Abstract: With an apparatus according to the present invention, when an input color gamut is compressed to an output color gamut, based on the difference value between the lightness of paper white and the lightness at the maximum chroma in the output color gamut of a predetermined hue, if the lightness difference is below a predetermined threshold value, a compression convergence point is set at a position at which lightness is lower than or equal to the lightness at the maximum chroma in the output color gamut. This suppresses reduction of the gradation in the direction of input chroma, and makes it possible to compress the input color gamut to the output color gamut such that excellent color reproduction is achieved while the gradations of lightness and chroma in the input color space are maintained.

Abstract: Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage.

Abstract: An optical phase shifter according to the invention includes the thermo-optical element of which a refractive index with respect to an input optical signal changes dependently on temperature; a temperature change section, having contact with one end of the thermo-optical element and of which a temperature changes so that a temperature of the thermo-optical element becomes a desired temperature; a heat dissipation section being disposed on an opposite side of the thermo-optical element with respect to the temperature change section and going into a state of thermal equilibrium at a temperature different from the temperature of the temperature change section; and a temperature buffer section, being disposed between the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section, having contact with the temperature change section and the heat dissipation section, and having a heat resistance greater than that of the heat dissipation section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a projection apparatus that includes a mirror element and a drive circuit for driving a laser light source for projecting an illumination light. The projection apparatus further includes mirror device for modulating the illumination light and a projection lens for projecting the modulated light from the mirror element. The mirror device is disposed on a device substrate and packaged in a package substrate made of a transparent silicon material with a metallic thermal transfer path connected to the device substrate and a cover glass covering the package substrate. The distance between the mirror and the bottom surface of the cover glass is larger than the focal length of the projection lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic paper display apparatus, which comprises: plural pairs of rotating balls each pair having a first rotating ball and a second rotating ball of a size smaller than that of the first rotating ball; a partition wall member having a plurality of cavities each in which a respective rotating ball is positioned and configured to transversely separate the plurality of rotating balls from each other; an electrode structure formed on the partition wall member and configured to provide a drive voltage to each of the plurality of rotating balls; and a plurality of distance adjusting members disposed inside the plurality of cavities, with being faced the plurality of rotating balls.

Abstract: A high speed optical shutter, a method of operating the high speed optical shutter, and an optical apparatus including the high speed optical shutter. The optical shutter includes a transparent electro-optical medium in an active solid state having a total internal reflection surface on which an angle of total internal reflection is changed by an external action. The transparent electro-optical medium may be a prism or a prism array whose angle of total internal reflection is changed by the external action. An incident light path changing unit may be further arranged in front of the transparent electro-optical medium. Also, a light path changing unit may be further arranged so as to allow light passing through the electro-optical medium to be perpendicularly incident on an incidence target object.

Abstract: A device for generating or receiving electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range from 10 GHz to 100 THz is provided. The device includes a housing and a wave guide fiber leading into the housing. The wave guide fiber is adapted for guiding pulsed laser light with a first central wavelength. Within the housing, a terahertz converter is provided for generating or receiving the electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz range. The device also includes a frequency converter for converting the light exiting from the wave guide fiber to a second central wavelength being arranged between the end of the wave guide fiber and the terahertz converter in such a way that the terahertz converter is impinged by the frequency converted light.

Abstract: A new method for making a nonlinear optical structure for frequency conversion and for using that structure for frequency conversion is described. The nonlinear optical structure is made by depositing alternating contiguous layers of gallium arsenide and aluminum gallium arsenide onto a gallium arsenide substrate. Optical frequency conversion is performed by transmitting a pump laser beam through the structure. The new method is easier to perform than prior art methods.

Abstract: A chirped pulse amplification (CPA) system comprises an optical pulse stretcher and an optical pulse compressor that are mismatched in that the optical pulse compressor includes a bulk optical grating while the optical pulse stretcher does not. High order dispersion compensation is provided by an optical phase mask disposed within the optical pulse compressor.

Abstract: An optical amplifier on a silicon platform includes a first doped device layer and a second doped device layer. A gain medium is positioned between the first and second doped device layers. The gain medium comprises extrinsic gain materials so as to substantially confine in the gain medium a light signal and allow the optical amplifier to be electrically or optically pumped.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique and novel combination light source and active light filtering system for microscopes that eliminates the need for individual color filters, fluorescence filters, and many other filter types. The present invention provides variable light wavelength generating capabilities, and all of the benefits of most commercially available light sources in a compact package that can be mounted on a microscope or used at a distance from a microscope, but be coupled to it through a fiber optic cable or other light transmission means. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for a filter wheel turret in a microscope's optical path, as well as eliminates the need for multiple fluorescent filter blocks in a fluorescent microscope optical path. The present invention can improve microscope filter systems to enable effective imaging of live cells without staining.

Abstract: An improved technique balances a telescope from the viewpoint of the motors that drive the telescope's axes. A motor that controls movement along an axis of the telescope drives the telescope in one direction and then in the opposite direction. Motor current is measured while the motor is driving the telescope in each direction, and a difference in motor current is computed. The difference in motor current indicates the degree of imbalance of the telescope, which may be communicated to an operator to allow adjustments to the telescope to improve its balance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing vibration compensation using position measurements are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of compensating for vibrations of an object includes obtaining a plurality of position measurements associated with the object. The method also includes processing the plurality of position measurements to determine a derivative acceleration, and determining a compensatory force to counteract the vibrations of the object. Determining the compensatory force includes using the derivative acceleration. Finally, the method includes applying the compensatory force to the object.

Abstract: A multifocal ophthalmic lens includes a lens element having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, a refractive zone, or base surface having produced multifocal powers disposed on one of the anterior and posterior surfaces; and a near focus diffractive multifocal zone disposed on one of the anterior and posterior surfaces.

Abstract: Improved Light Re-directing Elements (ILRE) are provided in which a diffracting region is combined with a light scattering region to correct angular chromatic dispersion. Further embodiments include optical devices and systems using ILRE to reduce moiré, efficiently re-direct light, improve spatial and angular color and luminance uniformity, and reduce wavelength dispersion. In one embodiment, the light scattering region is a volumetric anisotropic light scattering region. Embodiments are included for use of ILRE in light emitting devices, displays and light fixtures.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing fringe interference of light created in the optical system of a laser spectroscopy system comprising an electromagnetic actuator for generating, along a laser path, physical translational vibration of an optical element of the optical system and a control device for controlling the amplitude and frequency of said vibration. The optical element is arranged on a cantilever body which is, at one end, attached to a base by a flexural pivot and, at the other free end, coupled to the electromagnetic actuator, and the control device includes a controller that controls the amplitude of the vibration and a vibration sensor attached to the cantilever body and providing the actual vibration value to the controller to improve fringe interference reduction, especially with longer wavelengths.

Abstract: Multilayer anti-reflective coatings having four or more layers are disclosed. In one aspect, the multilayer anti-reflective coating comprises a first layer having a refractive index n1, where n1<1.4, and an optical thickness of (0.25±5%) ?o nm; a second layer adjacent to the first layer, the second layer having a refractive index n2, where n2?1.8, and an optical thickness of (0.5±5%) ?o nm; a third layer adjacent to the second layer, the third layer having a refractive index n3, where 1.4?n3<1.6, and an optical thickness of (0.1±5%) ?o nm; and a fourth layer adjacent to the third layer, the fourth layer having a refractive index n4, where n4?1.8, and an optical thickness of (0.05±10%) ?o nm; where ?o is a wavelength in the visible light range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for integrating at least one optical element inside an insulated glazing unit comprising at least two glass panes, where the optical element has a plurality of perforations and a non-perforated area, where the non-perforated area prevents penetration of light in a building where the insulated glazing unit is mounted, and where the perforations have a depth/width ratio that allows for passage of light with given angles of incidence, while light having other angles of incidence are unable to pass though the perforations, which provides a shading effect, and wherein the optical element is arranged between the two glass panes by means of an adhesive, and where the adhesive is substantially not present in the perforations of the optical element.

Abstract: In a display which includes a plurality of light exit point groups, and a plurality of lenses which project the plurality of light exit point groups, the light exit point group includes at least one light exit point, and each lens is disposed such that an image of the light exit point group is projected to be overlapped, and projected images of the plurality of lenses are formed on a pupil of an eye of an observer by making overlapping of light exit points in the light exit point group which have been overlapped upon being projected by the lenses, incident on a pupil of the eye of the observer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for causing a single imaging lens system to simultaneously form multiple high resolution images on multiple imaging sensor planes. The images are preferably substantially identical, with no parallax error, except for different light levels so that the multiple images are of sufficient quality and similarity that they may be compared and/or combined (typically pixel-by-pixel) to create a single instantaneous high dynamic range (HDR) image. The invention may be used to create high-resolution HDR snapshots of moving subjects, as well as high-resolution HDR moving pictures (e.g. cinematographic films, movies, or other video) in which the subject and/or camera is moving. Alternatively, the images are substantially identical except for different focuses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device, notably for a motor vehicle, comprising a projection module for generating an image for the purpose of a projection in the normal direction of looking of a user of the display device on an optical path, the display device comprising a reflection element, the reflection element being capable of being moved between a multitude of different display positions, the different display positions corresponding to different viewing positions of a user of the display device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical combiner for combining multiple laser beams in a flow cytometer. A dichroic beam combiner is used to combine a second laser beam with a first laser beam so that the two beams are collinear. A beam size adjuster is utilized to adjust the size and convergence/divergence of the second laser beam so that both laser beams focus in a vertical direction at the same location on a stream in the flow cytometer. A cylindrical lens with a vertically oriented axis in the focusable beam shaping optics can also be adjusted to adjust the location of the focus point of the two beams in the horizontal direction. Alignment is maintained with the opto-mechanical adjustments made on one laser beam relative to the other laser beam path. Additional beams can also be added to the optical path.

Abstract: A plastic lens includes a first surface and second surface that each have an optical function; and a peripheral surface formed at a periphery of the first surface and the second surface; and has a central portion of a thickness that is thinner than that of a peripheral portion of the plastic lens. The second surface includes an optically functional concave aspect, a recess formed along an outer perimeter of the concave aspect, a first protruding portion formed at a boundary of the concave aspect and the recess, a second protruding portion formed at a boundary of the recess and the peripheral surface, and a gate portion formed on the peripheral surface, at a position where a resin injection outlet is arranged during formation of the plastic lens.

Abstract: A zoom lens system has a front lens group and a rear lens group along the optical axis and in order from the object side. The rear lens group has a first lens unit having a positive refracting power, a second lens unit having a negative refracting power, and a third lens unit having a positive refracting power. Upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, a space between the front lens group and the first lens unit varies, a space between the first lens unit and the second lens unit increases, and a space between the second lens unit and the third lens unit decreases. At least a part of the second lens unit is movable so as to have a component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A zoom lens ZL installed in an electronic still camera 1 and the like includes, in order from an object side, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power, a given conditional expressions are satisfied, where r3F denotes a radius of curvature of an image side lens surface of the cemented lens in the third lens group, and r3R denotes a radius of curvature of an object side lens surface of the negative meniscus lens in the third lens group, thereby providing a zoom lens having excellent optical performance, an optical apparatus equipped therewith, and a method for manufacturing the zoom lens.

Abstract: A lens control apparatus, and an interchangeable lens including the lens control apparatus, are provided which can obtain, in zoom tracking operation, excellent optical images at subject distances in a wider range. A lens control apparatus controls drive of an optical system including a first and a second focus lens for adjusting a focus state and a zoom lens for adjusting an angle of view. The lens control apparatus includes: a first driver that drives the first focus lens; a second driver that drives the second focus lens; a controller that controls the first and second drivers; and a storage unit that stores first and second tracking data, the first and second tracking data each being information that associates a position of the first and second focus lenses respectively with a position of the zoom lens for focusing on a subject.

Abstract: An image pickup lens includes, in sequence from an object side to an image side, an aperture stop; a first lens having two convex surfaces and having a positive refractive power; a second lens in a meniscus shape whose convex surface faces to the object side having a negative refractive power; a third lens in a meniscus shape with the convex surface facing to the image side having a positive refractive power; a fourth lens in a meniscus shape with the convex surface facing to the object side having a negative refractive power. Predefined conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A lens support frame includes an annular body portion; a large diameter lens holding groove on an inner peripheral surface of the body portion which is open on one side; a small diameter lens holding groove formed on an inner peripheral surface of the body portion and is open on the one side; and large-diameter-groove and small-diameter-groove lens-bonding depressions formed on inner peripheral surfaces of a large diameter lens holding groove and the small diameter lens holding groove, respectively, and allow an adhesive to be injected into the large-diameter-groove and small-diameter-groove lens-bonding depressions through end openings thereof on the one side, the end opening of the small-diameter-groove lens-bonding depression being communicatively connected with the large-diameter-groove lens-bonding depression. Circumferential positions of the large-diameter-groove and small-diameter-groove lens-bonding depressions are mutually different.

Abstract: A solid immersion lens supporting device includes a lens holder 30 that holds a solid immersion lens 20 in a free state in which a lens bottom surface 22 protrudes downward through a lower opening 32 so as not to fix the solid immersion lens, and a lens cover 40 which is provided to an upper opening 31 of the lens holder 30, and in which a cover bottom surface 42 on the solid immersion lens 20 side is on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis, the lens cover coming into one-point contact with a spherical lens top surface 21 of the solid immersion lens 20. Further, the lens cover 40 is provided with a positioning portion which is capable of carrying out positioning of the solid immersion lens 20 with respect to the objective lens with reference to an image of the lens cover 40 observed via the objective lens. Thereby, the immersion lens supporting device which is capable of efficiently carrying out movement, installation, and positioning of the immersion lens onto a sample is realized.

Abstract: A device may have an outer frame, a platform, and a plurality of actuators configured to move the platform with respect to the outer frame. Each of the actuators may have a movable frame and a fixed frame. A motion control mechanism may be configured to permit movement of the platform in a desired direction with respect to the outer frame and inhibit rotation of the platform with respect to the outer frame.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for patterned media concentric zones with an alternating series of concentric servo zones and overlap zones. The overlap zones facilitate the writing of servo data between servo zones of different servo frequency. The overlap zones may be dual frequency zones. The dual frequency zones have a first set of overlap patterns with the substantially identical pattern as the bordering lower frequency servo zone and a second set of overlap patterns with the substantially identical pattern as the bordering higher frequency servo zone. A bootstrap zone can be included near the inner diameter to assist initial servo writing. Alternatively the overlap zones are bootstrap zones. Such bootstrap zones have both bootstrap patterns and overlap patterns, the overlap patterns have the substantially identical pattern as a bordering servo zone. Bootstrap patterns only require DC magnetization for servo operability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method including recording time stamps for a repeating characteristic of a spindle back electromotive force (BEMF) signal and comparing one or more of the recorded time stamps for the repeating characteristic of the spindle BEMF signal with an expected value for the one or more recorded time stamps to detect a timing error associated with writing a servo pattern on a machine readable medium of a self-servo write (SSW) system. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving accuracy of head positioning using existing servo patterns are provided. In one embodiment, a method for improving read head positioning is provided that comprises: writing a series of tracks over a range of read offsets to be calibrated; measuring a set of raw track profiles from the series of tracks; sampling the set of raw track profiles at a series of signal amplitude levels; constructing a reference track profile from the set of sampled track profiles; calculating a set of read offset deltas from each sampled track profile; merging the sets of read offset deltas into a set of average read offset deltas; and converting the set of average read offset deltas into a read offset correction table. A similar method for improving disk write head positioning is also provided which utilizes such a read offset correction table to eventually create write offset correction table.

Abstract: A hard drive write preamplifier includes a first differential pair of PNP BJTs having a first PNP BJT and a second PNP BJT; a first tail current source coupled into emitter of the PNP BJTs of the first differential pair; a second differential pair of NPN BJTs having a first NPN BJT and a second NPN BJT; a second tail current source coupled into the emitters of the NPN BJTs of the second differential pair; wherein a collector of each of the PNP BJTs of the first differential pair are coupled to a corresponding collector the NPN BJTs of the second differential pair; a first shift up PNP BJT having emitter coupled to the collector of a first PNP BJT of the first differential pair; a second shift up PNP BJT having an emitter coupled to the collector of the second PNP BJT of the first differential pair.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a first disk surface comprising multiple zones, each comprising multiple tracks, a first head actuated radially over the first disk surface to write data to and read data from the first disk surface, and control circuitry coupled to the head. The control circuitry sets the first head to a first fly height over a first zone, writes a data pattern on a first track in the first zone, reads the data pattern to determine a first value of a first metric, writes a first frequency pattern on the first track, determines an initial amplitude of the first frequency pattern, writes a second frequency pattern over the first frequency pattern, determines a first value of a second metric for the first frequency pattern, and determines a first fly height value for the first zone by utilizing the first values of the first and second metrics.

Abstract: A servo track has identical servo pattern frames including two pairs of parallel magnetic transitions, the transitions of each pair spaced apart an equal distance, the transitions of the first pair at an azimuth angle to the longitudinal axis of the tape, the transitions of the second pair at an opposite azimuth angle. A servo channel receives signals at first times corresponding to when a servo read head detects the first and second transitions of the first pair of parallel transitions of a servo pattern frame, and second times corresponding to when the servo read head detects the first and second transitions of the second pair of parallel transitions. The servo channel determines a relative lateral movement and velocity between the tape and the tape head based on the azimuth angle and the ratio of the difference of the first and the difference of the second times.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk including a plurality of sectors each comprising a sector sync mark pattern and sector data preceding and following the sector sync mark pattern, and a head actuated over the disk for generating a read signal. A data sequence is detected from the read signal, and the data sequence is correlated with an extended sync mark comprising a target sync mark pattern and target data. The correlation of the target sync mark pattern with the data sequence is biased relative to the correlation of the target data with the data sequence.

Abstract: An airflow control device for a hard disk drive comprises an outer perimeter having a radius equal to or greater than an outer radius of a disk in the hard disk drive. The airflow control device has a thickness less than the spacing between adjacent disks in the hard disk drive. The airflow control device has a central opening with an inner perimeter greater than the outer circumference of a spacer ring of the hard disk drive. A notch in the outer perimeter is configured to accommodate the actuator assembly of the hard disk drive. A bypass slot transecting the perimeter has a bend with a radius nearly centered to the central opening.

Abstract: The disk drive device includes a base member, a hub, a clamper including an end that defines a central hole, a bearing unit which is arranged on the base member and which rotatably supports the hub, and a spindle drive unit which drives the hub to rotate. The hub is formed of magnetic material and includes an exterior cylinder portion engaged with an inner circumference of a recording disk and an interior cylinder portion to which the outer diameter portion of the magnet is fixed. The hub is provided with a fitting portion located radially outside of a space in the bearing unit for storing lubricant and configured to be fitted to the end of the clamper that defines the central hole.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing with an immiscible fluid barrier deposited on the bearing oil is disclosed. One embodiment provides the fluid dynamic bearing having a seal gap to define a seal cavity. The seal cavity is filled with the bearing oil for lubricating the fluid dynamic bearing. The immiscible fluid is disposed on the bearing oil to prevent the bearing oil from evaporating from the seal cavity. In one embodiment, the immiscible fluid is insoluble in the bearing oil.

Abstract: A write shield includes first and second shield portions located on opposite sides of a main pole in a track width direction. A return path section includes first and second yoke portions located on opposite sides of the main pole in the track width direction. A coil surrounds at least part of the entire outer periphery of the main pole when viewed from a medium facing surface. The coil includes a first magnetic portion located in a first space between the main pole and the first yoke portion, and a second magnetic portion located in a second space between the main pole and the second yoke portion. The first and second magnetic portions are made of a magnetic conductive material.

Abstract: A transducing head writer comprising a write pole having write pole tip, a yoke disposed on the write pole at a location that is recessed from the write pole tip, and a bridge feature disposed on the write pole between the yoke and the write pole tip, where the bridge feature has a geometry that is larger at a recessed end adjacent to the yoke compared to a proximate end adjacent to the write pole tip.

Abstract: Magnetic write heads and corresponding fabrication methods for bi-layer wrap around shields resulting in dissimilar shield layer widths are disclosed. A gap structure is formed around a main write pole for a magnetic write head. A wrap around shield for the main write pole is fabricated to include a first magnetic layer proximate to the main write pole and a second magnetic layer on the first magnetic layer. A width of the first magnetic layer is less than the width of the second magnetic layer, and back edges of the first and second magnetic layers are coplanar. Further, a throat height of the wrap around shield is maintained between the first and the second magnetic layers because their back edges are coplanar.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tape movement constraint comprises a tiltable tape roller bearing having a grooved surface adapted to contact and engage a surface of the tape as the roller barrel rotates. An actuator adapted to pivot the roller bearing surface controls the lateral position of a tape. In operation, in one embodiment, the roller barrel of the roller bearing is rotated by engaging a surface of the tape roller barrel with a longitudinally moving magnetic tape. At least a portion of any air bearing between the moving tape and the barrel surface is quenched using grooves formed in the barrel surface. The lateral position of the moving tape is sensed and the rotating roller barrel is tilted in response to the sensed lateral position of the moving tape to control the lateral position of the moving tape. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a magnetic had includes a top shield and a bottom shield positioned at an air bearing surface. A polarizer and a nonmagnetic layer are positioned between the top and bottom shields. An analyzer is positioned adjacent the nonmagnetic layer at a distance recessed from the air bearing surface. Current travels through the top shield, polarizer, nonmagnetic layer, and first analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a magnetic head having a thinner intermixing layer between a barrier layer and a magnetic layer. The method of making the magnetic head is also disclosed. The thinner intermixing layer in the magnetic head is formed by cooling the barrier layer in an atmosphere having a temperature of below 0 degrees Celsius prior to depositing the magnetic layer on the barrier layer. The thinner intermixing layer leads to a sharp interface between the barrier layer and the magnetic layer, which leads to an increased MR.

Abstract: A two terminal arc suppressor for protecting switch, relay or contactor contacts and the like comprises a two terminal module adapted to be attached in parallel with the contacts to be protected and including a circuit for deriving an operating voltage upon the transitioning of the switch, relay or contactor contacts from a closed to an open disposition, the power being rectified and the resulting DC signal used to trigger a power triac switch via an optoisolator circuit whereby arc suppression pulses are generated for short predetermined intervals only at a transition of the mechanical switch, relay or contactor contacts from an closed to an open transition and, again, at an open to a close transition during contact bounce conditions.

Abstract: An electrical contactor with high DC and AC interrupt capability is disclosed. The invention is intended for applications where load break capability is only required under abnormal operating conditions. Under overload conditions, an alternate path is automatically provided through a sacrificial fuse to divert current from opening, or open and arcing, contacts such that the fuse interrupts the fault current and not the contacts. The current rating of the sacrificial fuse may be orders of magnitude less than the normal carry current of the contactor. The contactor provides a one-time load break function that is renewable by the replacement of a fuse.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a non-linear power management device having an output terminal configured to be coupled to an output shunt device configured to shunt energy in response to a voltage across the output shunt device exceeding a trigger voltage of the output shunt device. The non-linear power management device can be configured to change to a saturation mode in response to a first current associated with an energy pulse through the non-linear power management device. The apparatus can include an input shunt device coupled to an input terminal of the non-linear power management device and having a trigger voltage higher than the trigger voltage of the output shunt device. The input shunt device can be configured to shunt a second current associated with the energy pulse in response to a voltage drop across the non-linear power management device.

Abstract: In a conventional differential output circuit, the output terminals are connected to the drains of a differential pair of transistors and the sources of the transistors are connected together at a first node. The bodies of the transistors are connected to a second node having a potential different from that of the first node. In the event of a HBM ESD event, discharge may take place through the differential transistors, leading to destruction of one of them. To reduce the likelihood of such discharge, in a preferred embodiment, switches are provided to connect the body of each of the differential transistors to the first node when an ESD event is sensed. In an alternative embodiment, a switch is provided to connect the first node to the second node when an ESD event is sensed.