Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Soules

Thomas F. Soules 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: 10570502
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming an alkali resistant coating includes forming a first oxide material above a substrate and forming a second oxide material above the first oxide material to form a multilayer dielectric coating, wherein the second oxide material is on a side of the multilayer dielectric coating for contacting an alkali. In another embodiment, a method for forming an alkali resistant coating includes forming two or more alternating layers of high and low refractive index oxide materials above a substrate, wherein an innermost layer of the two or more alternating layers is on an alkali-contacting side of the alkali resistant coating, and wherein the innermost layer of the two or more alternating layers comprises at least one of: alumina, zirconia, and hafnia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security
    Inventors: Thomas F. Soules, Raymond J. Beach, Scott C. Mitchell, Gary DeBell
  • Patent number: 10309587
    Abstract: In a lighting package, a printed circuit board supports at least one light emitting die. A light transmissive cover is disposed over the at least one light emitting die. A phosphor is disposed on or inside of the light transmissive dome-shaped cover. The phosphor outputs converted light responsive to irradiation by the at least one light emitting die. An encapsulant substantially fills an interior volume defined by the light-transmissive cover and the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Srinath K. Aanegola, Emil V. Radkov, James Reginelli, Larry R. Stadelman, Matthew Mrakovich, Tomislav J. Stimac, Stanton Earl Weaver, Jr., Thomas F. Soules
  • Publication number: 20180080614
    Abstract: In a lighting package, a printed circuit board supports at least one light emitting die. A light transmissive cover is disposed over the at least one light emitting die. A phosphor is disposed on or inside of the light transmissive dome-shaped cover. The phosphor outputs converted light responsive to irradiation by the at least one light emitting die. An encapsulant substantially fills an interior volume defined by the light-transmissive cover and the printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Srinath K. Aanegola, Emil V. Radkov, James Reginelli, Larry R. Stadelman, Matthew Mrakovich, Tomislav J. Stimac, Stanton Earl Weaver, JR., Thomas F. Soules
  • Patent number: 9029739
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and methods for performing rapid thermal processing. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing a substrate. The apparatus includes a heating source disposed outside a chamber body and configured to provide thermal energy towards a processing volume. The substrate support defines a substrate supporting plane, and the substrate support is configured to support the substrate in the substrate supporting plane. The heating source includes a frame member having an inner wall surrounding an area large enough to encompass a surface area of the substrate, and a plurality of diode laser tiles mounted on the inner wall of the frame member. Each of the plurality of diode laser tiles is directed towards a corresponding area in the processing volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Ranish, Aaron Muir Hunter, Thomas F. Soules, Alexander M. Rubenchik
  • Publication number: 20150047970
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming an alkali resistant coating includes forming a first oxide material above a substrate and forming a second oxide material above the first oxide material to form a multilayer dielectric coating, wherein the second oxide material is on a side of the multilayer dielectric coating for contacting an alkali. In another embodiment, a method for forming an alkali resistant coating includes forming two or more alternating layers of high and low refractive index oxide materials above a substrate, wherein an innermost layer of the two or more alternating layers is on an alkali-contacting side of the alkali resistant coating, and wherein the innermost layer of the two or more alternating layers comprises at least one of: alumina, zirconia, and hafnia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas F. Soules, Raymond J. Beach, Scott C. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8889251
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a multilayer dielectric coating for use in an alkali laser includes two or more alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials, wherein an innermost layer includes a thicker, >500 nm, and dense, >97% of theoretical, layer of at least one of: alumina, zirconia, and hafnia for protecting subsequent layers of the two or more alternating layers of high and low index dielectric materials from alkali attack. In another embodiment, a method for forming an alkali resistant coating includes forming a first oxide material above a substrate and forming a second oxide material above the first oxide material to form a multilayer dielectric coating, wherein the second oxide material is on a side of the multilayer dielectric coating for contacting an alkali.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Soules, Raymond J. Beach, Scott C. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20130323936
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and methods for performing rapid thermal processing. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing a substrate. The apparatus includes a heating source disposed outside a chamber body and configured to provide thermal energy towards a processing volume. The substrate support defines a substrate supporting plane, and the substrate support is configured to support the substrate in the substrate supporting plane. The heating source includes a frame member having an inner wall surrounding an area large enough to encompass a surface area of the substrate, and a plurality of diode laser tiles mounted on the inner wall of the frame member. Each of the plurality of diode laser tiles is directed towards a corresponding area in the processing volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: JOSEPH M. RANISH, Aaron Muir Hunter, Thomas F. Soules, Alexander M. Rubenchik
  • Patent number: 8529859
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of crystallizing Yb:C-FAP [Yb3+:Ca5(PO4)3F], by dissolving the Yb:C-FAP in an acidic solution, following by neutralizing the solution. The present invention also provides a method of forming crystalline Yb:C-FAP by dissolving the component ingredients in an acidic solution, followed by forming a supersaturated solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Soules, Kathleen I. Schaffers, John B. Tassano, Jr., Joel P. Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 8338322
    Abstract: A method for forming a transparent ceramic preform in one embodiment includes forming a suspension of oxide particles in a solvent, wherein the suspension includes a dispersant, with the proviso that the suspension does not include a gelling agent; and uniformly curing the suspension for forming a preform of gelled suspension. A method according to another embodiment includes creating a mixture of inorganic particles, a solvent and a dispersant, the inorganic particles having a mean diameter of less than about 2000 nm; agitating the mixture; adding the mixture to a mold; and curing the mixture in the mold for gelling the mixture, with the proviso that no gelling agent is added to the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Joel P. Hollingsworth, Joshua D. Kuntz, Zachary M. Seeley, Thomas F. Soules
  • Patent number: 8329090
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for forming a composite transparent ceramic preform includes forming a first suspension of oxide particles in a first solvent which includes a first dispersant but does not include a gelling agent, adding the first suspension to a first mold of a desired shape, and uniformly curing the first suspension in the first mold until stable. The method also includes forming a second suspension of oxide particles in a second solvent which includes a second dispersant but does not include a gelling agent, adding the second suspension to the stable first suspension in a second mold of a desired shape encompassing the first suspension and the second suspension, and uniformly curing the second suspension in the second mold until stable. Other methods for forming a composite transparent ceramic preform are also described according to several other embodiments. Structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Joel P. Hollingsworth, Joshua D. Kuntz, Thomas F. Soules, Richard L. Landingham
  • Publication number: 20120202031
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a multilayer dielectric coating for use in an alkali laser includes two or more alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials, wherein an innermost layer includes a thicker, >500 nm, and dense, >97% of theoretical, layer of at least one of: alumina, zirconia, and hafnia for protecting subsequent layers of the two or more alternating layers of high and low index dielectric materials from alkali attack. In another embodiment, a method for forming an alkali resistant coating includes forming a first oxide material above a substrate and forming a second oxide material above the first oxide material to form a multilayer dielectric coating, wherein the second oxide material is on a side of the multilayer dielectric coating for contacting an alkali.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Soules, Raymond J. Beach, Scott C. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20110309538
    Abstract: A method for forming a transparent ceramic preform in one embodiment includes forming a suspension of oxide particles in a solvent, wherein the suspension includes a dispersant, with the proviso that the suspension does not include a gelling agent; and uniformly curing the suspension for forming a preform of gelled suspension. A method according to another embodiment includes creating a mixture of inorganic particles, a solvent and a dispersant, the inorganic particles having a mean diameter of less than about 2000 nm; agitating the mixture; adding the mixture to a mold; and curing the mixture in the mold for gelling the mixture, with the proviso that no gelling agent is added to the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC
    Inventors: Joel P. Hollingsworth, Joshua D. Kuntz, Zachary M. Seeley, Thomas F. Soules
  • Patent number: 8039413
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for forming a transparent ceramic preform includes forming a suspension of oxide particles in a solvent, adding the suspension to a mold of a desired shape, and uniformly curing the suspension in the mold for forming a preform. The suspension includes a dispersant but does not include a gelling agent. In another embodiment, a method includes creating a mixture without a gelling agent, the mixture including: inorganic particles, a solvent, and a dispersant. The inorganic particles have a mean diameter of less than about 2000 nm. The method also includes agitating the mixture, adding the mixture to a mold, and curing the mixture in the mold at a temperature of less than about 80° C. for forming a preform. Other methods for forming a transparent ceramic preform are also described according to several embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Joel P. Hollingsworth, Joshua D. Kuntz, Zachary M. Seeley, Thomas F. Soules
  • Publication number: 20110224065
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of crystallizing Yb:C-FAP [Yb3+:Ca5(PO4)3F], by dissolving the Yb:C-FAP in an acidic solution, following by neutralizing the solution. The present invention also provides a method of forming crystalline Yb:C-FAP by dissolving the component ingredients in an acidic solution, followed by forming a supersaturated solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Soules, Kathleen I. Schaffers, John B. Tassano, JR., Joel P. Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 7922965
    Abstract: A method of making a transparent ceramic including the steps of providing nano-ceramic powders in a processed or unprocessed form, mixing the powders with de-ionized water, the step of mixing the powders with de-ionized water producing a slurry, sonifing the slurry to completely wet the powder and suspend the powder in the de-ionized water, separating very fine particles from the slurry, molding the slurry, and curing the slurry to produce the transparent ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Kuntz, Thomas F. Soules, Richard Lee Landingham, Joel P. Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 7894496
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for suppressing ASE and/or parasitic oscillation modes in a laser is introduced. By roughening one or more peripheral edges of a solid-state crystal or ceramic laser gain media and by bonding such edges to a predetermined electromagnetic absorbing material arranged adjacent to the entire outer surface of the peripheral edges of the roughened laser gain media, ASE, parasitic oscillation modes and/or residual pump energy can be effectively suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd A. Hackel, Thomas F. Soules, Scott N. Fochs, Mark D. Rotter, Stephan A. Letts
  • Publication number: 20100105539
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for forming a composite transparent ceramic preform includes forming a first suspension of oxide particles in a first solvent which includes a first dispersant but does not include a gelling agent, adding the first suspension to a first mold of a desired shape, and uniformly curing the first suspension in the first mold until stable. The method also includes forming a second suspension of oxide particles in a second solvent which includes a second dispersant but does not include a gelling agent, adding the second suspension to the stable first suspension in a second mold of a desired shape encompassing the first suspension and the second suspension, and uniformly curing the second suspension in the second mold until stable. Other methods for forming a composite transparent ceramic preform are also described according to several other embodiments. Structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Joel P. Hollingsworth, Joshua D. Kuntz, Thomas F. Soules, Richard L. Landingham
  • Publication number: 20100102464
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for forming a transparent ceramic preform includes forming a suspension of oxide particles in a solvent, adding the suspension to a mold of a desired shape, and uniformly curing the suspension in the mold for forming a preform. The suspension includes a dispersant but does not include a gelling agent. In another embodiment, a method includes creating a mixture without a gelling agent, the mixture including: inorganic particles, a solvent, and a dispersant. The inorganic particles have a mean diameter of less than about 2000 nm. The method also includes agitating the mixture, adding the mixture to a mold, and curing the mixture in the mold at a temperature of less than about 80° C. for forming a preform. Other methods for forming a transparent ceramic preform are also described according to several embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Joel P. Hollingsworth, Joshua D. Kuntz, Zachary M. Seeley, Thomas F. Soules
  • Patent number: 7635203
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus (10) comprises a light engine (12) producing ultra violet radiation. An enclosure (14) surrounds a radiation generating area of the light engine (12) to encompass the radiation. At least one wall (28) of the enclosure (14) is substantially reflective of the ultraviolet radiation. The enclosure (14) includes a replaceable top portion (30) which includes a phosphor portion (32). The phosphor portion (32) is spaced from the radiation generating area of the light engine (12) by a height of the enclosure (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Lumination LLC
    Inventors: Stanton E. Weaver, Jr., Thomas E. Stecher, Anant A. Setlur, Alok M. Srivastava, Holly A. Comanzo, Charles A. Becker, Thomas F. Soules, Chen-Lun Hsing Chen, Rebecca A. Bompiedi
  • Publication number: 20090283925
    Abstract: A method of making a transparent ceramic including the steps of providing nano-ceramic powders in a processed or unprocessed form, mixing the powders with de-ionized water, the step of mixing the powders with de-ionized water producing a slurry, sonifing the slurry to completely wet the powder and suspend the powder in the de-ionized water, separating very fine particles from the slurry, molding the slurry, and curing the slurry to produce the transparent ceramic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Joshua D. Kuntz, Thomas F. Soules, Richard Lee Landingham, Joel P. Hollingsworth