This inventor holds 5 USPTO granted patents. Top assignee: Northwestern University. Active years: 1998-1999.
Location History:
- Palantine, IL (US) (1998)
- Palatine, IL (US) (1998 - 1999)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1998-1999
Title: Innovations of William D. Sproul
Introduction
William D. Sproul is an accomplished inventor based in Palatine, IL (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the area of sputtering techniques for coating substrates. With a total of 5 patents to his name, Sproul's work has advanced the understanding and application of multilayer coatings.
Latest Patents
Among his latest patents, Sproul has developed a method for sputtering compounds on a substrate. This innovative method and apparatus allow for the monitoring and controlling of the deposition of metal, insulating compounds, or other materials through sputtering techniques. The process involves maintaining pulsed, constant, direct current power to the target, sensing the voltage of the target material, and rapidly sensing the partial pressure of the reactive gas. Additionally, the substrate is biased to activate the reactive gas, enhancing the coating process.
Another notable patent focuses on multilayer oxide coatings. This invention also utilizes sputtering techniques to deposit compounds on substrates. It introduces an extra energy source, such as a radio frequency coil, to enhance the ionization potential of positive ions, allowing for low-temperature coating of materials like alumina. The result is a multilayer coating of nanometer-scale layers of yttrium oxide and zirconium oxide, which exhibit increased hardness.
Career Highlights
William D. Sproul has dedicated his career to research and innovation in materials science. His work at Northwestern University has positioned him as a leading figure in the development of advanced coating techniques. His patents reflect a commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of sputtering processes.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Sproul has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Ming-Show Wong and Scott A. Barnett. These partnerships have contributed to the advancement of his research and the successful development of his patented technologies.
Conclusion
William D. Sproul's contributions to the field of materials science through his innovative patents have significantly impacted the industry. His work continues to inspire advancements in sputtering techniques and multilayer coatings.