Kenneth A Jackson

Title: Kenneth A. Jackson: Innovator in Material Science

Introduction

Kenneth A. Jackson is a notable inventor based in Plainfield, NJ (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of material science, particularly in the area of molten materials. With a total of 2 patents, his work has implications for various technological applications.

Latest Patents

One of Kenneth's latest patents is focused on the solidification of molten materials. This invention presents a technique for forming a specifically configured region of material that is rejected by an advancing freezing front within a melt. The resolidification of the molten material is controlled in such a way that liquid-solid interfaces intersect, allowing for the precise shaping and location of the rejected material as it solidifies. Specific embodiments of this invention include the formation of wires, tubes, or planes of enriched rejected material. Applications of this technology include the creation of enriched conductive materials for making electrical contacts in electronic devices. Additionally, the enriched material can possess etching properties that differ from the surrounding material, making it useful in micro-machining applications.

Another significant patent by Kenneth is related to photo-induced temperature gradient zone melting. This process establishes a temperature gradient across only the molten zone by preferentially heating it. In a specific embodiment, heat is input to the molten zone by exposing the substrate to optical radiation of a wavelength and magnitude that the molten zone can absorb, while the rest of the body remains transparent. This innovative approach allows the molten zone to migrate through the body toward the source of optical radiation.

Career Highlights

Kenneth A. Jackson has had a distinguished career at Bell Telephone Laboratories, where he has been involved in groundbreaking research and development. His work has not only advanced the understanding of material properties but has also paved the way for new applications in technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kenneth has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Lionel C. Kimerling and Harry John Leamy. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of research in material science and have fostered innovation in the field.

Conclusion

Kenneth A. Jackson's contributions to material science through his patents and research at Bell Telephone Laboratories highlight his role as an influential inventor. His innovative techniques in the solidification of molten materials and temperature gradient zone melting continue to impact various technological applications.