Kathryn M Neilson

Title: Kathryn M. Neilson: Inventor of an Ultra-Low-Energy Photonic Phase Shifter

Introduction

Kathryn M. Neilson is an inventor associated with Stanford, California. Her patent work describes an integrated photonic device designed to control light with an ultra-low-energy, non-volatile phase shifter.

Latest Patents

The available information identifies one patent associated with Neilson: Ultra-low-energy non-volatile phase shifters. The invention combines a waveguide with an optically coupled phase shifter containing a heat-actuable phase-change material and a heater made with a two-dimensional material.

A reset voltage pulse heats the graphene layer, which transfers heat to the phase-change material. As the material cools, at least part of it changes from a crystalline state to an amorphous state. This transition changes its refractive index and shifts the phase of light traveling through the waveguide. The design aims to provide low-energy, non-volatile control of optical signals.

Career Highlights

Neilson’s listed patent highlights work at the intersection of photonics, phase-change materials, and two-dimensional materials. The disclosed approach uses a graphene heater to trigger a phase transition, enabling optical phase control within an integrated device. The available information lists 1 patent for Neilson.

Collaborations

Zhuoran Fang and Rui Chen are identified as Neilson’s coworkers in connection with the supplied patent information.

Conclusion

Kathryn M. Neilson’s patent describes a photonic phase shifter that uses graphene-driven heating to change a phase-change material’s optical properties, offering a compact approach to controlling light with low energy use.