Patents by Inventor Robert L. Willett

Robert L. Willett 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: 11720263
    Abstract: An array of interconnected memory cells for storing therein a fractional-quantum-Hall-effect droplet whose state is controllable using voltages applied to the cell electrodes. In an example embodiment, the memory cells are arranged and linked together such as to reduce the geometric size of the array, e.g., compared to that of a linear array having the same number of memory cells. For example, one or more wheel-and-spokes arrangements of the memory cells can be used for this purpose. The smaller geometric size of the array can result in better coherence across the droplet confined therein, which can advantageously be used to improve the reliability and/or performance of the corresponding quantum-computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Robert L. Willett
  • Patent number: 11342017
    Abstract: A memory is capable of storing coupled qubits. The memory includes a plurality of memory cells, wherein each of the memory cells is for storing values of one of the qubits. The memory also includes an electronic controller electrically connected to operate said memory cells. The controller is able to selectively store a qubit value to any of the memory cells in either a first state or a second state. The controller is configured to read any one of the memory cells in a manner dependent on whether the first state or the second state was previously used to store a qubit value in the same one of the memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Robert L. Willett
  • Publication number: 20210247917
    Abstract: An array of interconnected memory cells for storing therein a fractional-quantum-Hall-effect droplet whose state is controllable using voltages applied to the cell electrodes. In an example embodiment, the memory cells are arranged and linked together such as to reduce the geometric size of the array, e.g., compared to that of a linear array having the same number of memory cells. For example, one or more wheel-and-spokes arrangements of the memory cells can be used for this purpose. The smaller geometric size of the array can result in better coherence across the droplet confined therein, which can advantageously be used to improve the reliability and/or performance of the corresponding quantum-computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Robert L. Willett
  • Publication number: 20200135254
    Abstract: A memory is capable of storing coupled qubits. The memory includes a plurality of memory cells, wherein each of the memory cells is for storing values of one of the qubits. The memory also includes an electronic controller electrically connected to operate said memory cells. The controller is able to selectively store a qubit value to any of the memory cells in either a first state or a second state. The controller is configured to read any one of the memory cells in a manner dependent on whether the first state or the second state was previously used to store a qubit value in the same one of the memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventor: Robert L. Willett
  • Patent number: 9748473
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate having a planar top surface, a sequence of crystalline semiconductor layers located on the planar surface, and first and second sets of electrodes located over the sequence. The sequence of crystalline semiconductor layers has a 2D quantum well therein. The first set of electrodes border opposite sides of a lateral region of the sequence and are controllable to vary a width of a non-depleted portion of the quantum well along the top surface. The second set of electrodes border first and second channels between the lateral region and first and second adjacent lateral areas of the sequence and are controllable to vary widths of non-depleted segments of the quantum well in the channels. The electrodes are located such that straight lines connecting the first and second lateral areas via the channels either pass between one of the electrodes and the substrate or are misaligned to an effective [1 1 0] lattice direction of the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Robert L. Willett
  • Publication number: 20150155478
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate having a planar top surface, a sequence of crystalline semiconductor layers located on the planar surface, and first and second sets of electrodes located over the sequence. The sequence of crystalline semiconductor layers has a 2D quantum well therein. The first set of electrodes border opposite sides of a lateral region of the sequence and are controllable to vary a width of a non-depleted portion of the quantum well along the top surface. The second set of electrodes border first and second channels between the lateral region and first and second adjacent lateral areas of the sequence and are controllable to vary widths of non-depleted segments of the quantum well in the channels. The electrodes are located such that straight lines connecting the first and second lateral areas via the channels either pass between one of the electrodes and the substrate or are misaligned to an effective [1 1 0] lattice direction of the sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Robert L. Willett
  • Patent number: 8987703
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate, a sequence of crystalline semiconductor layers on a planar surface of the substrate, and first and second sets of electrodes over the sequence. The sequence has a 2D quantum well therein. The first set of electrodes border opposite sides of a lateral region of the sequence and are controllable to vary a width of a non-depleted portion of the quantum well along the top surface. The second set of electrodes border channels between the lateral region and first and second adjacent lateral areas of the sequence and are controllable to vary widths of non-depleted segments of the quantum well in the channels. The electrodes are such that straight lines connecting the lateral areas via the channels either pass between one of the electrodes and the substrate or are misaligned to an effective [1 1 0] lattice direction of the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Robert L. Willett
  • Publication number: 20130140523
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate, a sequence of crystalline semiconductor layers on a planar surface of the substrate, and first and second sets of electrodes over the sequence. The sequence has a 2D quantum well therein. The first set of electrodes border opposite sides of a lateral region of the sequence and are controllable to vary a width of a non-depleted portion of the quantum well along the top surface. The second set of electrodes border channels between the lateral region and first and second adjacent lateral areas of the sequence and are controllable to vary widths of non-depleted segments of the quantum well in the channels. The electrodes are such that straight lines connecting the lateral areas via the channels either pass between one of the electrodes and the substrate or are misaligned to an effective [1 10] lattice direction of the sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Robert L. Willett
  • Patent number: 8425844
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising surface site comprising substantially inorganic surface having chemical composition selected from group consisting of metals, semiconductors, insulators, and mixtures thereof, the surface positioned within polypeptide bonding region and having selective bonding affinity for polypeptide; plurality of interlayers between which surface site is interposed; distal site end on surface site and distanced from interlayers, the surface being provided on distal site end; surface site and interlayers being interposed between first and second supports; first and second conductors provided on first and second supports and having respective first and second distal conductor ends positioned within polypeptide bonding region; conductors being capable of applying external voltage potential across polypeptide bonding region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Robert L. Willett, Kirk W. Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8377702
    Abstract: Method that includes providing plurality of test sites each having first and second layers respectively including inorganic first and second surface sites forming parts of interior of a well, the surface sites having positions and thicknesses being configured for locating thereon portions of unidentified amino acid-containing molecules; exposing each of a first plurality of the test sites to a fluid containing a different one of plurality of pre-identified amino acid-containing molecules and determining bonding signatures onto each of first plurality of test sites; exposing each of second plurality of test sites to another fluid containing unidentified amino acid-containing molecule and determining bonding signatures onto second plurality of test sites; and comparing bonding signatures to determine or exclude identity of unidentified amino acid-containing molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Robert L. Willett, Kirk W. Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8324120
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate with a planar surface, a multilayer of semiconductor layers located on the planar surface, a plurality of electrodes located over the multilayer, and a dielectric layer located between the electrodes and the multilayer. The multilayer includes a 2D quantum well. A first set of the electrodes is located to substantially surround a lateral area of the 2D quantum well. A second set of the electrodes is controllable to vary a lateral width of a non-depleted channel between the substantially surrounded lateral area of the 2D quantum well and another area of the 2D quantum well. A third set of the electrodes is controllable to vary an area of a non-depleted portion of the lateral area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Kirk William Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer, Kenneth William West, Robert L Willett
  • Publication number: 20120107176
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising surface site comprising substantially inorganic surface having chemical composition selected from group consisting of metals, semiconductors, insulators, and mixtures thereof, the surface positioned within polypeptide bonding region and having selective bonding affinity for polypeptide; plurality of interlayers between which surface site is interposed; distal site end on surface site and distanced from interlayers, the surface being provided on distal site end; surface site and interlayers being interposed between first and second supports; first and second conductors provided on first and second supports and having respective first and second distal conductor ends positioned within polypeptide bonding region; conductors being capable of applying external voltage potential across polypeptide bonding region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Willett, Kirk W. Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20120088308
    Abstract: Method that includes providing plurality of test sites each having first and second layers respectively including inorganic first and second surface sites forming parts of interior of a well, the surface sites having positions and thicknesses being configured for locating thereon portion of unidentified amino acid-containing molecules; exposing each of a first plurality of the test sites to a fluid containing a different one of plurality of pre-identified amino acid-containing molecules and determining bonding signatures onto each of first plurality of test sites; exposing each of second plurality of test sites to another fluid containing unidentified amino acid-containing molecule and determining bonding signatures onto second plurality of test sites; and comparing bonding signatures to determine or exclude identity of unidentified amino acid-containing molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Willett, Kirk W. Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8066945
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a surface site comprising a substantially inorganic surface having a chemical composition selected from the group consisting of metals, semiconductors, insulators, and mixtures thereof, the surface positioned within a polypeptide bonding region and having a selective bonding affinity for a polypeptide; a plurality of interlayers between which the surface site is interposed; a distal site end on the surface site and distanced from the interlayers, the surface being provided on the distal site end; the surface site and the interlayers being interposed between first and second supports; first and second conductors provided on the first and second supports and having respective first and second distal conductor ends positioned within the polypeptide bonding region; the conductors being capable of applying an external voltage potential across the polypeptide bonding region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Robert L. Willett, Kirk W. Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20110212553
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate with a planar surface, a multilayer of semiconductor layers located on the planar surface, a plurality of electrodes located over the multilayer, and a dielectric layer located between the electrodes and the multilayer. The multilayer includes a 2D quantum well. A first set of the electrodes is located to substantially surround a lateral area of the 2D quantum well. A second set of the electrodes is controllable to vary a lateral width of a non-depleted channel between the substantially surrounded lateral area of the 2D quantum well and another area of the 2D quantum well. A third set of the electrodes is controllable to vary an area of a non-depleted portion of the lateral area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Kirk William Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer, Kenneth William West, Robert L. Willett
  • Patent number: 7960714
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate with a planar surface, a multilayer of semiconductor layers located on the planar surface, a plurality of electrodes located over the multilayer, and a dielectric layer located between the electrodes and the multilayer. The multilayer includes a 2D quantum well. A first set of the electrodes is located to substantially surround a lateral area of the 2D quantum well. A second set of the electrodes is controllable to vary a lateral width of a non-depleted channel between the substantially surrounded lateral area of the 2D quantum well and another area of the 2D quantum well. A third set of the electrodes is controllable to vary an area of a non-depleted portion of the lateral area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk William Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer, Kenneth William West, Robert L Willett
  • Publication number: 20110123401
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a surface site comprising a substantially inorganic surface having a chemical composition selected from the group consisting of metals, semiconductors, insulators, and mixtures thereof, the surface positioned within a polypeptide bonding region and having a selective bonding affinity for a polypeptide; a plurality of interlayers between which the surface site is interposed; a distal site end on the surface site and distanced from the interlayers, the surface being provided on the distal site end; the surface site and the interlayers being interposed between first and second supports; first and second conductors provided on the first and second supports and having respective first and second distal conductor ends positioned within the polypeptide bonding region; the conductors being capable of applying an external voltage potential across the polypeptide bonding region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Willett, Kirk W. Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20100285649
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a field-effect transistor (FET). The FET includes a region of first semiconductor and a layer of second semiconductor that is located on the region of the first semiconductor. The layer and region form a semiconductor heterostructure. The FET also includes source and drain electrodes that are located on one of the region and the layer and a gate electrode located to control a conductivity of a channel portion of the semiconductor heterostructure. The channel portion is located between the source and drain electrodes. The gate electrode is located vertically over the channel portion and portions of the source and drain electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Willett
  • Patent number: 7781801
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a field-effect transistor (FET). The FET includes a region of first semiconductor and a layer of second semiconductor that is located on the region of the first semiconductor. The layer and region form a semiconductor heterostructure. The FET also includes source and drain electrodes that are located on one of the region and the layer and a gate electrode located to control a conductivity of a channel portion of the semiconductor heterostructure. The channel portion is located between the source and drain electrodes. The gate electrode is located vertically over the channel portion and portions of the source and drain electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L Willett
  • Publication number: 20100155697
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate with a planar surface, a multilayer of semiconductor layers located on the planar surface, a plurality of electrodes located over the multilayer, and a dielectric layer located between the electrodes and the multilayer. The multilayer includes a 2D quantum well. A first set of the electrodes is located to substantially surround a lateral area of the 2D quantum well. A second set of the electrodes is controllable to vary a lateral width of a non-depleted channel between the substantially surrounded lateral area of the 2D quantum well and another area of the 2D quantum well. A third set of the electrodes is controllable to vary an area of a non-depleted portion of the lateral area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Kirk William Baldwin, Loren N. Pfeiffer, Kenneth William West, Robert L. Willett