Patents by Inventor Shouleh Nikzad

Shouleh Nikzad 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).

  • Publication number: 20240038803
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a light detector with one or more antireflection (AR) and/or bandpass filter coatings deposited thereon by area-selective atomic layer deposition (ALD). The AR coatings may comprise a metal oxide or a metal fluoride, such as AlF3, Al2O3, and/or HfO2, and the bandpass filter coatings may comprise solar-blind bandpass filter coatings. The AR and/or bandpass filter coatings may be deposited with different thicknesses on different portions of the light detector using an intentional and controllable patterning by a lithography-based process. As a result, the AR and/or bandpass filter coatings provide a butcher-block style response profile with each of the different portions of the light detector targeting a specific bandpass of light. The AR and/or bandpass filter coatings comprise a linear variable filter (LVF) that provides a spatially varying response by the light detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: April D. Jewell, Shouleh Nikzad, John J. Hennessy, Ghazaleh Kafaie Shirmanesh, Erika T. Hamden
  • Publication number: 20240023811
    Abstract: Systems and method for detecting light emitting biomarkers are described. The detection systems can be tuned to detect desired wavelengths emitted from biomarkers. The compact and cost-effective detection systems can provide detection results of the biomarkers in a timely manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Shouleh Nikzad, Samuel R. Cheng
  • Publication number: 20240030269
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of coating a detector. The method includes: providing the detector including a detector surface; performing a planarization process to the detector surface; performing a piranha clean process to the planarized surface; performing a slight etch to the piranha cleaned surface; performing an ammonium fluoride etching step to the slight etched surface to create a decontaminated surface. The decontaminated surface is an atomically flat silicon surface with surface and subsurface damage and contamination significantly reduced. A multilayer 2D-doped layer may be epitaxially grown on the decontaminated surface. The detector may provide high quantum efficiency with uniform and stable performance from room temperature to cryogenic temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael E. Hoenk, April D. Jewell, Todd J. Jones, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Publication number: 20230146048
    Abstract: A detector including a detector membrane comprising a semiconductor sensor and a readout circuit, the detector membrane having a thickness of 100 micrometers or less and a curved surface conformed to a curved focal plane of an optical system imaging electromagnetic radiation onto the curved surface; and a mount attached to a backside of the detector membrane. A maximum of the strain experienced by the detector membrane is reduced by distribution of the strain induced by formation of the curved surface across all of the curved surface of the detector membrane, thereby allowing an increased radius of curvature of the curved surface as compared to without the distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Todd J. Jones, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Patent number: 11600655
    Abstract: A detector including a detector membrane comprising a semiconductor sensor and a readout circuit, the detector membrane having a thickness of 100 micrometers or less and a curved surface conformed to a curved focal plane of an optical system imaging electromagnetic radiation onto the curved surface; and a mount or substrate attached to a backside of the detector membrane. A maximum of the strain experienced by the detector membrane is reduced by distribution of the strain induced by formation of the curved surface across all of the curved surface of the detector membrane, thereby allowing a decreased radius of curvature (more severe curving) as compared to without the distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Todd J. Jones, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Publication number: 20210091136
    Abstract: A detector including a detector membrane comprising a semiconductor sensor and a readout circuit, the detector membrane having a thickness of 100 micrometers or less and a curved surface conformed to a curved focal plane of an optical system imaging electromagnetic radiation onto the curved surface; and a mount or substrate attached to a backside of the detector membrane. A maximum of the strain experienced by the detector membrane is reduced by distribution of the strain induced by formation of the curved surface across all of the curved surface of the detector membrane, thereby allowing thereby allowing a decreased radius of curvature (more severe curving) as compared to without the distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Todd J. Jones, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Patent number: 10541266
    Abstract: High-quality surface coatings, and techniques combining the atomic precision of molecular beam epitaxy and atomic layer deposition, to fabricate such high-quality surface coatings are provided. The coatings made in accordance with the techniques set forth by the invention are shown to be capable of forming silicon CCD detectors that demonstrate world record detector quantum efficiency (>50%) in the near and far ultraviolet (155 nm-300 nm). The surface engineering approaches used demonstrate the robustness of detector performance that is obtained by achieving atomic level precision at all steps in the coating fabrication process. As proof of concept, the characterization, materials, and exemplary devices produced are presented along with a comparison to other approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Frank Greer, Todd J. Jones, Shouleh Nikzad, Michael E. Hoenk
  • Patent number: 10078142
    Abstract: A filter for electromagnetic radiation including one or more dielectric spacer regions and one or more reflective regions integrated on a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate including a semiconductor photodetector, such that the filter transmits ultraviolet radiation to the semiconductor photodetector, the ultraviolet radiation having a range of wavelengths, and the filter suppresses transmission of electromagnetic radiation, having wavelengths outside the range of wavelengths, to the semiconductor photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael E. Hoenk, John J. Hennessy, Shouleh Nikzad, April D. Jewell
  • Patent number: 9754371
    Abstract: A Multimodality Brain Mapping System (MBMS), comprising one or more scopes (e.g., microscopes or endoscopes) coupled to one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors obtain training data from one or more first images and/or first data, wherein one or more abnormal regions and one or more normal regions are identified; receive a second image captured by one or more of the scopes at a later time than the one or more first images and/or first data and/or captured using a different imaging technique; and generate, using machine learning trained using the training data, one or more viewable indicators identifying one or abnormalities in the second image, wherein the one or more viewable indicators are generated in real time as the second image is formed. One or more of the scopes display the one or more viewable indicators on the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, International Brain Mapping and Intra-Operative Surgical Planning Foundation
    Inventors: Babak Kateb, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Publication number: 20160273958
    Abstract: A filter for electromagnetic radiation including one or more dielectric spacer regions and one or more reflective regions integrated on a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate including a semiconductor photodetector, such that the filter transmits ultraviolet radiation to the semiconductor photodetector, the ultraviolet radiation having a range of wavelengths, and the filter suppresses transmission of electromagnetic radiation, having wavelengths outside the range of wavelengths, to the semiconductor photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Michael E. Hoenk, John J. Hennessy, Shouleh Nikzad, April D. Jewell
  • Publication number: 20160035093
    Abstract: A Multimodality Brain Mapping System (MBMS), comprising one or more scopes (e.g., microscopes or endoscopes) coupled to one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors obtain training data from one or more first images and/or first data, wherein one or more abnormal regions and one or more normal regions are identified; receive a second image captured by one or more of the scopes at a later time than the one or more first images and/or first data and/or captured using a different imaging technique; and generate, using machine learning trained using the training data, one or more viewable indicators identifying one or abnormalities in the second image, wherein the one or more viewable indicators are generated in real time as the second image is formed. One or more of the scopes display the one or more viewable indicators on the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Babak Kateb, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Publication number: 20160005786
    Abstract: High-quality surface coatings, and techniques combining the atomic precision of molecular beam epitaxy and atomic layer deposition, to fabricate such high-quality surface coatings are provided. The coatings made in accordance with the techniques set forth by the invention are shown to be capable of forming silicon CCD detectors that demonstrate world record detector quantum efficiency (>50%) in the near and far ultraviolet (155 nm-300 nm). The surface engineering approaches used demonstrate the robustness of detector performance that is obtained by achieving atomic level precision at all steps in the coating fabrication process. As proof of concept, the characterization, materials, and exemplary devices produced are presented along with a comparison to other approaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Frank Greer, Todd J. Jones, Shouleh Nikzad, Michael E. Hoenk
  • Patent number: 9165971
    Abstract: High-quality surface coatings, and techniques combining the atomic precision of molecular beam epitaxy and atomic layer deposition, to fabricate such high-quality surface coatings are provided. The coatings made in accordance with the techniques set forth by the invention are shown to be capable of forming silicon CCD detectors that demonstrate world record detector quantum efficiency (>50%) in the near and far ultraviolet (155 nm-300 nm). The surface engineering approaches used demonstrate the robustness of detector performance that is obtained by achieving atomic level precision at all steps in the coating fabrication process. As proof of concept, the characterization, materials, and exemplary devices produced are presented along with a comparison to other approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Frank Greer, Todd J. Jones, Shouleh Nikzad, Michael E. Hoenk
  • Patent number: 9123622
    Abstract: A back-illuminated silicon photodetector has a layer of Al2O3 deposited on a region of a silicon oxide surface that is left uncovered, while deposition is inhibited in another region by a contact shadow mask. The Al2O3 layer is an antireflection coating. In addition, the Al2O3 layer can also provide a chemically resistant separation layer between the silicon oxide surface and additional antireflection coating layers. In one embodiment, the silicon photodetector has a delta-doped layer near (within a few nanometers of) the silicon oxide surface. The Al2O3 layer is expected to provide similar antireflection properties and chemical protection for doped layers fabricated using other methods, such as MBE, ion implantation and CVD deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Michael E. Hoenk, Frank Greer, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Patent number: 9105548
    Abstract: A method and device for imaging or detecting electromagnetic radiation is provided. A device structure includes a first chip interconnected with a second chip. The first chip includes a detector array, wherein the detector array comprises a plurality of light sensors and one or more transistors. The second chip includes a Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) that reads out, via the transistors, a signal produced by the light sensors. A number of interconnects between the ROIC and the detector array can be less than one per light sensor or pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Thomas J. Cunningham, Bruce R. Hancock, Chao Sun, Todd J. Jones, Matthew R. Dickie, Shouleh Nikzad, Michael E. Hoenk, Christopher J. Wrigley, Kenneth W. Newton, Bedabrata Pain
  • Publication number: 20140288433
    Abstract: A medical imaging system and method. A UV/visible camera uses a back illuminated silicon imaging detector to observe a surface of a brain of a subject in vivo during brain surgery for excision of a cancerous tumor. The detector can be a CCD detector or a CMOS detector. Under UV illumination, the camera can record images that can be processed to detect the location and extent of a cancerous tumor because the presence of auto-fluorescent NADH variations can be detected between normal and cancerous cells. The image data is processed in a general purpose programmable computer. In some instances, an image is also taken using visible light, and the identified cancerous region is displayed as an overlay on the visible image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Babak Kateb, Keith L. Black, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Publication number: 20140167198
    Abstract: A back-illuminated silicon photodetector has a layer of Al2O3 deposited on a region of a silicon oxide surface that is left uncovered, while deposition is inhibited in another region by a contact shadow mask. The Al2O3 layer is an antireflection coating. In addition, the Al2O3 layer can also provide a chemically resistant separation layer between the silicon oxide surface and additional antireflection coating layers. In one embodiment, the silicon photodetector has a delta-doped layer near (within a few nanometers of) the silicon oxide surface. The Al2O3 layer is expected to provide similar antireflection properties and chemical protection for doped layers fabricated using other methods, such as MBE, ion implantation and CVD deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Michael E. Hoenk, Frank Greer, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Patent number: 8697474
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for fabricating a filter, for electromagnetic radiation, in at least three ways, including (1) fabricating integrated thin film filters directly on a detector; (2) fabricating a free standing thin film filter that may be used with a detector; and (3) treating an existing filter to improve the filter's properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Frank Greer, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Patent number: 8680637
    Abstract: A back-illuminated silicon photodetector has a layer of Al2O3 deposited on a silicon oxide surface that receives electromagnetic radiation to be detected. The Al2O3 layer has an antireflection coating deposited thereon. The Al2O3 layer provides a chemically resistant separation layer between the silicon oxide surface and the antireflection coating. The Al2O3 layer is thin enough that it is optically innocuous. Under deep ultraviolet radiation, the silicon oxide layer and the antireflection coating do not interact chemically. In one embodiment, the silicon photodetector has a delta-doped layer near (within a few nanometers of) the silicon oxide surface. The Al2O3 layer is expected to provide similar protection for doped layers fabricated using other methods, such as MBE, ion implantation and CVD deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael E. Hoenk, Frank Greer, Shouleh Nikzad
  • Patent number: 8582805
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that create a synthetic fovea in order to identify and highlight interesting portions of an image for further processing and rapid response. Synthetic foveal imaging implements a parallel processing architecture that uses reprogrammable logic to implement embedded, distributed, real-time foveal image processing from different sensor types while simultaneously allowing for lossless storage and retrieval of raw image data. Real-time, distributed, adaptive processing of multi-tap image sensors with coordinated processing hardware used for each output tap is enabled. In mosaic focal planes, a parallel-processing network can be implemented that treats the mosaic focal plane as a single ensemble rather than a set of isolated sensors. Various applications are enabled for imaging and robotic vision where processing and responding to enormous amounts of data quickly and efficiently is important.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Steve P. Monacos, Michael E. Hoenk, Shouleh Nikzad