William Charles Niehaus

Title: The Innovations of William Charles Niehaus

Introduction

William Charles Niehaus is a notable inventor based in Murray Hill, NJ (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of semiconductor technology, particularly in the development of gallium arsenide field effect transistors (GaAs FETs). With a total of 7 patents to his name, Niehaus has demonstrated a commitment to advancing the capabilities and reliability of electronic devices.

Latest Patents

One of Niehaus's latest patents focuses on GaAs FETs having long-term stability. This innovation highlights that GaAs FETs exhibit excellent long-term stability when they incorporate a drain ledge, a drain contact with reduced dendrite size, and a silicon nitride passivation layer. Accelerated aging tests conducted at device case temperatures of 250 degrees Celsius indicate essentially no device failures after 200 hours of observation, with a median failure time of approximately 500 hours. Another significant patent involves a process for producing contact to the GaAs active region. This process significantly improves the stability of semiconductor devices by controlling the conditions under which the drain contact is produced. It requires that the annealing of metals used to form the contact is done in a manner that prevents excessive formation of metal dendrites penetrating into the gallium arsenide active region.

Career Highlights

William Charles Niehaus has spent a considerable part of his career at Bell Telephone Laboratories, where he has been instrumental in various research and development projects. His work has contributed to the advancement of semiconductor technology, making devices more reliable and efficient.

Collaborations

Niehaus has collaborated with several esteemed colleagues, including Stuart H. Wemple and James Vincent DiLorenzo. These collaborations have further enriched his research and have led to significant advancements in the field.

Conclusion

William Charles Niehaus's contributions to semiconductor technology, particularly through his innovative patents, have had a lasting impact on the industry. His work continues to influence the development of reliable electronic devices, showcasing the importance of innovation in technology.