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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Los Altos, CA, United States of America

Robert L Thornton

This inventor holds 63 USPTO granted patents and 1 EPO patent, primarily in Semiconductor Lasers (CPC class 372 ). Top assignees: Xerox Corporation, Research Investment Network, Inc., Siros Technologies, Inc.. Active years: 1987-2009.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Robert L Thornton. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/robert-l-thornton

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank
USPTO Granted Patents = 63

% Patents Active = 79.4


Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.8

ph-index = 24

Forward Citations = 1,812(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 1,733(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Palo Alto, CA (US) (1992)
  • East Palo Alto, CA (US) (1987 - 1998)
  • Lake Oswego, OR (US) (2000 - 2001)
  • Los Altos, CA (US) (1998 - 2009)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal48 out of 24,261 
 
Xerox Corporation
 patents
silverMedal8 out of 39 
 
Research Investment Network, Inc.
 patents
bronzeMedal2 out of 29 
 
Siros Technologies, Inc.
 patents
4. 1 out of 197 
 
Sdl Inc.
 patents
5. 5 out of 834,659 
Other
 patents
where one patent can have more than one assignee

Years Active: 1987-2009

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Areas of Expertise:
Semiconductor Laser
Optical Spectroscopy
Near-Field Optics
Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser
Multi-Wavelength Laser
Laser Array
Polarization Instability
Micro-Electromechanical Systems
Bistable Displays
DWDM Transmitter
Fiber Lasers
Integrated Laser Systems
63 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 7633621 - Method for measurement of analyte concentrations and semiconductor laser-pumped, small-cavity fiber lasers for such measurements and other applications (2009-12-15),
2. 7596161 - Laterally oxidized vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (2009-09-29),
3. 7483465 - Near field optical apparatus (2009-01-27),
4. 7327667 - Semiconductor laser and associated drive circuit substrate (2008-02-05),
5. 7283242 - Optical spectroscopy apparatus and method for measurement of analyte concentrations or other such species in a specimen employing a semiconductor laser-pumped, small-cavity fiber laser (2007-10-16),
6. 7187704 - Feedback enhanced laser (2007-03-06),
7. 7160749 - Method and structure for eliminating polarization instability in laterally—oxidized VCSELs (2007-01-09),
8. 7158470 - Near-field optical head system with integrated slider and laser (2007-01-02),
9. 7095767 - Near field optical apparatus (2006-08-22),
10. 7069569 - Near-field optical head system with integrated slider and laser (2006-06-27),
11. 7039075 - Fiber extended, semiconductor laser (2006-05-02),
12. 6963530 - Near-field optical head system with integrated slider and laser (2005-11-08),
13. 6937637 - Semiconductor laser and associated drive circuit substrate (2005-08-30),
14. 6922423 - Control system for a semiconductor laser (2005-07-26),
15. 6807131 - Near-field hybrid magnetic-optical head system (2004-10-19),

Title: The Innovative Legacy of Robert L Thornton

Introduction: Meet Robert L Thornton, a prolific inventor based in Los Altos, CA, with an impressive count of 63 patents to his name. His groundbreaking work has left a lasting impact on the field of technology and innovation.

Latest Patents: Among his recent patents is a method for the measurement of analyte concentrations and semiconductor laser-pumped, small-cavity fiber lasers. This innovation combines a semiconductor pump laser and small-cavity rare earth fiber laser to produce multi-wavelength outputs for determining analyte concentrations in specimens. Additionally, Thornton's contributions include laterally oxidized vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, which offer highly compact laser structures with well-controlled oxidized regions.

Career Highlights: Thornton has made significant contributions while working at esteemed companies such as Xerox Corporation and Research Investment Network, Inc. his work has pushed the boundaries of technological advancements.

Collaborations: Throughout his career, Thornton has collaborated with talented individuals such as Thomas L Paoli and Robert D Burnham. Together, they have worked on cutting-edge projects that have shaped the landscape of innovation.

Conclusion: Robert L Thornton's innovative spirit and dedication to research have established him as a key figure in the world of inventions. His patents continue to drive progress and inspire future generations of inventors.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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