Patents Represented by Attorney Phan T. Heartney

Find this attorney in the Justia Lawyer Directory

  • Optical switching apparatus and method
    Patent number: 5080504
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching unpolarized light are provided. The apparatus includes GaInAs/GaAs optical switching devices which can be fabricated using conventional processes on a single wafer in matrix arrangement to provide an n.times.m cross bar switch. Switching is accomplished by shifting the band gap of the GaInAs material of a device using electrical or optical power to heat the material. Each switching device may comprise two-polarity (n/p) or single polarity (n or p) semiconductor materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Varian Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Partain, Gary F. Virshup, Jocelyn C. Schultz, Maria L. Ristow