Los Altos, CA, United States of America

Brian Lee Heffner

This inventor holds 23 USPTO granted patents, primarily in Optical Technologies. Top assignees: Hewlett-Packard Company, Opnext Subsystems, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Inc.. Active years: 1991-2019.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Brian Lee Heffner. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/brian-lee-heffner

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank

% Patents Active = 91.3

Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.0

ph-index = 10

Forward Citations = 717(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Redwood City, CA (US) (1991 - 1994)
  • Los Altos, CA (US) (1997 - 2019)

Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1991-2019

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Areas of Expertise:
Optical Receivers
Gain Control
Bandwidth Control
Polarization Measurement
Dither Free Bias Control
Dynamic Gain Flattening Filter
Fiber-Coupled Attenuator
Autoalignment Mechanism
Optical Bit Rate Detector
Electromechanical Control
Thin Illuminator
Integrated Acousto-Optic Filters
23 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: Brian Lee Heffner: Innovator in Optical Technologies

Introduction: Brian Lee Heffner is a prominent inventor based in Los Altos, California, known for his significant contributions to optical technologies. With a remarkable portfolio of 23 patents, Heffner has made a substantial impact in the field of optical signaling and data transfer.

Latest Patents: Among his recent innovations are two notable patents. The first is titled "Dither Free Bias Control," which focuses on a Mach-Zehnder modulator used for modulating optical signals. This invention includes multiple modulating waveguide sections along with bias electrodes designed to apply electrical bias signals. Additionally, it features an output optical combiner that interfaces with these waveguide sections, allowing for enhanced control and monitoring of optical outputs. His second patent, "Optical Receivers with Controllable Transfer Function Bandwidth and Gain Imbalance," addresses techniques and systems employing optical receivers capable of adjusting bandwidth and gain to optimize performance.

Career Highlights: Throughout his career, Brian has held positions at notable organizations, including Hewlett-Packard Company and Opnext Subsystems, Inc. His work at these companies has fostered advancements in optical technology, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to innovation.

Collaborations: Brian Lee Heffner has collaborated with prominent professionals in his field, including Wayne V. Sorin and Shalini Venkatesh. These partnerships have likely enriched his research and patent developments, contributing to the success of his projects.

Conclusion: Brian Lee Heffner represents a true innovator in the realm of optical technologies. With an accomplished career highlighted by numerous patents, he continues to influence the industry by developing cutting-edge solutions that enhance optical data transmission and processing. His work remains a testament to the importance of innovation in technological advancement.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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