Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1992
Title: John P. Lehan: Innovator in Thin Film Coating Technology
Introduction
John P. Lehan is a notable inventor based in Calistoga, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of optical coatings, particularly through his innovative patent related to thin film coatings. His work has implications for various applications, including solar cells and detectors.
Latest Patents
John P. Lehan holds a patent for a system and process for forming optical quality, protective, relatively thick, thin film coatings on workpieces such as detectors or solar cells. The patent describes an apparatus that includes a rotary cylindrical sputtering system, which incorporates separate deposition devices and at least one chemical reaction device. This system allows for the simultaneous deposition of materials that form tensile and compressive oxides, as well as the oxidation of the deposited materials. A key feature of this invention is the stressometer system, which monitors the stress of the depositing film in-situ. The monitored stress levels are utilized to control the relative amounts of compressive and tensile materials deposited, thereby managing the stress in the thin film coatings. In a preferred embodiment for forming protective covers on solar cells, the deposition devices are linear magnetron sputter cathode devices with silicon and aluminum targets, while the reaction device is a linear magnetron ion source oxidizer device. The film stress in the thin film coating is controlled by adjusting the power to the silicon and aluminum targets.
Career Highlights
John P. Lehan is associated with Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc., where he has applied his expertise in thin film technology. His innovative approach has led to advancements in the field, particularly in the development of protective coatings for solar cells.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, John has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Marc A. Kamerling and William T. Beauchamp. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of optical coating technologies.
Conclusion
John P. Lehan's contributions to thin film coating technology exemplify the impact of innovation in the field of optical coatings. His patent and work at Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc. highlight the importance of advancements in protective coatings for various applications.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.