Michigan Patent of the Month – September 2024
Fraunhofer USA Inc. has developed an innovative method that revolutionizes crystal synthesis, offering a significant advancement in materials manufacturing. This new approach leverages machine learning and real-time image analysis to detect and prevent defects during the crystal growth process. By monitoring crystals as they form in a synthesis machine, the system analyzes a series of captured images and predicts potential defects before they occur. This enables automatic adjustments to the synthesis machine’s parameters, such as temperature and pressure, ensuring optimal crystal quality.
The technology works by processing images through a machine learning model that predicts the crystal’s future state. If a defect is anticipated—whether it be an improper shape, size, or a crystallographic anomaly—the system makes immediate corrections to the synthesis conditions. This proactive approach reduces material waste and significantly improves production efficiency compared to traditional trial-and-error methods, which can take weeks and consume vast resources.
This innovation is particularly beneficial for industries that require high-quality crystals, such as electronics, optics, and quantum computing. It ensures consistent production of defect-free materials, saving both time and costs while enhancing the overall scalability of crystal synthesis.
Fraunhofer’s breakthrough method transforms the process into a highly efficient, automated system. By integrating predictive technology with real-time adjustments, this invention marks a new era in precision manufacturing, paving the way for advancements in semiconductors, diamonds, and other critical materials.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
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The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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