James E Opfer

Title: A Spotlight on Inventor James E Opfer

Introduction

James E Opfer is an accomplished inventor based in Palo Alto, California, with a remarkable portfolio of nine patents to his name. His innovations primarily focus on advanced thin film deposition techniques, showcasing his expertise in engineering and materials science. His contributions have had a significant impact in various fields, including semiconductor manufacturing and materials engineering.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, two stand out for their ingenuity and practical applications:

1. **Method for Sputter Depositing Thin Films**: This invention involves a sputtering target with distinct regions of two materials. The design includes a cobalt plate as the first material and a platinum ring as the second. The unique configuration allows for variations in material concentration during film deposition, delivering enhanced control over the coercivity gradient within the deposited layer.

2. **Planetary Substrate Carrier Method and Apparatus**: This patent describes an affordable substrate carrier designed for high-temperature, high-vacuum film deposition systems. The carrier, which facilitates planetary motion for simultaneous deposition on both sides of circular substrates, represents a significant advancement in film deposition technology.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, James E Opfer has contributed to leading-edge research and development efforts at notable institutions such as Hewlett-Packard Company and the Leland Stanford Junior University. His engineering acumen has paved the way for innovations that enhance manufacturing processes and improve material properties, particularly in the field of electronics.

Collaborations

James has collaborated with esteemed colleagues including Darrel R Bloomquist and Bangalore Ramaswamiengar Natarajan. Together, they have worked on pioneering projects that underline the importance of teamwork in driving innovation in technology.

Conclusion

As an inventor, James E Opfer's work reflects a deep commitment to advancing engineering methodologies and materials science. With his nine patents and ongoing contributions, he continues to inspire future generations of inventors and engineers in the pursuit of innovation and excellence.