Patents by Inventor Jerald A. Britten
Jerald A. Britten 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).
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Patent number: 11693167Abstract: A system configuration that significantly improves the laser damage threshold of multi-layer dielectric gratings for lasers applications includes three main sections: 1) a laser module, 2) a TM polarization module, and 3) a multi-layer dielectric grating optimized for high efficiency operation with transverse magnetic polarized laser light.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventors: Hoang T. Nguyen, Jerald A. Britten
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Patent number: 11333807Abstract: Metallic overcoated diffraction gratings are particularly useful for high average power laser pulse compression. A dielectric oxide layer is attached to an etch-stop layer, where the dielectric oxide layer comprises a grating pattern including grating lines. Sidewalls of the grating lines taper together toward an upper surface of the dielectric oxide layer. A metallic overcoat is attached to the etch-stop layer and the dielectric oxide layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventors: Hoang T. Nguyen, Jerald A. Britten
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Patent number: 11079543Abstract: A method of fabricating a multilayer dielectric (MLD) diffraction grating by providing a multilayer stack having a grating layer, and anisotropically etching the grating layer to form grating lines having an initial lineheight, an initial linewidth, and an initial grating duty cycle, that are greater than a target lineheight, a target linewidth, and a target grating duty cycle, respectively. An isotropic wet etch solution is then used to etch back the grating lines to the target lineheight, the target linewidth, and the target grating duty cycle so as to minimize electric field intensities and maximize diffraction efficiency for a given set of MLD illumination conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Jerald A. Britten, Cindy C. Larson, Hoang T. Nguyen
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Publication number: 20210141135Abstract: A system configuration that significantly improves the laser damage threshold of multi-layer dielectric gratings for lasers applications includes three main sections: 1) a laser module, 2) a TM polarization module, and 3) a multi-layer dielectric grating optimized for high efficiency operation with transverse magnetic polarized laser light.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2018Publication date: May 13, 2021Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Hoang T. Nguyen, Jerald A. Britten
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Publication number: 20200142107Abstract: Metallic overcoated diffraction gratings are particularly useful for high average power laser pulse compression. A dielectric oxide layer is attached to an etch-stop layer, where the dielectric oxide layer comprises a grating pattern including grating lines. Sidewalls of the grating lines taper together toward an upper surface of the dielectric oxide layer. A metallic overcoat is attached to the etch-stop layer and the dielectric oxide layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2018Publication date: May 7, 2020Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Hoang T. Nguyen, Jerald A. Britten
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Patent number: 10594106Abstract: Grating pair architectures used for short pulse stretching, compression and pulse shaping are enabled for use at arbitrary use angles without inducing spatial frequency chirp. These symmetric out-of-plane diffractive grating arrangements are capable of adding or removing spatial, temporal and angular chirp at any incidence angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Emily F. Link, David A. Alessi, Leon C. Haefner, Jerald A. Britten
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Publication number: 20190074653Abstract: Grating pair architectures used for short pulse stretching, compression and pulse shaping are enabled for use at arbitrary use angles without inducing spatial frequency chirp. These symmetric out-of-plane diffractive grating arrangements are capable of adding or removing spatial, temporal and angular chirp at any incidence angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Emily F. Link, David A. Alessi, Leon C. Haefner, Jerald A. Britten
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Patent number: 9395304Abstract: A nanoscale structure fabricated on a planar end facet of an optic fiber is described, to enable detection of molecules by surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The nanoscale structure may comprise an array of nanopillars. The nanoscale structure may also comprise a non periodic, or random, surface-relief structure. The nanoscale structure may be coated in a metal, comprising, for example, silver, gold, aluminum, iridium, platinum, palladium, copper, or a combination of the same. The nanoscale structure may be fabricated on a planar end facet of an optical fiber by interference lithography.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Regents of The University of CaliforniaInventors: Xuan Yang, Tiziana C. Bond, Jerald Britten, Thomas C. Carlson, Nazar Ileri, Cindy Larson, Claire Gu
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Publication number: 20150369744Abstract: A nanoscale structure fabricated on a planar end facet of an optic fiber is described, to enable detection of molecules by surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The nanoscale structure may comprise an array of nanopillars. The nanoscale structure may also comprise a non periodic, or random, surface-relief structure. The nanoscale structure may be coated in a metal, comprising, for example, silver, gold, aluminum, iridium, platinum, palladium, copper, or a combination of the same. The nanoscale structure may be fabricated on a planar end facet of an optical fiber by interference lithography.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2013Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Xuan YANG, Tiziana C. BOND, Jerald BRITTEN, Thomas C. CARLSON, Nazar ILERI, Cindy LARSON, Claire GU
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Patent number: 7830946Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for suppressing ASE and parasitic oscillation modes in a high average power laser is introduced. Such an invention, as disclosed herein, uses diffraction gratings to increase gain, stored energy density, and pumping efficiency of solid-state laser gain media, such as, but not limited to rods, disks and slabs. By coupling predetermined gratings to solid-state gain media, such as crystal or ceramic laser gain media, ASE and parasitic oscillation modes can be effectively suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Alvin C. Erlandson, Jerald A. Britten
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Publication number: 20100208346Abstract: A multilayer dielectric transmission grating is made by coating a substrate with an antireflective (AR) coating and placing a dielectric grating on the AR coating. This grating is designed to transmit the maximum amount of light transmitted through the optic into the ?1 order. Both the grating and the AR coating are designed to user specifications based on the desired incidence angle and wavelength range. The AR coating and grating act in concert to maximize the transmitted diffraction efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: Jerald A. Britten
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Publication number: 20080062522Abstract: An apparatus and method of cleaning a diffraction grating with minimal use of cleaning chemicals. The apparatus includes a processing vessel having a sump at a lower end thereof, and an inclined platform for receiving a diffraction grating within the processing vessel so that a top surface of the diffraction grating is in an inclined position. This enables fluid runoff from the top surface of the diffraction grating to drain into the sump where it is recirculated via a recirculation line which channels (using a pump) fluid from the sump to a recirculation spout positioned to direct fluid onto the top surface of the diffraction grating. Additionally, by measuring the amount of waste cleaning fluid (acid) collected, a neutralizing agent may be dispensed to neutralize any remaining cleaning fluid in the system so that waste fluid may be released without limitation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Jerald A. Britten, Curly Ray Hoaglan, James D. Nissen, Thomas C. Carlson, David Van Lue, Michael D. Aasen
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Publication number: 20080047584Abstract: A method of cleaning a diffraction grating preferably includes exposing the grating surface to an aqueous base to remove an organic photoresist mask thereon; rinsing the grating surface with de-ionized water; oxidizing acid solution (such as Nanostrip™ or Nanostrip™ 2X) to remove metallic contaminants and residue organic compounds; rinsing the grating surface with de-ionized water; exposing the grating surface to an oxygen plasma ashing process using reactive oxygen species to oxidize and remove fluorinated hydrocarbon residue; exposing the grating surface again to an oxidizing acid solution to remove metallic contaminants and residue organic compounds; and rinsing the grating surface with de-ionized water.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2007Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventors: Jerald A. Britten, Hoang T. Nguyen
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Publication number: 20070230534Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for suppressing ASE and parasitic oscillation modes in a high average power laser is introduced. Such an invention, as disclosed herein, uses diffraction gratings to increase gain, stored energy density, and pumping efficiency of solid-state laser gain media, such as, but not limited to rods, disks and slabs. By coupling predetermined gratings to solid-state gain media, such as crystal or ceramic laser gain media, ASE and parasitic oscillation modes can be effectively suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventors: Alvin Erlandson, Jerald Britten
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Patent number: 7054065Abstract: A durable silver film thin film coated non-planar optical element has been developed to replace Gold as a material for fabricating such devices. Such a coating and resultant optical element has an increased efficiency and is resistant to tarnishing, can be easily stripped and re-deposited without modifying underlying grating structure, improves the throughput and power loading of short pulse compressor designs for ultra-fast laser systems, and can be utilized in variety of optical and spectrophotometric systems, particularly high-end spectrometers that require maximized efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jesse D. Wolfe, Jerald A. Britten, Aleksey M. Komashko
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Publication number: 20040190141Abstract: A durable silver film thin film coated non-planar optical element has been developed to replace Gold as a material for fabricating such devices. Such a coating and resultant optical element has an increased efficiency and is resistant to tarnishing, can be easily stripped and re-deposited without modifying underlying grating structure, improves the throughput and power loading of short pulse compressor designs for ultra-fast laser systems, and can be utilized in variety of optical and spectrophotometric systems, particularly high-end spectrometers that require maximized efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jesse D. Wolfe, Jerald A. Britten, Aleksey M. Komashko
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Patent number: 6740194Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the surface of an object by contacting said surface with a liquid processing solution using the liquid applicator geometry and Marangoni effect (surface tension gradient-driven flow) to define and confine the dimensions of the wetted zone on said object surface. In particular, the method and apparatus involve contouring or figuring the surface of an object using an etchant solution as the wetting fluid and using real-time metrology (e.g. interferometry) to control the placement and dwell time of this wetted zone locally on the surface of said object, thereby removing material from the surface of the object in a controlled manner. One demonstrated manifestation is in the deterministic optical figuring of thin glasses by wet chemical etching using a buffered hydrofluoric acid solution and Marangoni effect.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael C. Rushford, Jerald A. Britten
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Publication number: 20030141275Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the surface of an object by contacting said surface with a liquid processing solution using the liquid applicator geometry and Marangoni effect (surface tension gradient-driven flow) to define and confine the dimensions of the wetted zone on said object surface. In particular, the method and apparatus involve contouring or figuring the surface of an object using an etchant solution as the wetting fluid and using real-time metrology (e.g. interferometry) to control the placement and dwell time of this wetted zone locally on the surface of said object, thereby removing material from the surface of the object in a controlled manner. One demonstrated manifestation is in the deterministic optical figuring of thin glasses by wet chemical etching using a buffered hydrofluoric acid solution and Marangoni effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael C. Rushford, Jerald A. Britten
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Patent number: 6555017Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the surface of an object by contacting said surface with a liquid processing solution using the liquid applicator geometry and Marangoni effect (surface tension gradient-driven flow) to define and confine the dimensions of the wetted zone on said object surface. In particular, the method and apparatus involve contouring or figuring the surface of an object using an etchant solution as the wetting fluid and using realtime metrology (e.g. interferometry) to control the placement and dwell time of this wetted zone locally on the surface of said object, thereby removing material from the surface of the object in a controlled manner. One demonstrated manifestation is in the deterministic optical figuring of thin glasses by wet chemical etching using a buffered hydrofluoric acid solution and Marangoni effect.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: The Regents of the University of CalioforniaInventors: Michael C. Rushford, Jerald A. Britten
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Patent number: 5907436Abstract: The design and fabrication of dielectric grating structures with high diffraction efficiency used in reflection or transmission is described. By forming a multilayer structure of alternating index dielectric materials and placing a grating structure on top of the multilayer, a diffraction grating of adjustable efficiency, and variable optical bandwidth can be obtained. Diffraction efficiency into the first order in reflection varying between 1 and 98 percent has been achieved by controlling the design of the multilayer and the depth, shape, and material comprising the grooves of the grating structure. Methods for fabricating these gratings without the use of ion etching techniques are described.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael D. Perry, Jerald A. Britten, Hoang T. Nguyen, Robert Boyd, Bruce W. Shore