Patents by Inventor Nicole D. Kerness

Nicole D. Kerness 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: 9322901
    Abstract: Optical devices are described that integrate multiple heterogeneous components in a single, compact package. In one or more implementations, the optical devices include a carrier substrate having a surface that includes two or more cavities formed therein. One or more optical component devices are disposed within the respective cavities in a predetermined arrangement. A cover is disposed on the surface of the carrier substrate so that the cover at least substantially encloses the optical component devices within their respective cavities. The cover, which may be glass, is configured to transmit light within the predetermined spectrum of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Joy T. Jones, Christopher F. Edwards, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Phillip J. Benzel, Richard I. Olsen, Peter R. Harper
  • Publication number: 20150380627
    Abstract: A temperature sensing device and method for fabrication of the temperature sensing device are described that include a second temperature sensor disposed on and/or in the lid assembly. In an implementation, the temperature sensing device includes a substrate, a ceramic structure disposed on the substrate, a thermopile disposed on the substrate, a first temperature sensor disposed on the substrate, and a lid assembly disposed on the ceramic structure, where the lid assembly includes a base layer, a first filter layer disposed on a first side of the base layer, a first metal layer disposed on a second side of the base layer, a passivation layer disposed on the first metal layer, where the passivation layer includes at least one of a second metal layer, a via, a metal plate, or an epoxy ring, and a second temperature sensor disposed on and/or in the passivation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Arvin Emadi, Nicole D. Kerness, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Cheng-Wei Pei, Jerome C. Bhat, Kumar Nagarajan, Ken Wang
  • Patent number: 9224884
    Abstract: A light sensor is described that includes a glass substrate having a diffuser formed therein and at least one color filter integrated on-chip (i.e., integrated on the die of the light sensor). In one or more implementations, the light sensor comprises a semiconductor device (e.g., a die) that includes a semiconductor substrate. At least one photodetector (e.g., photodiode, phototransistor, etc.) is formed in the substrate proximate to the surface of the substrate. The color filter is configured to filter light received by the light sensor to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths (e.g., light having wavelengths between a first wavelength and a second wavelength) to the photodetector. A glass substrate is positioned over the substrate and includes a diffuser. The diffuser is configured to diffuse light incident on the diffuser and to pass the diffused light to the at least one color filter for further filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Zhihai Wang, Joy T. Jones
  • Patent number: 9224890
    Abstract: Light sensor devices are described that have a glass substrate, which includes a lens to focus light over a wide variety of angles, bonded to the light sensor device. In one or more implementations, the light sensor devices include a substrate having a photodetector formed therein. The photodetector is capable of detecting light and providing a signal in response thereto. The sensors also include one or more color filters disposed over the photodetector. The color filters are configured to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths to the photodetector. A glass substrate is disposed over the substrate and includes a lens that is configured to collimate light incident on the lens and to pass the collimated light to the color filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Zhihai Wang, Joy T. Jones
  • Publication number: 20150338273
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to furnish a light sensor that includes a filter positioned over a photodetector to filter visible and infrared wavelengths to permit the sensing of ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. In one or more implementations, the light sensor comprises a semiconductor device (e.g., a die) that includes a substrate. A photodetector (e.g., photodiode, phototransistor, etc.) is formed in the substrate proximate to the surface of the substrate. In one or more implementations, the substrate comprises a silicon on insulator substrate (SOI). A filter (e.g., absorption filter, interference filter, flat pass filter, McKinlay-Diffey Erythema Action Spectrum-based filter, UVA/UVB filter, and so forth) is disposed over the photodetector. The filter is configured to filter infrared light and visible light from light received by the light sensor to at least substantially block infrared light and visible light from reaching the photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Arvin Emadi, Nicole D. Kerness, Cheng-Wei Pei, Joy T. Jones, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Ke-Cai Zeng
  • Patent number: 9129874
    Abstract: Techniques are described to furnish a light sensor that includes a patterned IR interference filter integrated with a patterned color pass filter. In one or more implementations, the light sensor includes a substrate having a surface. An IR interference filter configured to block infrared light is disposed over the surface of the substrate. The light sensor also includes one or more color pass filters placed above or below the IR interference filter. The color pass filters are configured to filter visible light to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths to the one or more photodetectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhihai Wang, Nicole D. Kerness, Stanley Barnett
  • Publication number: 20150241347
    Abstract: A nondispersive infrared (NDIR) micro-optics sensor package is described that includes one or more light sources, a photodetector, and control circuitry coupled to the one or more light sources to non-invasively measure blood alcohol concentration, such as without utilizing ex vivo bodily fluids for the measurements. Additionally, a mobile phone device configured to measure blood alcohol concentration is described that includes a mobile phone system and an NDIR micro-optics sensor package as disclosed above. Further, a process for measuring alcohol content within a subject is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Arvin Emadi, Nicole D. Kerness, Christopher F. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20150109785
    Abstract: A wafer level optical device, system, and method are described that include a substrate, an electronic device disposed on the substrate, an illumination source disposed on the electronic device, an enclosure disposed on the substrate, where the enclosure includes at least one optical surface and covers the electronic device and the illumination source, and at least one solder ball disposed on a side of the substrate distal from the electronic device. In implementations, a process for using the wafer level optical device and lens-integrated package system that employ the techniques of the present disclosure includes receiving a substrate, placing an electronic device on the substrate, placing an illumination source on the electronic device, and placing an enclosure on the substrate, where the enclosure covers the electronic device and the illumination source, and the enclosure and a wall structure form a first compartment and a second compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Jerome C. Bhat, Anand Chamakura, Kumar Nagarajan, Christopher F. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20140284748
    Abstract: A light sensor is described that includes a glass substrate having a diffuser formed therein and at least one color filter integrated on-chip (i.e., integrated on the die of the light sensor). In one or more implementations, the light sensor comprises a semiconductor device (e.g., a die) that includes a semiconductor substrate. At least one photodetector (e.g., photodiode, phototransistor, etc.) is formed in the substrate proximate to the surface of the substrate. The color filter is configured to filter light received by the light sensor to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths (e.g., light having wavelengths between a first wavelength and a second wavelength) to the photodetector. A glass substrate is positioned over the substrate and includes a diffuser. The diffuser is configured to diffuse light incident on the diffuser and to pass the diffused light to the at least one color filter for further filtering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Zhihai Wang, Joy T. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140284462
    Abstract: A gesture sensing device includes a single light source and a multiple segmented single photo sensor, or an array of photo sensors, collectively referred to herein as segmented photo sensors. A light modifying structure relays reflected light from the light source onto different segments of the segmented photo sensors. The light modifying structure can be an optical lens structure or a mechanical structure. The different segments of the photo sensor sense reflected light and output corresponding sensed voltage signals. A control circuit receives and processes the sensed voltage signals to determine target motion relative to the segmented photo sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Skurnik, Nevzat A. Kestelli, Ilya K. Veygman, Anand Chamakura, Christopher F. Edwards, Nicole D. Kerness, Pirooz Parvarandeh, Sunny K. Hsu
  • Publication number: 20140264711
    Abstract: Light sensors are described that include a trench structure integrated therein. In an implementation, the light sensor includes a substrate having a dopant material of a first conductivity type and multiple trenches disposed therein. The light sensor also includes a diffusion region formed proximate to the multiple trenches. The diffusion region includes a dopant material of a second conductivity type. A depletion region is created at the interface of the dopant material of the first conductivity type and the dopant material of the second conductivity type. The depletion region is configured to attract charge carriers to the depletion region, at least substantially a majority of the charge carriers generated due to light incident upon the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Christopher F. Edwards, Khanh Tran, Joy T. Jones, Pirooz Parvarandeh
  • Publication number: 20140268341
    Abstract: A planar diffractive optical element (DOE) lens is described herein. The planar DOE lens includes a substrate. The planar DOE lens further includes a first layer, the first layer being formed upon the substrate. The planar DOE lens further includes a diffractive optical element, the diffractive optical element being formed upon the first layer. The planar DOE lens further includes a second layer, the second layer being formed upon the first layer. The second layer is also formed over the diffractive optical element. The second layer encloses the diffractive optical element between the first layer and the second layer. The second layer includes a planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Tam, Joy T. Jones, Nicole D. Kerness, Arvin Emadi
  • Publication number: 20140231635
    Abstract: Optical devices are described that integrate multiple heterogeneous components in a single, compact package. In one or more implementations, the optical devices include a carrier substrate having a surface that includes two or more cavities formed therein. One or more optical component devices are disposed within the respective cavities in a predetermined arrangement. A cover is disposed on the surface of the carrier substrate so that the cover at least substantially encloses the optical component devices within their respective cavities. The cover, which may be glass, is configured to transmit light within the predetermined spectrum of wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Joy T. Jones, Christopher F. Edwards, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Phillip J. Benzel, Richard I. Olsen, Peter R. Harper
  • Patent number: 8809099
    Abstract: Techniques are described to furnish a light sensor that includes a patterned IR interference filter integrated with a patterned color pass filter. In one or more implementations, the light sensor includes a substrate having a surface. An IR interference filter configured to block infrared light is disposed over the surface of the substrate. The light sensor also includes one or more color pass filters placed above or below the IR interference filter. The color pass filters are configured to filter visible light to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths to the one or more photodetectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhihai Wang, Nicole D. Kerness, Stanley Barnett
  • Patent number: 8803068
    Abstract: Techniques are described to furnish an IR suppression filter, or any other interference based filter, that is formed on a transparent substrate to a light sensor. In one or more implementations, a light sensor includes a substrate having a surface. One or more photodetectors are formed in the substrate. The photodetectors are configured to detect light and provide a signal in response thereto. An IR suppression filter configured to block infrared light from reaching the surface is formed on a transparent substrate. The light sensor may also include a plurality of color pass filters disposed over the surface. The color pass filters are configured to filter visible light to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths to the one or more photodetectors. A buffer layer is disposed over the surface and configured to encapsulate the plurality of color pass filters and adhesion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Zhihai Wang, Joy T. Jones
  • Patent number: 8803270
    Abstract: A light sensor is described that includes an IR interference filter and at least one color interference filter integrated on-chip. The light sensor comprises a semiconductor device (e.g., a die) that includes a substrate. Photodetectors are disposed proximate to the surface of the substrate. An IR interference filter is disposed over the photodetectors. The IR interference filter is configured to filter infrared light from light received by the light sensor to at least substantially block infrared light from reaching the photodetectors. At least one color interference filter is disposed proximate to the IR interference filter. The color interference filter is configured to filter visible light received by the light sensor to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths (e.g., light having wavelengths between a first wavelength and a second wavelength) to at least one of the photo detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Prashanth Holenarsipur, Zhihai Wang, Nicole D. Kerness
  • Patent number: 8791404
    Abstract: Techniques are described to furnish an IR suppression filter that is formed on a glass substrate to a light sensor. In one or more implementations, a light sensor includes a substrate having a surface. One or more photodetectors are formed in the substrate and configured to detect light and provide a signal in response thereto. An IR suppression filter configured to block infrared light from reaching the surface is formed on a glass substrate. The light sensor also includes a plurality of color pass filters disposed over the surface. The color pass filters are configured to filter visible light to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths to the one or more photodetectors. A buffer layer is disposed over the surface and configured to encapsulate the plurality of color pass filters and adhesion layer. The light sensor further includes through-silicon vias to provide electrical interconnections between different conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Zhihai Wang, Joy T. Jones
  • Patent number: 8779540
    Abstract: Light sensor devices are described that have a glass substrate, which includes a lens to focus light over a wide variety of angles, bonded to the light sensor device. In one or more implementations, the light sensor devices include a substrate having a photodetector formed therein. The photodetector is capable of detecting light and providing a signal in response thereto. The sensors also include one or more color filters disposed over the photodetector. The color filters are configured to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths to the photodetector. A glass substrate is disposed over the substrate and includes a lens that is configured to collimate light incident on the lens and to pass the collimated light to the color filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Zhihai Wang, Joy T. Jones
  • Patent number: 8749007
    Abstract: A light sensor is described that includes a glass substrate having a diffuser formed therein and at least one color filter integrated on-chip (i.e., integrated on the die of the light sensor). In one or more implementations, the light sensor comprises a semiconductor device (e.g., a die) that includes a semiconductor substrate. At least one photodetector (e.g., photodiode, phototransistor, etc.) is formed in the substrate proximate to the surface of the substrate. The color filter is configured to filter light received by the light sensor to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths (e.g., light having wavelengths between a first wavelength and a second wavelength) to the photodetector. A glass substrate is positioned over the substrate and includes a diffuser. The diffuser is configured to diffuse light incident on the diffuser and to pass the diffused light to the at least one color filter for further filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Arkadii V. Samoilov, Zhihai Wang, Joy T. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140124797
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure pertain to a system and method for reducing ambient light sensitivity of Infrared (IR) detectors. Optical filter(s) (e.g., absorption filter(s), interference filter(s)) placed over a sensor of the IR detector (e.g., gesture sensor) absorb or reflect visible light, while passing specific IR wavelengths, for promoting the reduced ambient light sensitivity of the IR detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joy T. Jones, Nicole D. Kerness, Sunny K. Hsu, Anand Chamakura, Christopher F. Edwards, David Skurnik, Phillip J. Benzel, Nevzat A. Kestelli