Alan F Stewart

Title: Alan F Stewart: Innovator in Coating Technologies

Introduction

Alan F Stewart is a notable inventor based in Thousand Oaks, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of coating technologies, holding a total of 4 patents. His work primarily focuses on methods for controlled deposition of mirror layers, which are crucial in various applications, including laser gyroscopes.

Latest Patents

Stewart's latest patents include a method for controlled deposition of mirror layers. This innovative method and apparatus allow for the deposition of spatially uniform layers of material onto multiple substrates positioned on a rotatable tool within a vacuum chamber. The chamber is designed with six orthogonally arranged walls, creating a sealable volume. Within this chamber, apparatus is provided to generate a flux of coating material with known spatial characteristics. A mask of predetermined shape is engaged with the apparatus, which includes a linkage and a linear translation stage driven by a programmable stepper motor. This setup allows for the controllable advancement of the mask during deposition relative to the mounted substrate.

Another significant patent involves the use of multiple masks to control uniformity in coating deposition. This innovation improves the uniformity of individual layers of multiple coating materials deposited on a substrate during a vacuum deposition process. The method is particularly beneficial for manufacturing mirrors used in ring laser gyroscopes. Separate masks are tuned for each specific coating material to compensate for the unique plume shape, ensuring a uniform deposition. The masks can be changed without venting the chamber, enhancing efficiency in the coating process.

Career Highlights

Alan F Stewart is currently associated with Litton Systems, Inc., where he continues to develop and refine his innovative technologies. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of coating technologies, particularly in applications requiring precision and uniformity.

Collaborations

Stewart has collaborated with several talented individuals, including Agop Hygasov Cherbettchian and Samuel Lu. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of his research and the successful development of his patented technologies.

Conclusion

Alan F Stewart is a distinguished inventor whose work in coating technologies has led to significant advancements in the field. His innovative methods for controlled deposition of mirror layers demonstrate his commitment to enhancing manufacturing processes.