Location History:
- Longmont, CO (US) (2013 - 2015)
- Hot Springs, SD (US) (2013 - 2023)
Company Filing History:
18 out of 27 
2 out of 16 
1 out of 5,266 
Years Active: 2013-2023
Title: Innovations and Contributions of Elwood J. Egerton
Introduction
Elwood J. Egerton is an accomplished inventor based in Hot Springs, South Dakota, known for his innovative contributions to the field of infrared and radiation sensing technologies. With a remarkable portfolio of 21 patents, his work emphasizes the integration of advanced materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes to enhance sensor performance.
Latest Patents
Egerton's latest patents include significant advancements in infrared sensor technologies. One notable innovation is the "Silicon nitride-carbon nanotube-graphene nanocomposite microbolometer IR detector." This infrared sensor is designed for integration into an IR focal plane array, featuring a CMOS-based readout circuit that includes preamplification, noise filtering, and row/column address control. The detector utilizes a microbolometer device structure composed of vanadium oxide or amorphous silicon with a nanocomposite layer made of aligned or unaligned carbon nanotube films, overlaid with silicon nitride and several monolayers of graphene. This configuration minimizes noise sources, enhancing the Noise Equivalent Differential Temperature (NEDT) to less than 1 mK, with a wavelength response ranging from 2 to 12 microns.
Another significant patent focuses on "Ultraviolet, infrared and terahertz photo/radiation sensors using graphene layers to enhance sensitivity." This system incorporates a substrate and multiple layers of graphene nanoribbons, linked by conductive interconnects. The design is optimized to increase the temperature coefficient of resistance, thus improving sensitivity to infrared radiation. The potentials of these devices span a wide wavelength range of 200 nm to 1 mm, featuring two device structures including a microbolometer based on graphene film and a phototransistor detector modulated by a SiO2 gate.
Career Highlights
Elwood J. Egerton has made considerable strides in his career, having worked with companies that focus on cutting-edge optical and solar technologies. He has been associated with Magnolia Optical Technologies, Inc. and Magnolia Solar, Inc., both of which contribute to advancements in optical sensing and renewable energy solutions.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Egerton has collaborated with notable peers such as Ashok K. Sood and Gopal G. Pethuraja. These collaborations have played a crucial role in fostering innovative approaches and methodologies within the field of sensor technology.
Conclusion
Elwood J. Egerton continues to push the boundaries of technology through his inventive spirit and dedication to research. His contributions have not only advanced the field of infrared sensing but have also paved the way for future innovations that leverage the unique properties of materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes. With 21 patents to his name, Egerton is undoubtedly a prominent figure in the world of modern technological advancements.