Harry A Atwater

Harry A. Atwater III: The Mastermind behind 77 Patents

One of the most prolific inventors of our time, Harry A. Atwater III has filed a staggering 77 patents to date, cementing his position as one of the most accomplished inventors in the field. A leading figure in the world of electrical engineering, Atwater has dedicated his life to creating cutting-edge innovations that push the boundaries of what is possible.

His latest patents are no exception. The Electrically tunable metasurfaces incorporating a phase change material, for example, is a groundbreaking invention that has already garnered widespread attention in the field. This innovative technology involves the use of an array of subwavelength metasurface unit elements that are stacked with a metal-insulator-metal structure. These unit elements are able to control the amplitude and phase response of metasurfaces in a range of wavelengths, from optical wavelengths to the millimeter wavelength of incident light. This remarkable level of precision and control is achieved through the use of an active phase change layer that can be electrically controlled to tune the metasurfaces.

Another of Atwater's recent patents, Coilable thin-walled longerons and coilable structures, is a groundbreaking innovation that has many exciting applications in the field of space-based satellite modules. These multi-functional, coilable thin-walled structures are made up of at least one longeron that is capable of rolling and collapsing upon itself, making them highly flexible and versatile. In some embodiments, the longerons are flange longerons, which contain at least two major regions, a web and a plurality of flanges. The web region is composed of portions of flanges that are bonded to one another, while the plurality of flanges separate from one another on the same end of the web region. The resulting structures are not only highly functional, but also compact and easy to transport.

Atwater has worked at some of the most prestigious institutions in the field, including the California Institute of Technology and the University of California. His impressive reputation has earned him a loyal following of coworkers, including esteemed individuals such as Gang He and Andreas G. Hegedus, who have worked alongside him as colleagues and collaborators.

Overall, Harry A. Atwater III is a true mastermind of innovation, whose astounding list of patents and groundbreaking inventions has changed the face of the field forever. Whether working on cutting-edge technological advancements or collaborating with fellow luminaries in the field, Atwater's unparalleled expertise and groundbreaking inventions continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.