Patents Represented by Attorney David W. Burns
  • Patent number: 7605391
    Abstract: An optically coupled resonator includes a resonator body having at least one resonator sidewall and a laterally offset photodiode formed in a semiconductor substrate adjacent to the resonator body. The resonator is driven by an electric field generated between the laterally offset photodiode and the resonator body when an incident light strikes the photodiode. A device including an optically coupled resonator and a method of operating an optically coupled resonator are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: David W. Burns
  • Patent number: 7499604
    Abstract: A process for fabricating an optically coupled resonant pressure sensor includes the steps of forming a sensor die including at least one optically coupled resonator from a first semiconductor substrate and forming a cap die including a fiber hole from a second semiconductor substrate. The sensor die and the cap die are aligned and bonded to form a resonant pressure sensor capsule. The fiber hole in the cap die is aligned with at least one resonator on the sensor die. Also disclosed is an optically coupled resonant pressure sensor formed from steps thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: David W. Burns
  • Patent number: 7443509
    Abstract: A method for determining a resonant frequency of an optically coupled resonator includes modulating an incident light and striking a laterally offset photodiode with the modulated incident light. An electric field is generated between the laterally offset photodiode and the resonator in response to the modulated incident light, and the resonator is driven with a driving component of the generated electric field. A reflected light from the resonator is sensed, and the resonant frequency of the resonator is determined based on the reflected light. A system for determining a resonant frequency of an optically coupled resonator and a method of sensing an applied stimulus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: David W. Burns
  • Patent number: 7379629
    Abstract: An optically coupled resonant pressure sensor includes a deformable diaphragm and an optically coupled resonator fixedly attached to the deformable diaphragm. The resonator includes a resonator body and a laterally offset photodiode adjacent to the resonator body. The resonator is driven by an electric field generated between the laterally offset photodiode and the resonator body when an incident light strikes the photodiode. Pressure applied to one side of the deformable diaphragm causes a shift in a resonant frequency of the resonator. Also disclosed are a method and system for determining pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: David W. Burns
  • Patent number: 7176048
    Abstract: A process to form a laterally offset photodiode for an optically coupled resonator includes implanting a semiconductor substrate to form the laterally offset photodiode adjacent to the resonator. The resonator masks the implanting underneath the resonator when the semiconductor substrate is implanted. Also disclosed is an optically coupled resonator, a process for fabricating an optically coupled resonator, and a device including an optically coupled resonator having a laterally offset photodiode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: David W. Burns