Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1991-2001
Title: The Innovations of Stephen L. Sass
Introduction
Stephen L. Sass, an accomplished inventor based in Ithaca, NY, has made significant contributions to the field of materials science through his innovative work. With a total of three patents to his name, his inventions focus on advanced fabrication techniques and microstructural developments that can have applications across various industries.
Latest Patents
Sass's latest patents showcase his expertise in manipulating materials at the nanoscale. One of his notable innovations is the fabrication of periodic surface structures with nanometer-scale spacings. This method utilizes the periodic stress and strain fields produced by a pure twist grain boundary between two single crystals to create a two-dimensional surface topography with controllable features. The process enables feature spacings ranging from 50 nanometers down to an impressive 1.5 nanometers, with the spacing being determined by the misorientation angle during crystal bonding. This technology can be applied to a variety of materials, including gold, silicon, and sapphire.
Another of Sass's patents involves the in situ formation of metal-ceramic oxide microstructures. This process begins with an oxide phase containing both the most noble metallic component, such as iron, and a least noble metallic component, such as manganese. By subjecting this starting oxide phase to specific temperature and oxygen partial pressure conditions for a set duration, it allows for the reduction of only part of the most noble metallic component to elemental metal. This innovative approach is expected to advance the development of novel materials with unique properties.
Career Highlights
Stephen L. Sass currently works at the Cornell Research Foundation Inc., where he continues to explore new material fabrication techniques and applications. His work has not only expanded the understanding of material properties but also paved the way for new innovations in various fields, including electronics and nanotechnology.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Sass has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Christopher Kemper Ober and Yuri Suzuki. These collaborations have likely enriched his research and contributed to the successful development of his patented inventions.
Conclusion
Stephen L. Sass exemplifies the spirit of innovation and creativity in materials science. Through his patent contributions, he has demonstrated a commitment to advancing technology and enhancing our understanding of material structures. As he continues his work at the Cornell Research Foundation Inc., the impact of his inventions is poised to influence various technological advancements in the years to come.