Stephen A Casalnuovo

Title: Innovations of Stephen A. Casalnuovo

Introduction

Stephen A. Casalnuovo is an accomplished inventor based in Albuquerque, NM. He holds 2 patents that showcase his expertise in semiconductor technology and optical sensors. His innovative work has contributed significantly to advancements in these fields.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a method of making suspended thin-film semiconductor piezoelectric devices. This process involves forming a very thin suspended layer of piezoelectric material with a thickness of less than 10 microns. The device is constructed from a combination of GaAs and AlGaAs layers, which can function as either a sensor or an electronic filter. The method includes epitaxially depositing a thin sacrificial AlGaAs layer onto a GaAs substrate, followed by a thin GaAs top layer. The substrate is selectively etched away until the AlGaAs layer is reached, and then a second selective etch removes the sacrificial AlGaAs layer, leaving the thin suspended layer of piezoelectric GaAs. In another embodiment, small openings are etched through the thin layer of GaAs to expose the sacrificial AlGaAs layer, allowing for its removal while keeping the top GaAs layer suspended. A novel etchant solution is utilized to prevent gas bubble buildup during this process.

Another significant patent is for an integrated optical tamper sensor with a planar waveguide. This monolithic optical tamper sensor consists of an optical emitter and detector connected by an optical waveguide. It is designed to be placed into the critical entry plane of an enclosed sensitive region. The tamper sensor incorporates a myriad of scraps of a material that is optically absorbent at the wavelength of interest. When the absorbent material is in place, a unique optical signature can be recorded. However, if an entry attempt is made into the sensitive region, the absorbent material will be displaced, resulting in a change in the optical/electrical signature of the tamper sensor that can be recorded.

Career Highlights

Stephen has worked with notable organizations, including the United States of America as represented by the United States and Sandia Corporation. His contributions to these institutions have been instrumental in advancing research and development in his areas of expertise.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Stephen has collaborated with talented individuals such as Richard F. Carson and Gregory Charles Frye-Mason. These partnerships