Patents by Inventor Stepan Essaian
Stepan Essaian 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).
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Patent number: 9019999Abstract: A compact, optically-pumped solid-state microchip laser device uses efficient nonlinear intracavity frequency conversion for obtaining low-cost green and blue laser sources. The laser includes a solid-state gain medium, such as Nd:YVO4, and a nonlinear crystal. The nonlinear crystal is formed of periodically poled lithium niobate or periodically poled lithium tantalate, and the crystal is either MgO-doped, ZnO-doped, or stoichiometric to ensure high reliability. The nonlinear crystal provides efficient frequency doubling to translate energy from an infrared pump laser beam into the visible wavelength range. The laser device is assembled in a package having an output aperture for the output beam and being integrated with an optical bench accommodating a laser assembly. The package encloses and provides heat sinking for the semiconductor diode pump laser, the microchip laser cavity assembly, the optical bench platform, and electrical leads.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Spectralus CorporationInventors: Stepan Essaian, Dzhakhangir Khaydarov, Andrei V. Shchegrov
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Publication number: 20140341241Abstract: A laser light source includes a thermoelectric cooling device, a composite green laser made up of an infrared wavelength pumped laser diode and a solid-state laser cavity designed for efficient nonlinear intra-cavity frequency conversion into desired wavelengths using periodically poled nonlinear crystals thermally coupled with the cooling device and a red wavelength laser diode thermally coupled with said cooling device. In this manner, the cooling device maintains a common temperature of the infrared pumped laser diode and the red laser diode over an ambient temperature range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Spectralus CorporationInventors: Stepan Essaian, Dzhakhangir V. Khaydarov
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Patent number: 8649404Abstract: A compact optically-pumped solid-state laser designed for efficient nonlinear intracavity frequency conversion into desired wavelengths using periodically poled nonlinear crystals. These crystals contain dopants such as MgO or ZnO and/or have a specified degree of stoichiometry that ensures high reliability. The laser includes a solid-state gain media chip, such as Nd:YVO4, which also provides polarization control of the laser; and a periodically poled nonlinear crystal chip such as PPMgOLN or PPZnOLT for efficient frequency doubling of the fundamental infrared laser beam into the visible wavelength range. The described designs are especially advantageous for obtaining low-cost green and blue laser sources. Also described design of the continuously operated laser with an electro-optic element for modulation of the intensity of the laser output at frequencies up to hundred of megahertz. Such modulation is desired for various applications, including compact projectors with high resolution.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Spectralus CorporationInventors: Stepan Essaian, Dzhakhangir Khaydarov, Andrei Shchegrov
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Publication number: 20130250983Abstract: A compact, optically-pumped solid-state microchip laser device uses efficient nonlinear intracavity frequency conversion for obtaining low-cost green and blue laser sources. The laser includes a solid-state gain medium, such as Nd:YVO4, and a nonlinear crystal. The nonlinear crystal is formed of periodically poled lithium niobate or periodically poled lithium tantalate, and the crystal is either MgO-doped, ZnO-doped, or stoichiometric to ensure high reliability. The nonlinear crystal provides efficient frequency doubling to translate energy from an infrared pump laser beam into the visible wavelength range. The laser device is assembled in a package having an output aperture for the output beam and being integrated with an optical bench accommodating a laser assembly. The package encloses and provides heat sinking for the semiconductor diode pump laser, the microchip laser cavity assembly, the optical bench platform, and electrical leads.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2009Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventors: Stepan Essaian, Dzhakhangir Khaydarov, Andrei V. Shchegrov
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Publication number: 20120163403Abstract: A compact optically-pumped solid-state laser designed for efficient nonlinear intracavity frequency conversion into desired wavelengths using periodically poled nonlinear crystals. These crystals contain dopants such as MgO or ZnO and/or have a specified degree of stoichiometry that ensures high reliability. The laser includes a solid-state gain media chip, such as Nd:YVO4, which also provides polarization control of the laser; and a periodically poled nonlinear crystal chip such as PPMgOLN or PPZnOLT for efficient frequency doubling of the fundamental infrared laser beam into the visible wavelength range. The described designs are especially advantageous for obtaining low-cost green and blue laser sources. Also described design of the continuously operated laser with an electro-optic element for modulation of the intensity of the laser output at frequencies up to hundred of megahertz. Such modulation is desired for various applications, including compact projectors with high resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Stepan Essaian, Dzhakhangir Khaydarov, Andrei Shchegrov
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Patent number: 8000357Abstract: A compact and efficient ultraviolet laser source based on a optically-pumped solid-state or fiber laser that produces near-infrared output light suitable for nonlinear frequency conversion. The infrared laser output is frequency tripled or quadrupled to produce light in the ultraviolet wavelength range (200 nm to 400 nm). The novel technology is the use of highly efficient periodically poled nonlinear crystals, such as stoichiometric and MgO-doped lithium tantalate and lithium niobate. As opposed to conventional frequency-converted UV laser sources, which have high power consumption, high cost, and low efficiency, the laser sources of this invention utilize high efficiency nonlinear conversion provided by periodically poled materials and allow lower-cost architectures without additional focusing lenses, high power pump diodes, etc.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Spectralus CorporationInventors: Stepan Essaian, Andrei Shchegrov
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Patent number: 7742510Abstract: A compact optically-pumped solid-state laser designed for efficient nonlinear intracavity frequency conversion into desired wavelengths using periodically poled nonlinear crystals. These crystals contain dopants such as MgO or ZnO and/or have a specified degree of stoichiometry that ensures high reliability. The laser includes a solid-state gain media chip, such as Nd:YVO4, which also provides polarization control of the laser; and a periodically poled nonlinear crystal chip such as PPMgOLN or PPZnOLT for efficient frequency doubling of the fundamental infrared laser beam into the visible wavelength range. The described designs are especially advantageous for obtaining low-cost green and blue laser sources.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Spectralus CorporationInventors: Stepan Essaian, Andrei Shchegrov
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Patent number: 7724797Abstract: A compact solid-state laser array for nonlinear intracavity frequency conversion into desired wavelengths using periodically poled nonlinear crystals. The crystals contain dopants such as MgO and/or have a specified stoichiometry. A preferred embodiment comprises a microchip laser cavity that includes a solid-state gain chip, such as Nd:YVO4, which also provides polarization control of the laser; and a periodically poled nonlinear crystal chip such as PPMgOLN, for efficient frequency doubling of a infrared laser pump beam into the visible wavelength range. The described designs are especially advantageous for obtaining low-cost green and blue laser sources. The use of such high-efficiency pumps and nonlinear materials allows scaling of a compact, low-cost architecture to provide high output power levels in the blue/green wavelength range.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Spectralus CorporationInventors: Stepan Essaian, Andrei Shchegrov
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Publication number: 20090290605Abstract: A compact and efficient ultraviolet laser source based on a optically-pumped solid-state or fiber laser that produces near-infrared output light suitable for nonlinear frequency conversion. The infrared laser output is frequency tripled or quadrupled to produce light in the ultraviolet wavelength range (200 nm to 400 nm). The novel technology is the use of highly efficient periodically poled nonlinear crystals, such as stoichiometric and MgO-doped lithium tantalate and lithium niobate. As opposed to conventional frequency-converted UV laser sources, which have high power consumption, high cost, and low efficiency, the laser sources of this invention utilize high efficiency nonlinear conversion provided by periodically poled materials and allow lower-cost architectures without additional focusing lenses, high power pump diodes, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventors: Stepan Essaian, Andrei Shchegrov
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Patent number: 7570676Abstract: A compact and efficient ultraviolet laser source based on a optically-pumped solid-state or fiber laser that produces near-infrared output light suitable for nonlinear frequency conversion. The infrared laser output is frequency tripled or quadrupled to produce light in the ultraviolet wavelength range (200 nm to 400 nm). The novel technology is the use of highly efficient periodically poled nonlinear crystals, such as stoichiometric and MgO-doped lithium tantalate and lithium niobate. As opposed to conventional frequency-converted UV laser sources, which have high power consumption, high cost, and low efficiency, the laser sources of this invention utilize high efficiency nonlinear conversion provided by periodically poled materials and allow lower-cost architectures without additional focusing lenses, high power pump diodes, etc.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Spectralus CorporationInventors: Stepan Essaian, Andrei Shchegrov
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Publication number: 20080317072Abstract: A compact optically-pumped solid-state laser designed for efficient nonlinear intracavity frequency conversion into desired wavelengths using periodically poled nonlinear crystals. These crystals contain dopants such as MgO or ZnO and/or have a specified degree of stoichiometry that ensures high reliability. The laser includes a solid-state gain media chip, such as Nd:YVO4, which also provides polarization control of the laser; and a periodically poled nonlinear crystal chip such as PPMgOLN or PPZnOLT for efficient frequency doubling of the fundamental infrared laser beam into the visible wavelength range. The described designs are especially advantageous for obtaining low-cost green and blue laser sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Stepan Essaian, Andrei Shchegrov
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Patent number: 7413635Abstract: A process for reducing the poling field of congruent LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 crystal-based nonlinear optical devices and for the production of domain structures with precise reproducibility of the main parameters by depositing a thin layer of a stoichiometric LiNbO3 film on the Z-face of a congruent LiNbO3 or LiTaO3 wafer. A new domain nucleation, evolution and stabilization process is provided to afford a uniform, short period domain superstructure for the conversion of near infra-red light to near ultraviolet, blue and green light.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Spectralus, Inc.Inventor: Stepan Essaian
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Publication number: 20070263693Abstract: A compact and efficient ultraviolet laser source based on a optically-pumped solid-state or fiber laser that produces near-infrared output light suitable for nonlinear frequency conversion. The infrared laser output is frequency tripled or quadrupled to produce light in the ultraviolet wavelength range (200 nm to 400 nm). The novel technology is the use of highly efficient periodically poled nonlinear crystals, such as stoichiometric and MgO-doped lithium tantalate and lithium niobate. As opposed to conventional frequency-converted UV laser sources, which have high power consumption, high cost, and low efficiency, the laser sources of this invention utilize high efficiency nonlinear conversion provided by periodically poled materials and allow lower-cost architectures without additional focusing lenses, high power pump diodes, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventors: Stepan Essaian, Andrei Shchegrov
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Publication number: 20070253453Abstract: A compact solid-state laser array for nonlinear intracavity frequency conversion into desired wavelengths using periodically poled nonlinear crystals. The crystals contain dopants such as MgO and/or have a specified stoichiometry. A preferred embodiment comprises a microchip laser cavity that includes a solid-state gain chip, such as Nd:YVO4, which also provides polarization control of the laser; and a periodically poled nonlinear crystal chip such as PPMgOLN, for efficient frequency doubling of a infrared laser pump beam into the visible wavelength range. The described designs are especially advantageous for obtaining low-cost green and blue laser sources. The use of such high-efficiency pumps and nonlinear materials allows scaling of a compact, low-cost architecture to provide high output power levels in the blue/green wavelength range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: November 1, 2007Inventors: Stepan Essaian, Andrei Shchegrov
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Patent number: 6674144Abstract: Isolation of a heterojunction bipolar transistor device in an integrated circuit is accomplished by forming the device within a trench in dielectric material overlying single crystal silicon. Precise control over the thickness of the initially-formed dielectric material ultimately determines the depth of the trench and hence the degree of isolation provided by the surrounding dielectric material. The shape and facility of etching of the trench may be determined through the use of etch-stop layers and unmasked photoresist regions of differing widths. Once the trench in the dielectric material is formed, the trench is filled with selectively and/or nonselectively grown epitaxial silicon. The process avoids complex and defect-prone deep trench masking, deep trench silicon etching, deep trench liner formation, and dielectric reflow steps associated with conventional processes.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Stepan Essaian
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Patent number: 6589364Abstract: A silicon-germanium alloy of high crystal quality and containing uniform concentrations of dopant and germanium is formed by applying laser energy to a doped amorphous/polysilicon germanium layer overlying epitaxial silicon. Energy transferred from the laser beam causes melting of the germanium and the underlying silicon, resulting in diffusion of germanium and dopant into the melted silicon. Subsequent cooling and crystallization of the silicon/germanium/dopant melt produces a high quality crystal lattice uniformly incorporating germanium and dopant within its structure. Efficient energy transfer from the laser beam to the underlying germanium and silicon may be promoted by patterning an anti-reflective coating over the amorphous/polysilicon doped germanium prior to exposure to laser radiation. The process is particularly suited for forming the silicon-germanium base of a heterojunction bipolar transistor device.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Stepan Essaian, Abdalla A. Naem
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Patent number: 6506657Abstract: Isolation of a heterojunction bipolar transistor device in an integrated circuit is accomplished by forming the device within a trench in dielectric material overlying single crystal silicon. Precise control over the thickness of the initially-formed dielectric material ultimately determines the depth of the trench and hence the degree of isolation provided by the surrounding dielectric material. The shape and facility of etching of the trench may be determined through the use of etch-stop layers and unmasked photoresist regions of differing widths. Once the trench in the dielectric material is formed, the trench is filled with selectively and/or nonselectively grown epitaxial silicon. The process avoids complex and defect-prone deep trench masking, deep trench silicon etching, deep trench liner formation, and dielectric reflow steps associated with conventional processes.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Stepan Essaian
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Publication number: 20020154852Abstract: Electro-optical waveguide switching method and apparatus includes structure and steps for switching an optical signal from a first waveguide into a second waveguide. Voltage application structure and/or step is provided to apply a differential voltage to the first waveguide to cause an optical signal propagating in the first waveguide to propagate in the second waveguide. The first waveguide core/cladding structure is configured to provide a memory function that substantially maintains the propagation of the optical signal from the first waveguide to the second waveguide after the differential voltage is no longer applied to the first waveguide. Preferably, the switch is a planar array switch having epitaxially-deposited PZT core and PZLT cladding layers. The design makes possible 1000×1000 waveguide array switching on a single substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Jules D. Levine, Stepan Essaian
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Publication number: 20020113759Abstract: A telecommunication switching array uses optical-electrical display addressing to eliminate the need for control lines by using only external controls to indicate the active nodes of the array. The external controls are integrated in a flat panel display, and the easily addressed display is coupled optically to the switching array through integrated photodconductors located adjacent to the switches. There is one photoconductor for each switch. This results in a separation of control functions and switching functions which is embodied in a separate control plate and a separate switching plate. A third intermediate plate may be included for optical isolation and optional optical magnification. The array may be scaled for high-dimensional systems (e.g., an N×N array where N is 1,000 or more).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Jules D. Levine, Ross LaRue, Stepan Essaian
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Patent number: 6355544Abstract: Extremely high dopant concentrations are uniformly introduced into a semiconductor material by laser annealing aided by an anti-reflective coating (ARC). A spin-on-glass (SOG) film containing dopant is formed on top of the semiconductor material. An ARC is then formed over the doped SOG layer. Application of radiation from an excimer laser to the ARC heats and melts the doped SOG film and the underlying semiconductor material. During this melting process, dopant from the SOG film diffuses uniformly within the semiconductor material. Upon removal of the laser radiation, the semiconductor material cools and crystallizes, evenly incorporating the diffused dopant within its lattice structure. The ARC suppresses reflection of the laser by the doped material, promoting efficient transfer of energy from the laser to heat and melt the underlying doped layer and semiconductor material.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Stepan Essaian, Abdalla A. Naem