing circuit. A second DC voltage source is electrically coupled to the second electrode, and an AC voltage source electrically coupled to the third electrode. The probe body may be cantilevered.

Abstract: A shielded integrated circuit structure including an integrated circuit having a plurality of functional elements thereon, and a tiled array comprising a plurality of shielding elements, each functional element having one of the plurality of shielding elements proximate thereto. The shielding elements comprise a magnetic material having a saturation less than or equal to 20,000 gauss.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer of multi-layer construction includes two rotor plates supported by flexible springs, the plates being spaced apart and rigidly connected by a stem. One rotor plate my be used as either a pickup electrode or a grounded target electrode for determining position, displacement, or load force. The second rotor plate may be used for electrostatic actuation without interfering with or destroying circuitry associated with the first rotor plate. A number of improvements are disclosed including a hollow rotor plate structure for reduced moving mass, buckling resistant features for the springs, improved spring anchor joint design for reduced creep and hysteresis, and material selection and matching for reduced thermal sensitivity.

Abstract: Modifications to the indenter probe tips and transducer, and proper selection of optics in an indentation system allow straight down or slightly angled optical viewing of the sample surface under the indentation tip by a microscope, by providing an optical path through the transducer from the sample surface under the tip to a microscope objective, thereby simplifying alignment of the tip to features on the sample.

Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly transferring data and power via capacitive coupling. In some embodiments, a plurality of first electrodes is configured to wirelessly transfer power and data signals through an insulating layer to a plurality of second electrodes with capacitive coupling. In some embodiments, the insulating layer comprises at least a dielectric film.

Abstract: A micro speaker having a first core assembly and a second core assembly, with a diaphragm between the first and second core assemblies. Each of the core assemblies includes a housing with a pole and a cover plate, and a permanent magnet within the housing. At least one of the core assemblies includes an electrically conductive coil positioned around the pole. Each of the cover plates has a groove therein. The micro speaker further includes a soft magnetic armature present between each cover plate and the diaphragm, with a portion of each armature present and moveable within the grooves.

Abstract: An actuator and associated method is provided, the actuator having an arm defining an aperture, an electrical circuit supported by the arm and terminating at a contact, a flexure assembly defining a boss and supporting a second electrical circuit terminating at a second contact, wherein the contacts are resultingly positioned in operable mating engagement with each other placing the electrical circuit in electrical communication with the second electrical circuit when the boss is operably disposed within the aperture and there affixed to the arm.

Abstract: A sensor device comprising a base substrate and first and second flux concentrator fixedly attached to the base substrate. The first flux concentrator and the second flux concentrator are positioned with their proximal end regions facing and spaced apart, defining a gap therebetween. A magnetic sensor element is positioned in the gap, the sensor element moveable towards and away from the base substrate. The sensor device has a first system to offset stray magnetic fields, a second system to modulate the sensor element to detect KHz frequency, and a third system to dither noise from the first and second flux concentrators.

Abstract: A supported probe device that has a probe tip and probe body, the probe body having a sample facing surface and an opposing surface. The probe tip and a first electrode are on the sample facing surface. A second electrode is present on the probe body opposing surface. A third electrode is spaced from the second electrode, so that the second electrode is between the third electrode and the probe body. A first DC voltage source is electrically coupled to the first electrode, as is a first sensing circuit. A second DC voltage source is electrically coupled to the second electrode, and an AC voltage source electrically coupled to the third electrode. The probe body may be cantilevered.

Abstract: Probe structures that utilize a folded beam structure to support the probe tip. The folded beam or supported-beam structure provides a linear spring force over a large displacement range while resisting probe tip tilting and lateral motion of the probe tip. In one embodiment, the probe structure has a supported-beam structure comprising an inner beam structure surrounded by an outer support, the inner beam structure pivotally connected to the outer support. The inner beam structure has a central region and the outer support having outer corner regions. The outer corner regions provide an attachment region to a supporting mechanism for the probe structure. A probe tip is located at the central region of the inner beam structure. The probe structure may have at least three arms, for example, four arms.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing sliders with protective contacts features the fabrication of which is initiated at the wafer level. Recesses are formed in the wafer, a protective material is provided in the recesses, and the wafer is sliced along the recesses and diced into sliders, such that the protective material forms corners of the sliders. The protective material may be disposed such that it has a low elastic modulus at the corners, and a higher elastic modulus at a displacement from the corners which is still lower than the elastic modulus of the slider body, thereby providing superior protection for potential contacts between the slider and an adjacent media surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a storage medium, a transducer positioned adjacent to the storage medium and along an axis, and first and second support members connected to the transducer at positions that are spaced apart in the direction of the axis.

Abstract: A suspension assembly is disclosed having a base, a load beam region and a spring region. The spring region is positioned between the base and the load beam region. The spring region includes a material having a ratio of modulus of elasticity to yield strength that is less than 100.