Patents by Inventor Andre Strittmatter

Andre Strittmatter 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: 9166375
    Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device includes a pump light source, a gain structure, and an out-coupling mirror. The gain structure is comprised of InGaN layers that have resonant excitation absorption at the pump wavelength. Light from the pump light source causes the gain structure to emit light, which is reflected by the out-coupling mirror back to the gain structure. A distributed Bragg reflector causes internal reflection within the gain structure. The out-coupling mirror permits light having sufficient energy to pass therethrough for use external to the device. A frequency doubling structure may be disposed between the gain structure and the out-coupling mirror. Output wavelengths in the deep-UV spectrum may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andre Strittmatter, Christopher L. Chua, Peter Kiesel, Noble M. Johnson, Joerg Martini
  • Patent number: 8652918
    Abstract: A structure method for producing same provides suppressed lattice defects when epitaxially forming nitride layers over non-c-plane oriented layers, such as a semi-polar oriented template layer or substrate. A patterned mask with “window” openings, or trenches formed in the substrate with appropriate vertical dimensions, such as the product of the window width times the cotangent of the angle between the surface normal and the c-axis direction, provides significant blocking of all diagonally running defects during growth. In addition, inclined posts of appropriate height and spacing provide a blocking barrier to vertically running defects is created. When used in conjunction with the aforementioned aspects of mask windows or trenches, the post structure provides significant blocking of both vertically and diagonally running defects during growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Andre Strittmatter
  • Publication number: 20130016746
    Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device includes a pump light source, a gain structure, and an out-coupling mirror. The gain structure is comprised of InGaN layers that have resonant excitation absorption at the pump wavelength. Light from the pump light source causes the gain structure to emit light, which is reflected by the out-coupling mirror back to the gain structure. A distributed Bragg reflector causes internal reflection within the gain structure. The out-coupling mirror permits light having sufficient energy to pass therethrough for use external to the device. A frequency doubling structure may be disposed between the gain structure and the out-coupling mirror. Output wavelengths in the deep-UV spectrum may be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andre Strittmatter, Christopher L. Chua, Peter Kiesel, Noble M. Johnson, Joerg Martini
  • Patent number: 8330144
    Abstract: A structure and method for producing same provides a solid-state light emitting device with suppressed lattice defects in epitaxially formed nitride layers over a non-c-plane oriented (e.g., semi-polar) template or substrate. A dielectric layer with “window” openings or trenches provides significant suppression of all diagonally running defects during growth. Posts of appropriate height and spacing may further provide suppression of vertically running defects. A layer including gallium nitride is formed over the dielectric layer, and polished to provide a planar growth surface with desired roughness. A tri-layer indium gallium nitride active region is employed. For laser diode embodiments, a relatively thick aluminum gallium nitride cladding layer is provided over the gallium nitride layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Andre Strittmatter, Noble M. Johnson, Mark Teepe, Christopher L. Chua, Zhihong Yang, John E. Northrup
  • Publication number: 20120280212
    Abstract: A structure and method for producing same provides a solid-state light emitting device with suppressed lattice defects in epitaxially formed nitride layers over a non-c-plane oriented (e.g., semi-polar) template or substrate. A dielectric layer with “window” openings or trenches provides significant suppression of all diagonally running defects during growth. Posts of appropriate height and spacing may further provide suppression of vertically running defects. A layer including gallium nitride is formed over the dielectric layer, and polished to provide a planar growth surface with desired roughness. A tri-layer indium gallium nitride active region is employed. For laser diode embodiments, a relatively thick aluminum gallium nitride cladding layer is provided over the gallium nitride layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andre Strittmatter, Noble M. Johnson, Mark Teepe, Christopher L. Chua, Zhihong Yang, John E. Northrup
  • Patent number: 8247249
    Abstract: A structure and method for producing same provides a solid-state light emitting device with suppressed lattice defects in epitaxially formed nitride layers over a non-c-plane oriented (e.g., semi-polar) template or substrate. A dielectric layer with “window” openings or trenches provides significant suppression of all diagonally running defects during growth. Posts of appropriate height and spacing may further provide suppression of vertically running defects. A layer including gallium nitride is formed over the dielectric layer, and polished to provide a planar growth surface with desired roughness. A tri-layer indium gallium nitride active region is employed. For laser diode embodiments, a relatively thick aluminum gallium nitride cladding layer is provided over the gallium nitride layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Andre Strittmatter, Noble M. Johnson, Mark Teepe, Christopher L. Chua, Zhihong Yang, John E. Northrup
  • Patent number: 8212287
    Abstract: A structure method for producing same provides suppressed lattice defects when epitaxially forming nitride layers over non-c-plane oriented layers, such as a semi-polar oriented template layer or substrate. A patterned mask with “window” openings, or trenches formed in the substrate with appropriate vertical dimensions, such as the product of the window width times the cotangent of the angle between the surface normal and the c-axis direction, provides significant blocking of all diagonally running defects during growth. In addition, inclined posts of appropriate height and spacing provide a blocking barrier to vertically running defects is created. When used in conjunction with the aforementioned aspects of mask windows or trenches, the post structure provides sign0ificant blocking of both vertically and diagonally running defects during growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Andre Strittmatter
  • Patent number: 8143647
    Abstract: A relaxed InGaN template employs a GaN or InGaN nucleation layer grown at low temperatures on a conventional base layer (e.g., sapphire). The nucleation layer is typically very rough and multi-crystalline. A single-crystal InGaN buffer layer is then grown at normal temperatures. Although not necessary, the buffer layer is typically undoped, and is usually grown at high pressures to encourage planarization and to improve surface smoothness. A subsequent n-doped cap layer can then be grown at low pressures to form the n-contact of a photonic or electronic device. In some cases, a wetting layer—typically low temperature AlN—is grown prior to the nucleation layer. Other templates, such as AlGaN on Si or SiC, are also produced using the method of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher L. Chua, Zhihong Yang, Andre Strittmatter, Mark R. Teepe
  • Patent number: 8143154
    Abstract: A relaxed InGaN template is formed by growing a GaN or InGaN nucleation layer at low temperatures on a conventional base layer (e.g., sapphire). The nucleation layer is typically very rough and multi-crystalline. A single-crystal InGaN buffer layer is then grown at normal temperatures on the nucleation layer. Although not necessary, the buffer layer is typically undoped, and is usually grown at high pressures to encourage planarization and to improve surface smoothness. A subsequent n-doped cap layer can then be grown at low pressures to form the n-contact of a photonic or electronic device. In some cases, a wetting layer—typically low temperature AlN—is grown prior to the nucleation layer. Other templates, such as AlGaN on Si or SiC, are also produced using the method of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher L. Chua, Zhihong Yang, Andre Strittmatter, Mark R. Teepe
  • Publication number: 20110291074
    Abstract: A structure and method for producing same provides a solid-state light emitting device with suppressed lattice defects in epitaxially formed nitride layers over a non-c-plane oriented (e.g., semi-polar) template or substrate. A dielectric layer with “window” openings or trenches provides significant suppression of all diagonally running defects during growth. Posts of appropriate height and spacing may further provide suppression of vertically running defects. A layer including gallium nitride is formed over the dielectric layer, and polished to provide a planar growth surface with desired roughness. A tri-layer indium gallium nitride active region is employed. For laser diode embodiments, a relatively thick aluminum gallium nitride cladding layer is provided over the gallium nitride layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andre Strittmatter, Noble M. Johnson, Mark Teepe, Christopher L. Chua, Zhihong Yang, John E. Northrup
  • Publication number: 20110281424
    Abstract: A relaxed InGaN template is formed by growing a GaN or InGaN nucleation layer at low temperatures on a conventional base layer (e.g., sapphire). The nucleation layer is typically very rough and multi-crystalline. A single-crystal InGaN buffer layer is then grown at normal temperatures on the nucleation layer. Although not necessary, the buffer layer is typically undoped, and is usually grown at high pressures to encourage planarization and to improve surface smoothness. A subsequent n-doped cap layer can then be grown at low pressures to form the n-contact of a photonic or electronic device. In some cases, a wetting layer—typically low temperature AlN—is grown prior to the nucleation layer. Other templates, such as AlGaN on Si or SiC, are also produced using the method of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher L. Chua, Zhihong Yang, Andre Strittmatter, Mark R. Teepe
  • Patent number: 8023546
    Abstract: A semiconductor light-emitting device has, in place of a traditional separate cladding layer and contact structure, a non-epitaxial contact and waveguide layer. The non-epitaxial contact and waveguide layer is formed of a conductive material and such that it has a recess therein and over the injection region. Air filling the region together with appropriate choice of material for the non-epitaxial contact and waveguide layer creates desired lateral waveguiding. Metallic silver in one choice for this material. The recess may also be filled with a low-loss material having a refractive index higher than that of the material forming the non-epitaxial contact and waveguide layer. Transparent conductive oxides (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO), etc.), appropriate metal (e.g., gold), or a composite comprising a conductive oxide and a metal, provide low absorption in the UV and near-IR wavelengths of interest, and are thus good candidate materials for within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Andre Strittmatter, Christopher L. Chua, Noble M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8000371
    Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device includes a pump light source, a gain structure, and an out-coupling mirror. The gain structure is comprised of InGaN layers that have resonant excitation absorption at the pump wavelength. Light from the pump light source causes the gain structure to emit light, which is reflected by the out-coupling mirror back to the gain structure. A distributed Bragg reflector causes internal reflection within the gain structure. The out-coupling mirror permits light having sufficient energy to pass therethrough for use external to the device. A frequency doubling structure may be disposed between the gain structure and the out-coupling mirror. Output wavelengths in the deep-UV spectrum may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Andre Strittmatter, Christopher L. Chua, Peter Kiesel, Noble M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110150017
    Abstract: A relaxed InGaN template employs a GaN or InGaN nucleation layer grown at low temperatures on a conventional base layer (e.g., sapphire). The nucleation layer is typically very rough and multi-crystalline. A single-crystal InGaN buffer layer is then grown at normal temperatures. Although not necessary, the buffer layer is typically undoped, and is usually grown at high pressures to encourage planarization and to improve surface smoothness. A subsequent n-doped cap layer can then be grown at low pressures to form the n-contact of a photonic or electronic device. In some cases, a wetting layer—typically low temperature AlN—is grown prior to the nucleation layer. Other templates, such as AlGaN on Si or SiC, are also produced using the method of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher L. Chua, Zhihong Yang, Andre Strittmatter, Mark R. Teepe
  • Publication number: 20080048196
    Abstract: An electrical and/or optical component and a process for manufacturing the component achieve especially good quality in the component and especially reliably avoid crystal dislocations in material layers of the component. In the process for producing a component, at least one trench is etched into a substrate, the trench is overgrown laterally by at least one semiconductor layer in such a way that the trench is completely covered by the semiconductor layer while forming a gas-filled, especially air-filled, cavity, and the component is integrated in the semiconductor layer or in a further semiconductor layer applied to the semiconductor layer, with an active region of the component being placed above the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT BERLIN
    Inventors: Andre Strittmatter, Lars Reissmann, Dieter Bimberg
  • Publication number: 20030111008
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the epitaxy of (indium, aluminum, gallium) nitride on foreign substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Andre Strittmatter, Alois Krost, Dieter Bimberg