Steven A Newton

Title: Inventor Spotlight: Steven A. Newton

Introduction

Steven A. Newton is a prolific inventor based in Belmont, California, known for his innovative contributions to optical technology. With a total of five patents to his name, Newton has made significant advancements that are essential in various optical systems and applications.

Latest Patents

Among his most recent inventions is the "Pump Directed Optical Switching Element." This sophisticated optical switch utilizes a pump source along with a pump-dependent attenuator that allows it to manage optical signals effectively based on the presence of pump energy. The invention includes an erbium-doped fiber, a laser diode as the pump source, and a tunable fiber Bragg grating to manipulate the energy delivery to the attenuator. The switch operates by tuning the FBG to control the flow of pump energy to the fiber, making it highly versatile for optical systems, including add/drop multiplexers and wavelength-selectable lasers.

Another notable patent is the "Method and Apparatus for Measuring the Thickness of a Film Using Low Coherence Light." This apparatus is designed to measure the thickness of a film by directing probe light signals toward both the top and bottom surfaces of the film and collecting the light reflections. The collected signals are then processed by a receiver to determine the film's thickness, showcasing Newton's innovative approach to optical measurements.

Career Highlights

Steven Newton's career is marked by his role at Hewlett-Packard Company, where he has contributed to advancing optical technologies. His work has had a lasting impact on the field, as he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with optical systems.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Newton has collaborated with notable colleagues such as William R. Trutna, Jr. and Moshe Nazarathy. These collaborative efforts have furthered innovation and research in optical technology, allowing for the development of groundbreaking inventions that have practical applications in the industry.

Conclusion

Steven A. Newton exemplifies the spirit of innovation through his contributions to optical technology and his commitment to advancing the field. With multiple patents reflecting his inventive prowess, Newton's work continues to inspire and shape the future of optical systems.