James C Wyant

Title: The Innovations of James C. Wyant

Introduction

James C. Wyant is a prominent inventor based in Tucson, Arizona. He holds a total of eight patents, showcasing his significant contributions to the field of optical engineering. His work primarily focuses on interferometry and phase measurement technologies.

Latest Patents

One of his latest inventions is the Pixelated Phase-Mask Interferometer. This phase-difference sensor measures the spatially resolved difference in phase between orthogonally polarized reference and test wavefronts. The sensor is constructed as a pixelated phase-mask aligned to and imaged on a pixelated detector array. Each adjacent pixel of the phase-mask measures a predetermined relative phase shift between the orthogonally polarized reference and test beams. This allows for the synthesis of multiple phase-shifted interferograms simultaneously by combining pixels with identical phase-shifts. The invention can be integrated with any configuration of interferometer that produces orthogonally polarized reference and object beams, enabling single-shot, simultaneous phase-shifting measurements.

Another notable patent is the Simultaneous Phase-Shifting Fizeau Interferometer. In this invention, the tilted relationship between the reference and test mirrors of a Fizeau interferometer spatially separates the reflections from the two surfaces. The separate beams are filtered through a spatial polarization element that provides different states of polarization to the beams. These beams are then recombined to form a substantially collinear beam processed using a spatial-phase-shift interferometer, allowing for quantitative phase measurement in a single video frame. This design mitigates stray reflections and reduces measurement integration times.

Career Highlights

James C. Wyant has had a distinguished career, working with notable companies such as Wyko, Inc. and 4D Technology Corporation. His expertise in optical systems and interferometry has made him a key figure in advancing measurement technologies.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Wyant has collaborated with several professionals in the field, including James E. Millerd and Neal Brock. These collaborations have contributed to the development of innovative optical technologies.

Conclusion

James C. Wyant's contributions to optical engineering and interferometry are significant, with multiple patents that enhance measurement techniques. His work continues to influence the field and inspire future innovations.