Abstract: A method of forming a TAMR (thermally assisted magnetic recording) write head that uses weakly plasmonic materials that are mechanically strong and thermally stable to create plasmon near field energy. The replacement of highly plasmonic materials like Au with a weakly plasmonic material like Rh avoids the thermal deformations of softer metals like Au. To maintain the performance of the head, it includes pre-focusing structures that concentrate plasmon energy as it moves towards the air bearing surface (ABS). A waveguide blocker at the distal end of the waveguide enhances the plasmons at the interface between the blocker and the dielectric material at the distal end of the waveguide. A pair of symmetrically disposed optical side shields (OSS) are formed to either side of the pole tip and a weakly plasmonic optical field enhancer of sharply defined line-width further strengthens the optical field at its point of application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pH sensing apparatus that includes a flexible polymer substrate, one or more amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes disposed on the flexible polymer substrate, and a reference electrode corresponding to each amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrode. Each reference electrode is disposed on the flexible polymer substrate in close proximity to the corresponding amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrode. The amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes provide a potential in reference to the reference electrodes that varies according to a pH of a substance contacting the amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes and the reference electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pH sensing apparatus that includes a flexible polymer substrate, one or more amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes disposed on the flexible polymer substrate, and a reference electrode corresponding to each amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrode. Each reference electrode is disposed on the flexible polymer substrate in close proximity to the corresponding amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrode. The amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes provide a potential in reference to the reference electrodes that varies according to a pH of a substance contacting the amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes and the reference electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pH sensing apparatus that includes a flexible polymer substrate, one or more amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes disposed on the flexible polymer substrate, and a reference electrode corresponding to each amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrode. Each reference electrode is disposed on the flexible polymer substrate in close proximity to the corresponding amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrode. The amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes provide a potential in reference to the reference electrodes that varies according to a pH of a substance contacting the amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes and the reference electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pH sensing apparatus that includes a flexible polymer substrate, one or more amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes disposed on the flexible polymer substrate, and a reference electrode corresponding to each amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrode. Each reference electrode is disposed on the flexible polymer substrate in close proximity to the corresponding amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrode. The amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes provide a potential in reference to the reference electrodes that varies according to a pH of a substance contacting the amorphous iridium oxide film sensor electrodes and the reference electrodes.