Alan K. Fritz
Technical Specialist / Washington, D.C. Metro Office
Alan’s proficiency, spanning process and equipment engineering in manufacturing, is complemented by his adept skills in process optimization and data analysis. He is highly technical and analytical and draws upon his technical proficiency and engineering background to help prosecute clients’ patents and adeptly convey intricate concepts to diverse audiences. Alan’s nearly two decades of engineering experience in the semiconductor industry brings valuable expertise to Harness IP’s patent prosecution team.
Alan’s specialty, CVD (chemical vapor deposition) technology in manufacturing environments, is particularly pronounced in his extensive previous work on NAND and DRAM devices at Micron Technology. Alan is well versed in both process and equipment engineering. His expertise encompasses root cause analysis, process optimization using Design of Experiments (DOE) and data analysis and fostering cross-functional team collaboration.
Practice Areas
Industries
Background
Throughout his career at Micron Technology, Alan effectively oversaw projects aimed at enhancing process quality and throughput, alongside managing initiatives involving tool installations, upgrades, and preventive maintenance programs. His leadership extends to both personnel and projects, consistently demonstrating proficiency in these domains.
Notably, Alan undertook an 18-month assignment in Taiwan, assuming a pivotal role within global manufacturing central teams. In this capacity, he harmonized projects, established best practices, and facilitated the seamless transfer of technology across multiple international sites including Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, and the United States.
CIVIC & CHARITABLE
- Alan regularly volunteers at Northern Virginia Family Service’s SERVE Campus in Manassas, VA to help provide meals for families in need.
- Alan is engaged with Troop 858 of the Boy Scouts of America and participates in community volunteer work alongside his son in Bristow, VA.
HOBBIES/INTERESTS/PASSION PROJECTS
Outside of the office, Alan loves travelling and cooking and tries to learn techniques for making all his favorite domestic and international dishes. He has a passion for games and loves getting together with family and friends to play many varieties of strategic and role-playing board games.
Most of all, Alan finds joy in spending quality moments with his wife and two young sons, engaging in an array of activities such as biking, hiking, camping, and an assortment of family adventures.
Practice Areas
Industries
Education
B.S., Electronics Engineering Technology, DeVry University, 2004
“Detecting and preventing gate oxide plasma damage during PECVD carbon deposition through surface photo voltage measurements”, IEEE Transactions on Semiconductor Manufacturing, vol.30, no.4, pp.426-433, 2017. (co-author with Leonard J. Olmer)
Highlights & Representative Results
Handles technology patents, including semiconductor layer patents, and semiconductor manufacturing hardware patents.
Speaking Engagements
- “Detecting and preventing gate oxide plasma damage during PECVD carbon deposition through surface photo voltage measurements,”27th Annual SEMI Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Conference (ASMC), 2016
Awards & Distinctions
Completed certification for the American Society for Quality Six Sigma Black Belt, 2011
