Patents by Inventor Frank T. Hartley
Frank T. Hartley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 11442002Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward optical elements, such as sample cuvettes, lenses, prisms, and the like, whose transmissivity is increased by the addition of a geometric anti-reflection layer disposed on at least one surface of the optical element, where the geometric anti-reflection layer includes a plurality of geometric features that collectively reduce the reflectivity of the interface between the surface and another medium. As a result, more of an optical signal incident on the surface passes through the interface. In some embodiments, every surface through which an optical signal passes includes a geometric anti-reflection layer. Due to the increased transmissivity of the optical element, in some embodiments, the use of low-cost, high-refractive-index materials, such as conventional silicon, is enabled.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Axel Scherer, Amirhossein Nateghi, Taeyoon Jeon, Frank T. Hartley
-
Publication number: 20200309676Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward optical elements, such as sample cuvettes, lenses, prisms, and the like, whose transmissivity is increased by the addition of a geometric anti-reflection layer disposed on at least one surface of the optical element, where the geometric anti-reflection layer includes a plurality of geometric features that collectively reduce the reflectivity of the interface between the surface and another medium. As a result, more of an optical signal incident on the surface passes through the interface. In some embodiments, every surface through which an optical signal passes includes a geometric anti-reflection layer. Due to the increased transmissivity of the optical element, in some embodiments, the use of low-cost, high-refractive-index materials, such as conventional silicon, is enabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Axel Scherer, Amirhossein Nateghi, Taeyoon Jeon, Frank T. Hartley
-
Patent number: 10712258Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a cuvette for holding a test sample during optical interrogation with a light signal. The transmissivity of the cuvette is increased by a geometric anti-reflection layer disposed on at least one surface of the cuvette, where the geometric anti-reflection layer includes a plurality of geometric features that collectively reduce the reflectivity of the interface between the surface and another medium. As a result, more of the interrogation signal passes through the interface. In some embodiments, every surface through which the interrogation signal passes includes a geometric anti-reflection layer. Due to the increased transmissivity of the cuvette, light detected after passing through it can have an improved signal-to-noise ratio and/or the light signal used to interrogate the sample can have lower intensity. In addition, the reduction of the reflectivity of each surface enables the use of low-cost, high-refractive-index materials, such as conventional silicon.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Axel Scherer, Amirhossein Nateghi, Taeyoon Jeon, Frank T. Hartley
-
Publication number: 20190170633Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a cuvette for holding a test sample during optical interrogation with a light signal. The transmissivity of the cuvette is increased by a geometric anti-reflection layer disposed on at least one surface of the cuvette, where the geometric anti-reflection layer includes a plurality of geometric features that collectively reduce the reflectivity of the interface between the surface and another medium. As a result, more of the interrogation signal passes through the interface. In some embodiments, every surface through which the interrogation signal passes includes a geometric anti-reflection layer. Due to the increased transmissivity of the cuvette, light detected after passing through it can have an improved signal-to-noise ratio and/or the light signal used to interrogate the sample can have lower intensity. In addition, the reduction of the reflectivity of each surface enables the use of low-cost, high-refractive-index materials, such as conventional silicon.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Axel Scherer, Amirhossein Nateghi, Taeyoon Jeon, Frank T. Hartley
-
Patent number: 10006855Abstract: MIR spectroscopy systems comprising hierarchical spectral dispersion that enables fine spectral resolution and high sensitivity spectroscopy are disclosed. Hierarchical spectral dispersion is derived by employing at least two diffractive lens arrays, located on either side of a test sample, each receiving input radiation having an input spectral range and distributing the input radiation into a plurality of output signals, each having a fraction of the spectral range of the input radiation. As a result, the signal multiplication factor of the two arrays is multiplied in a manner that mitigates the propagation of wavelength harmonics through the system. In some embodiments, an emitter array comprising a plurality of spectrally selective emitters provides the input MIR radiation to a spectroscopy system. In some embodiments, spectrally selective detectors are used to detect narrow spectral components in the radiation after they have passed through the test sample.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Axel Scherer, Frank T. Hartley
-
Publication number: 20170074786Abstract: MIR spectroscopy systems comprising hierarchical spectral dispersion that enables fine spectral resolution and high sensitivity spectroscopy are disclosed. Hierarchical spectral dispersion is derived by employing at least two diffractive lens arrays, located on either side of a test sample, each receiving input radiation having an input spectral range and distributing the input radiation into a plurality of output signals, each having a fraction of the spectral range of the input radiation. As a result, the signal multiplication factor of the two arrays is multiplied in a manner that mitigates the propagation of wavelength harmonics through the system. In some embodiments, an emitter array comprising a plurality of spectrally selective emitters provides the input MIR radiation to a spectroscopy system. In some embodiments, spectrally selective detectors are used to detect narrow spectral components in the radiation after they have passed through the test sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Axel Scherer, Frank T. Hartley
-
Patent number: 9518917Abstract: MIR spectroscopy systems comprising hierarchical spectral dispersion that enables fine spectral resolution and high sensitivity spectroscopy are disclosed. Hierarchical spectral dispersion is derived by employing at least two diffractive lens arrays, located on either side of a test sample, each receiving input radiation having an input spectral range and distributing the input radiation into a plurality of output signals, each having a fraction of the spectral range of the input radiation. As a result, the signal multiplication factor of the two arrays is multiplied in a manner that mitigates the propagation of wavelength harmonics through the system. In some embodiments, an emitter array comprising a plurality of spectrally selective emitters provides the input MIR radiation to a spectroscopy system. In some embodiments, spectrally selective detectors are used to detect narrow spectral components in the radiation after they have passed through the test sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Axel Scherer, Frank T. Hartley
-
Publication number: 20160266035Abstract: MIR spectroscopy systems comprising hierarchical spectral dispersion that enables fine spectral resolution and high sensitivity spectroscopy are disclosed. Hierarchical spectral dispersion is derived by employing at least two diffractive lens arrays, located on either side of a test sample, each receiving input radiation having an input spectral range and distributing the input radiation into a plurality of output signals, each having a fraction of the spectral range of the input radiation. As a result, the signal multiplication factor of the two arrays is multiplied in a manner that mitigates the propagation of wavelength harmonics through the system. In some embodiments, an emitter array comprising a plurality of spectrally selective emitters provides the input MIR radiation to a spectroscopy system. In some embodiments, spectrally selective detectors are used to detect narrow spectral components in the radiation after they have passed through the test sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Axel Scherer, Frank T. Hartley
-
Patent number: 7208240Abstract: A fuel cell is disclosed comprising an ionization membrane having at least one area through which gas is passed, and which ionizes the gas passing therethrough, and a cathode for receiving the ions generated by the ionization membrane. The ionization membrane may include one or more openings in the membrane with electrodes that are located closer than a mean free path of molecules within the gas to be ionized. Methods of manufacture are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Ionfinity LLCInventor: Frank T. Hartley
-
Patent number: 7174703Abstract: An ion thrusting system is disclosed comprising an ionization membrane having at least one area through which a gas is passed, and which ionizes the gas molecules passing therethrough to form ions and electrons, and an accelerator element which accelerates the ions to form thrust. In some variations, a potential is applied to the ionization membrane may be reversed to thrust ions in an opposite direction. The ionization membrane may also include an opening with electrodes that are located closer than a mean free path of the gas being ionized. Methods of manufacture and use are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Ionfinity LLCInventor: Frank T. Hartley
-
Patent number: 6943345Abstract: A soft ionization device is disclosed that comprises a series of electrodes having spacing less than the means free path of the molecules to be ionized. In some embodiments, the soft ionization device is used in various applications that require ion or electron sources such as biological or chemical reactors, ion milling, and numerous replacements for conventional hot cathode systems. In another embodiment, a valence spectrometer is disclosed that is configured to variably ionize molecules by their valiancy. In other embodiments, the ionization device is coupled to a spectrometer for the characterization of biological matter. Also disclosed is a preconditioner for preparing biological matter to be ionized.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Ionfinity LLCInventor: Frank T. Hartley
-
Patent number: 6940074Abstract: Devices are disclosed that incorporate an ionization device for generating ions and electrons having first and second conductive electrodes that are separated by less than the mean-free-path of molecules being ionized. Electrons generated by the ionization device may be used for applications such as light sources, electron bombardment sensors, thyratrons, vacuum tubes, plasma displays, and microwave switches, and ions generated by the ionization device may be used, inter alia, in connection with ion focused milling devices, maskless ion implantation devices, ion beam lithography devices, semiconductor mask modification devices, and semiconductor chip wiring devices. Methods of use and manufacture are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Ionfinity LLCInventor: Frank T. Hartley
-
Patent number: 6921906Abstract: A rotating field mass spectrometer includes an ionizing structure having a pair of conductive electrodes located closer to one another than the mean free path of the gas being ionized, and a rotating field mass spectrometer part for analyzing ions produced by the ionizing structure. The membrane may include a supporting portion, and a relatively thin non-supporting portion where the ions are formed.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Frank T. Hartley, Steven J. Smith
-
Patent number: 6828552Abstract: Various configurations of characterization systems such as ion mobility spectrometers and mass spectrometers are disclosed that are coupled to an ionization device. The ionization device is formed of a membrane that houses electrodes therein that are located closer to one another than the mean free path of the gas being ionized. Small voltages across the electrodes generate large electric fields which act to ionize substantially all molecules passing therethrough without fracture. Methods to manufacture the mass spectrometer and ion mobility spectrometer systems are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Ionfinity LLCInventor: Frank T. Hartley
-
Publication number: 20040229104Abstract: A fuel cell is disclosed comprising an ionization membrane having at least one area through which gas is passed, and which ionizes the gas passing therethrough, and a cathode for receiving the ions generated by the ionization membrane. The ionization membrane may include one or more openings in the membrane with electrodes that are located closer than a mean free path of molecules within the gas to be ionized. Methods of manufacture are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Ionfinity LLCInventor: Frank T. Hartley
-
Publication number: 20040222371Abstract: A soft ionization device is disclosed that comprises a series of electrodes having spacing less than the means free path of the molecules to be ionized. In some embodiments, the soft ionization device is used in various applications that require ion or electron sources such as biological or chemical reactors, ion milling, and numerous replacements for conventional hot cathode systems. In another embodiment, a valence spectrometer is disclosed that is configured to variably ionize molecules by their valiancy. In other embodiments, the ionization device is coupled to a spectrometer for the characterization of biological matter. Also disclosed is a preconditioner for preparing biological matter to be ionized.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: Ionfinity LLCInventor: Frank T. Hartley
-
Publication number: 20040222382Abstract: Devices are disclosed that incorporate an ionization device for generating ions and electrons having first and second conductive electrodes that are separated by less than the mean-free-path of molecules being ionized. Electrons generated by the ionization device may be used for applications such as light sources, electron bombardment sensors, thyratrons, vacuum tubes, plasma displays, and microwave switches, and ions generated by the ionization device may be used, inter alia, in connection with ion focused milling devices, maskless ion implantation devices, ion beam lithography devices, semiconductor mask modification devices, and semiconductor chip wiring devices. Methods of use and manufacture are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: Ionfinity LLCInventor: Frank T. Hartley
-
Publication number: 20040223852Abstract: An ion thrusting system is disclosed comprising an ionization membrane having at least one area through which a gas is passed, and which ionizes the gas molecules passing therethrough to form ions and electrons, and an accelerator element which accelerates the ions to form thrust. In some variations, a potential is applied to the ionization membrane may be reversed to thrust ions in an opposite direction. The ionization membrane may also include an opening with electrodes that are located closer than a mean free path of the gas being ionized. Methods of manufacture and use are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: Ionfinity LLCInventor: Frank T. Hartley
-
Patent number: 6667826Abstract: A system for providing high-resolution color separation in electronic imaging. Comb drives controllably oscillate a red-green-blue (RGB) color strip filter system (or otherwise) over an electronic imaging system such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or active pixel sensor (APS). The color filter is modulated over the imaging array at a rate three or more times the frame rate of the imaging array. In so doing, the underlying active imaging elements are then able to detect separate color-separated images, which are then combined to provide a color-accurate frame which is then recorded as the representation of the recorded image. High pixel resolution is maintained. Registration is obtained between the color strip filter and the underlying imaging array through the use of electrostatic comb drives in conjunction with a spring suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Frank T. Hartley, Anthony B. Hull
-
Patent number: 6642526Abstract: A field ionizing element formed of a membrane that houses electrodes therein that are located closer to one another than the mean free path of the gas being ionized. The membrane includes a supporting portion, and a non supporting portion where the ions are formed. The membrane may be used as the front end for a number of different applications including a mass spectrometer, a thruster, an ion mobility element, or an electrochemical device such as a fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Ionfinity LLCInventor: Frank T. Hartley