Abstract: A field deployable optical assembly for use in testing a light-responsive sample is disclosed. The assembly includes a microfluidic device, a first optical package, and a second optical package. The first optical package includes a light emitting diode (LED), a first optical device, and a first light-path control, the first optical package configured to guide and focus light from the LED onto the sample. The microfluidic device includes a tethered control substance. In response to a substance within the sample being associated with, and attaching to, the tethered control, the sample emits light. The second optical package includes a photo sensor, a second optical device, and a second light-path control, the second optical package configured to guide and focus the light emitted from the sample onto the photo sensor.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for calibrating a hard disc drive magnetic head flying height tester by a calibration standard, which includes a mock slider and mock disc, by optical interference techniques.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for calibrating a hard disc drive magnetic head flying height tester by a calibration standard, which includes a mock slider and mock disc, by optical interference techniques.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the related art by providing a spatial reference system that includes at least one artifact assembly. The artifact assembly has a measuring bar assembly including an inner member with a proximate end and a distal end, an outer member with a proximate end and a distal end, and a compensating member with a proximate end and a distal end operatively disposed between said inner and said outer members. The distal end of the outer member is fixedly mounted to the distal end of the compensating member. The proximate end of the compensating member is fixedly mounted to the proximate end of the inner member.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for providing a disk of an optical tester. The disk comprises a transparent substrate that has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The disk also includes a coating on the first surface of the transparent substrate. An identical coating can be applied to the second surface of the transparent substrate. The coating can have multiple layers of thin films. The present invention provides a method to determine the required thickness of the coating to enhance the sensitivity of zero flying height measurement.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for providing a disk of an optical tester. The disk comprises a transparent substrate that has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The disk also includes a coating on the first surface of the transparent substrate. An identical coating can be applied to the second surface of the transparent substrate. The coating can have multiple layers of thin films. The present invention provides a method to determine the required thickness of the coating to enhance the sensitivity of zero flying height measurement.

Abstract: An optical certifying head flies above a disc surface within an evanescent decay length of the disc surface. A light beam is focused through an objective lens, and further focused through a SIL. The SIL-focused light is coupled to the disc surface through near-field coupling. The light is reflected from the disc surface depending on a surface condition of the disc such that the surface condition can be determined.

Abstract: A method of controllably adding at least one contaminant to a surface of a silicon wafer. The method includes providing a solution containing a known concentration of one or more contaminants and having a known pH. The solution is applied to a surface of a silicon wafer and allowed to remain there for a predetermined period of time so that the one or more contaminants adsorb to the wafer surface. The solution is then removed while leaving the adsorbed one or more contaminants on the surface.