Patents by Inventor Matthew Meitl

Matthew Meitl 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: 9640715
    Abstract: The present invention provides structures and methods that enable the construction of micro-LED chiplets formed on a sapphire substrate that can be micro-transfer printed. Such printed structures enable low-cost, high-performance arrays of electrically connected micro-LEDs useful, for example, in display systems. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the electrical contacts for printed LEDs are electrically interconnected in a single set of process steps. In certain embodiments, formation of the printable micro devices begins while the semiconductor structure remains on a substrate. After partially forming the printable micro devices, a handle substrate is attached to the system opposite the substrate such that the system is secured to the handle substrate. The substrate may then be removed and formation of the semiconductor structures is completed. Upon completion, the printable micro devices may be micro transfer printed to a destination substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: X-Celeprint Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Bower, Matthew Meitl, David Gomez, Carl Prevatte, Salvatore Bonafede
  • Publication number: 20170103964
    Abstract: In an aspect, a system and method for assembling a semiconductor device on a receiving surface of a destination substrate is disclosed. In another aspect, a system and method for assembling a semiconductor device on a destination substrate with topographic features is disclosed. In another aspect, a gravity-assisted separation system and method for printing semiconductor device is disclosed. In another aspect, various features of a transfer device for printing semiconductor devices are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Andrew Bower, Matthew Meitl, David Gomez, Salvatore Bonafede, David Kneeburg
  • Publication number: 20170098729
    Abstract: A concentrator-type photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells having respective surface areas of less than about 4 square millimeters (mm) electrically interconnected in series and/or parallel on a backplane surface, and an array of concentrating optical elements having respective aperture dimensions of less than about 30 mm and respective focal lengths of less than about 50 mm. The array of concentrating optical elements is positioned over the photovoltaic cells based on the respective focal lengths to concentrate incident light on the photovoltaic cells, and is integrated on the backplane surface by at least one spacer structure on the backplane surface. Related devices, operations, and fabrication methods are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Brent Fisher, Matthew Meitl, Scott Burroughs, Miroslav Samarskiy
  • Publication number: 20170093501
    Abstract: An optical data communication and power converter device includes a receiver circuit comprising an optical receiver. The optical receiver includes a photovoltaic device and a photoconductive device arranged within an area that is configured for illumination by a modulated optical signal emitted from a monochromatic light source of a transmitter circuit. The photovoltaic device is configured to generate electric current responsive to the illumination of the area by the modulated optical signal. The photoconductive device is configured to generate a data signal, distinct from the electric current, responsive to the illumination of the area by the modulated optical signal. A reverse bias voltage may be applied to the photoconductive device by the photovoltaic device, independent of an external voltage source. Related devices and methods of operation are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Meitl, Scott Burroughs, Brent Fisher, Brian Cox, Joseph Carr
  • Publication number: 20170093228
    Abstract: An optical power transfer device includes a transmitter circuit, including a laser light source that is configured to emit coherent light responsive to operation above a lasing threshold, and is configured to emit incoherent light responsive operation below the lasing threshold. A proximity sensor circuit is coupled to the transmitter circuit and is configured to output a detection signal therefrom responsive to authentication of an optical receiver including at least one photovoltaic cell having surface area of about 4 square millimeters or less within a proximity thereof. The transmitter circuit is configured to operate the laser light source below the lasing threshold to emit the incoherent light responsive to an absence of the detection signal from the proximity sensor circuit. Related devices and methods of operation are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Brent Fisher, Brian Cox, Matthew Meitl, Scott Burroughs, Joseph Carr
  • Publication number: 20170092863
    Abstract: An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) structure includes an organic light-emitting diode having a first electrode, one or more layers of organic material disposed on at least a portion of the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on at least a portion of the one or more layers of organic material. At least a portion of a tether extending from a periphery of the organic light-emitting diode. The organic light-emitting diodes can be printable organic light-emitting diode structures that are micro transfer printed over a display substrate to form a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Bower, Matthew Meitl, Ronald S. Cok
  • Patent number: 9601671
    Abstract: Provided are optical devices and systems fabricated, at least in part, via printing-based assembly and integration of device components. In specific embodiments the present invention provides light emitting systems, light collecting systems, light sensing systems and photovoltaic systems comprising printable semiconductor elements, including large area, high performance macroelectronic devices. Optical systems of the present invention comprise semiconductor elements assembled, organized and/or integrated with other device components via printing techniques that exhibit performance characteristics and functionality comparable to single crystalline semiconductor based devices fabricated using conventional high temperature processing methods. Optical systems of the present invention have device geometries and configurations, such as form factors, component densities, and component positions, accessed by printing that provide a range of useful device functionalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, Semprius, Inc.
    Inventors: John Rogers, Ralph Nuzzo, Matthew Meitl, Etienne Menard, Alfred Baca, Michael Motala, Jong-Hyun Ahn, Sang-Il Park, Chang-Jae Yu, Heung Cho Ko, Mark Stoykovich, Jongseung Yoon
  • Patent number: 9601356
    Abstract: The disclosed technology relates generally to methods and systems for controlling the release of micro devices. Prior to transferring micro devices to a destination substrate, a native substrate is formed with micro devices thereon. The micro devices can be distributed over the native substrate and spatially separated from each other by an anchor structure. The anchors are physically connected/secured to the native substrate. Tethers physically secure each micro device to one or more anchors, thereby suspending the micro device above the native substrate. In certain embodiments, single tether designs are used to control the relaxation of built-in stress in releasable structures on a substrate, such as Si (1 1 1). Single tether designs offer, among other things, the added benefit of easier break upon retrieval from native substrate in micro assembly processes. In certain embodiments, narrow tether designs are used to avoid pinning of the undercut etch front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: X-CELEPRINT LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Bower, Matthew Meitl
  • Publication number: 20170061842
    Abstract: A heterogeneous light-emitter display includes a display substrate having a plurality of pixels disposed thereon. Each pixel including at least a first heterogeneous multiple-component sub-pixel emitting a first color of light and a second sub-pixel emitting a second color of light different from the first color. A heterogeneous light-emitter display can also include an array of heterogeneous pixels. Each heterogeneous pixel includes a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels. The first sub-pixel of each of the first pixels includes a first light emitter and the first sub-pixel of each of the second pixels includes a second light emitter different from the first light emitter. One or more pixel controllers control the pixels, the first and second pixels, the first and second sub-pixels, and the first and second light emitters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald S. Cok, Christopher Bower, Matthew Meitl
  • Publication number: 20170047393
    Abstract: A display tile structure includes a tile layer with opposing emitter and backplane sides. A light emitter having first and second electrodes for conducting electrical current to cause the light emitter to emit light is disposed in the tile layer. First and second electrically conductive tile micro-wires and first and second conductive tile contact pads are electrically connected to the first and second tile micro-wires, respectively. The light emitter includes a plurality of semiconductor layers and the first and second electrodes are disposed on a common side of the semiconductor layers opposite the emitter side of the tile layer. The first and second tile micro-wires and first and second tile contact pads are disposed on the backplane side of the tile layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Bower, Matthew Meitl, Ronald S. Cok
  • Publication number: 20170047303
    Abstract: A printable component structure includes a chiplet having a semiconductor structure with a top side and a bottom side, one or more top electrical contacts on the top side of the semiconductor structure, and one or more bottom electrical contacts on the bottom side of the semiconductor structure. One or more electrically conductive spikes are in electrical contact with the one or more top electrical contacts. Each spike protrudes from the top side of the semiconductor structure or a layer in contact with the top side of the semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Meitl, Christopher Bower, Ronald S. Cok
  • Publication number: 20170048976
    Abstract: A component includes a plurality of electrical connections on a process side opposed to a back side of the component. Each electrical connection includes an electrically conductive multi-layer connection post protruding from the process side. A printed structure includes a destination substrate and one or more components. The destination substrate has two or more electrical contacts and each connection post is in contact with, extends into, or extends through an electrical contact of the destination substrate to electrically connect the electrical contacts to the connection posts. The connection posts or electrical contacts are deformed. Two or more connection posts can be electrically connected to a common electrical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Carl Prevatte, Christopher Bower, Ronald S. Cok, Matthew Meitl
  • Publication number: 20170047306
    Abstract: A stamp for micro-transfer printing includes a body and one or more posts extending from the body. At least one of the posts has a non-planar surface contour on the distal end of the post having a size, shape, or size and shape that accommodates a non-planar contact surface of a micro-transfer printable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Meitl, Christopher Bower, Ronald S. Cok
  • Publication number: 20170025563
    Abstract: A method of making an inorganic semiconductor structure suitable for micro-transfer printing includes providing a growth substrate and forming one or more semiconductor layers on the growth substrate. A patterned release layer is formed on the conductor layer(s) and bonded to a handle substrate. The growth substrate is removed and the semiconductor layer(s) patterned to form a semiconductor mesa. A dielectric layer is formed and then patterned to expose first and second contacts and an entry portion of the release layer. A conductor layer is formed on the dielectric layer, the first contact, and the second contact and patterned to form a first conductor in electrical contact with the first contact and a second conductor in electrical contact with the second contact but electrically separate from the first conductor. At least a portion of the release layer is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Meitl, Ronald S. Cok
  • Publication number: 20170025593
    Abstract: A structure with an interconnection layer for redistribution of electrical connections includes a plurality of first electrical connections disposed on a substrate in a first arrangement. An insulating layer is disposed on the substrate over the first electrical connections. A plurality of second electrical connections is disposed on the insulating layer on a side of the insulating layer opposite the plurality of first electrical connections in a second arrangement. Each second electrical connection is electrically connected to a respective first electrical connection. An integrated circuit is disposed on the substrate and is electrically connected to the first electrical connections. The first electrical connections in the first arrangement have a greater spatial density than the second electrical connections in the second arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Bower, Matthew Meitl, Ronald S. Cok
  • Publication number: 20170025075
    Abstract: A parallel redundant integrated-circuit system includes an input connection, an output connection and first and second active circuits. The first active circuit includes one or more first integrated circuits and has an input connected to the input connection and an output connected to the output connection. The second active circuit includes one or more second integrated circuits and is redundant to the first active circuit, has an input connected to the input connection, and has an output connected to the output connection. The second integrated circuits are separate and distinct from the first integrated circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald S. Cok, Robert R. Rotzoll, Christopher Bower, Matthew Meitl
  • Patent number: 9550353
    Abstract: In an aspect, a system and method for assembling a semiconductor device on a receiving surface of a destination substrate is disclosed. In another aspect, a system and method for assembling a semiconductor device on a destination substrate with topographic features is disclosed. In another aspect, a gravity-assisted separation system and method for printing semiconductor device is disclosed. In another aspect, various features of a transfer device for printing semiconductor devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: X-Celeprint Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Bower, Matthew Meitl, David Gomez, Salvatore Bonafede, David Kneeburg
  • Publication number: 20170018675
    Abstract: An optical power converter device includes a light source configured to emit monochromatic light, and a multi-junction photovoltaic cell including respective photovoltaic cell layers having different bandgaps and/or thicknesses. The respective photovoltaic cell layers are electrically connected to collectively provide an output voltage and are vertically stacked relative to a surface of the multi-junction photovoltaic cell that is arranged for illumination by the monochromatic light from the light source. Responsive to the illumination of the surface by the monochromatic light from the light source, the respective photovoltaic cell layers are configured to generate respective output photocurrents that are substantially equal. Related devices and methods of operation are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Meitl, Scott Burroughs, Brent Fisher, Joseph Carr
  • Publication number: 20170005244
    Abstract: An inorganic light-emitting diode structure includes a transparent substrate and an inorganic semiconductor having a conduction layer and a light-emitting layer over and in contact with only a portion of the conduction layer. A first metal contact is in electrical contact with the conduction layer and a second metal contact is in electrical contact with a second contact portion of the light-emitting layer so that a current supplied between the first metal contact and the second metal contact through the inorganic semiconductor causes the light-emitting layer to emit light. A dielectric layer is located over at least a portion of the light-emitting layer and a reflective layer is located over at least a portion of the dielectric layer. The reflective layer encapsulates the light-emitting layer exclusive of the portion of the conduction layer in contact with the light-emitting layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Bower, Matthew Meitl
  • Patent number: 9537069
    Abstract: An inorganic light-emitting diode structure includes a transparent substrate and an inorganic semiconductor having a conduction layer and a light-emitting layer over and in contact with only a portion of the conduction layer. A first metal contact is in electrical contact with the conduction layer and a second metal contact is in electrical contact with a second contact portion of the light-emitting layer so that a current supplied between the first metal contact and the second metal contact through the inorganic semiconductor causes the light-emitting layer to emit light. A dielectric layer is located over at least a portion of the light-emitting layer and a reflective layer is located over at least a portion of the dielectric layer. The reflective layer encapsulates the light-emitting layer exclusive of the portion of the conduction layer in contact with the light-emitting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: X-Celeprint Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Bower, Matthew Meitl