Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 25, 2026
Application No. 18/029,309

Light Emitting Devices With Coupled Resonant Photonic Unit Cells and Distributed Light Emitting Diodes

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Mar 29, 2023
Priority
Oct 02, 2020 — provisional 63/198,204 +1 more
Examiner
SHEKER, RHYS PONIENTE
Art Unit
2813
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
University of Vermont
OA Round
2 (Final)
84%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
91%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 84% — above average
84%
Career Allowance Rate
60 granted / 71 resolved
+16.5% vs TC avg
Moderate +7% lift
Without
With
+6.8%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 4m
Avg Prosecution
28 currently pending
Career history
111
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§103
60.8%
+20.8% vs TC avg
§102
21.2%
-18.8% vs TC avg
§112
18.1%
-21.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 71 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
0DETAILED ACTION This Office Action is in response to Applicant’s Remarks filed on 07/30/2026. Currently, claims 48-70 are pending in the application. Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Response to Amendments Applicant's arguments with respect to claim(s) 48-70 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on the same combination of references applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. Claims 48-70 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being obvious over KOZLOV et al. (US Patent No. US 6160828 A) in view of HAMER et al. (US Pub. No. 2021/0159462). Regarding independent claim 48, Kozlov teaches a light emitting device (Fig. 6), comprising: a substrate (Fig. 6, 113, Col. 4, lines 25-30); and a photonic structure (Fig. 6, layers above 111) comprising a photonic crystal disposed on the substrate, the photonic crystal comprising one-dimensional array of a plurality of photonic unit cells (Fig. 6, Col. 6 lines 4-24, layers between 120 and 121 and layers between 220 and 221. Col. 6 lines 4-24 also teaches the vertical stacking of multiple structures to facilitate the lasing of light); wherein each of the photonic unit cells comprises at least one metallic layer (Fig. 6, 120 + 121 + 220 + 221, Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24) and at least one dielectric layer (Fig. 6, 110a + 110b + 110c + 210a + 210b + 210c, Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24), at least one of the photonic unit cells emits photons in response to an applied electrical stimulus (Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24 teaches that Kozlov’s structures produce light when a current passes through). However, Kozlov does not explicitly teach that a periodic one-dimensional array, and at least two of the photonic unit cells each have a fundamental resonant mode located at about the same energy. However, Hamer is a pertinent art that teaches the arrangement of multiple light emitting layers of a same color at about equal spacing. Hamer ¶¶ [0107]-[0112] and Table B teaches that an optimum location for blue light emitting layers in a microcavity OLED is about 121-125 nm apart. Hamer’s blue light emitting layers are separated by non light emitting layers in a similar manner to Kozlov (see Hamer Fig. 6, 84 + 68, ¶ [0060]). Kozlov Col. 6, lines 4-24 teaches the stacking of OVCSEL to emit light from each structure alone or in any combination. Kozlov modified by Hamer’s device would have stacked OVCSEL structures each with a same light emitting layer in an about equal spacing and would therefore have a fundamental resonant mode located at about the same energy in order to provide intensification of the desired wavelength of light (Hamer ¶¶ [0106]-[0107]). Regarding claim 49, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 48, and Kozlov teaches a back reflector (Fig. 6, 111, Col. 4, lines 1-24) located between the substrate (Fig. 6, 113, Col. 4, lines 25-30) and the photonic structure (Fig. 6, layers above 111). Regarding claim 50, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 49, and Kozlov teaches that the back reflector (Fig. 6, 111, Col. 4, lines 1-24) is one of, or a combination of, a metallic mirror, a distributed Bragg reflector (Col. 4 lines 1-23 teaches that 111 can be a distributed Bragg Reflector), an adhesion layer, a conductor, a thermal conductance layer, or a thermal dissipation layer. Regarding claim 51, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 48, and Kozlov teaches that the substrate (Fig. 6, 113, Col. 4, lines 25-30) is comprised of one of, or a combination of, silicon, a polymeric material, sapphire, an organic material, a ceramic material, a glass material (Col. 4, lines 25-30 teaches that 113 can be glass), a metallic material, a flexible material, a semiconducting material, an insulating material, an integrated circuit, and a waveguide. Regarding claim 52, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 48, and Kozlov teaches a capping mirror (Fig. 6, 212, Col. 4, lines 25-30 and Col. 6 lines 4-24) formed on the plurality of photonic unit cells (Fig. 6, Col. 6 lines 4-24, layers between 120 and 121 and layers between 220 and 221). Regarding claim 53, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 52, and Kozlov teaches that the capping mirror is one of (Fig. 6, 212, Col. 4, lines 25-30 and Col. 6 lines 4-24), or a combination of, a metallic mirror, a distributed Bragg reflector (Fig. 6, 212, Col. 4, lines 25-30 and Col. 6 lines 4-24 teaches that mirror layer 212 can be a distributed Bragg Reflector), a phase-matching layer, an index-matching layer, and an out-coupling layer. Regarding claim 54, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 48, and Kozlov teaches that each of the plurality of photonic unit cells (Fig. 6, Col. 6 lines 4-24, layers between 120 and 121 and layers between 220 and 221) includes one or more microcavities (Col. 3, lines 12-25 teaches that Kozlov’s device is a microcavity structure. Further, Col. 3 lines-35-58 teaches that light outputted by organic material layer 110 is reflected between opposing mirror layers and light of a desired wavelength and narrow bandwidth is emitted out of the mirror layers, which is indicative of a microcavity). However, Kozlov modified by Hamer does not explicitly teach that a ratio of a total thickness of the at least one metal layer to a total thicknesses of the at least one dielectric layer in a given one of the microcavities is between 0.05 and 1.14. However, it would be obvious that the thickness of Kozlov modified by Hamer’s organic and electrode layers impact the thickness between Kozlov’s mirror layers. Kozlov recognizes that the thickness of the between mirror layers impacts the output wavelength (Col. 6 lines 25-39). Kozlov further recognizes the need for their structures to output a desired wavelength (Kozlov Col. 3 lines 35-58). It would also be obvious that the thickness of layer’s within Kozlov modified by Hamer’s structures would impact the distance between adjacent light emitting layers as taught by Hamer (Hamer ¶ [0107]-[0112]). Therefore, the thicknesses of Kozlov modified by Hamer’s organic layers and electrode layers are art recognized variables. One of ordinary skill in the art would have had a reasonable expectation of success to arrive within the range of the claim 54 limitations, in order to achieve the desired balance between the impact of the organic and electrode layers on the distance between mirror layers and corresponding output wavelength and the need for emitting a desired wavelength and the impact on the spacing of same light emitting layers as taught by Koslov and Hamer. MPEP 2144.05. Furthermore, the Applicant has not presented persuasive evidence of the criticality of the claimed range (i.e., the claimed range achieves unexpected results relative to the prior art range). Regarding claim 55, Koslov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 48, and Koslov teaches that the photonic unit cells (Fig. 6, Col. 6 lines 4-24, layers between 120 and 121 and layers between 220 and 221) emit photons having a photonic band structure (Col. 6 lines 25-39 teaches that Kozlov’s device outputs a wavelength of light depending on the distance between mirror layers). However, Koslov does not explicitly teach that a combined optical pathlength of the at least one dielectric layer within one of the photonic unit cells is at least half of a center wavelength of the photonic band structure. However, it would be obvious that the thickness of Kozlov’s organic layers impact the thickness between Kozlov’s mirror layers. Kozlov recognizes that the thickness of the between mirror layers impacts the output wavelength (Col. 6 lines 25-39). Kozlov further recognizes the need for their structures to output a desired wavelength (Kozlov Col. 3 lines 35-58). It would also be obvious that the thickness of layer’s within Kozlov modified by Hamer’s structures would impact the distance between adjacent light emitting layers as taught by Hamer (Hamer ¶ [0107]-[0112]). Therefore, the thickness of Kozlov modified by Hamer’s organic layers is an art recognized variables. It would be obvious that the optical path length of Kozlov’s organic layer is dependent on its thickness. One of ordinary skill in the art would have had a reasonable expectation of success to arrive within the range of the claim 55 limitations, in order to achieve the desired balance between the impact of the organic layers on the distance between mirror layers and corresponding output wavelength and the need for emitting a desired wavelength and the impact on the spacing of same light emitting layers as taught by Koslov and Hamer. MPEP 2144.05. Furthermore, the Applicant has not presented persuasive evidence of the criticality of the claimed range (i.e., the claimed range achieves unexpected results relative to the prior art range). Regarding claim 56, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 48, further comprising an optically active layer (Fig. 6, 110b, Col. 5 lines 48-67). Regarding claim 57, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 56, and Koslov teaches that the optically active layer (Fig. 6, 110b, Col. 5 lines 48-67) includes at least one of integrated non-linear optics, Kerr electro-optic effect for mode-locking, Q-switching layer, or a saturable absorber (Fig. 3b, Col. 4 lines 31-53 and Table 1 traches that Koslov’s active organic material layer in 110 can include Alq3, which is a saturable absorber). Regarding claim 58, Koslov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 48, and Koslov teaches that each photonic unit cell includes at least two microcavities (Col. 3, lines 12-25 teaches that Kozlov’s device is a microcavity structure. Further, Col. 3 lines 35-58 teaches that light outputted by organic material layer 110 is reflected between opposing mirror layers and light of a desired wavelength and narrow bandwidth is emitted out of the mirror layers, which is indicative of a microcavity. Col. 6, lines 4-24 teaches that Koslov’s device can have three or more stacked organic structures. Hamer ¶ [0107]-[0112] teaches the stacking of two or more same light emitting layers to intensify the desired wavelength of light. Therefore, Koslov modified by Hamer’s device can be an even amount of more than two stacked organic structures. In such an arrangement, two adjacent organic structures can be considered to be a single photonic unit cell that includes two microcavities). Regarding claim 59, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 48, and Koslov teaches that the at least one layer that emits photons (Fig. 6, 110b, Col. 5 lines 48-67) is comprised of at least one of: one or more types of organic molecules (Col. 5 lines 48-67 teaches that 110b is organic material); one or more types of organic molecules doped with one or more dopants; one or more types of polymers; one or more types of polymers doped with one or more dopants; one or more types of perovskite materials; one or more types of perovskite materials doped with one or more dopants; one or more types of semiconductor materials; or one or more types of semiconductor materials doped with one or more dopants; wherein said the dopants are at least one of an organic dye, a laser dye, an inorganic molecule, or a chemical element. Regarding claim 60, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 48, and Koslov teaches that the at least one dielectric layer (Fig. 6, 110a + 110b + 110c + 210a + 210b + 210c, Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24) is an OLED (Koslov’s organic structure has a current pass through am organic hole transport layer, an organic emissive layer, and an organic electron transport layer and can therefore be considered an OLED). Regarding claim 61, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 60, and Kozlov teaches that the OLEDs emit photons in response to electrical stimulus applied through corresponding respective ones of said the at least one metallic layer (Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24 teaches that Kozlov’s structures produce light when a current passes through and that 120, 121, 220, and 221 function as electrode). Regarding claim 62, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 48, and Kozlov teaches that the photonic structure includes at least one non-periodic aperiodicity (Col. 6 lines 25-39 teaches that the thickness between opposing mirror layers impacts the output wavelength. Col. 6 lines 5-24 teaches that Kozlov’s stacked structure is capable of emitting light of multiple colors. It would be obvious that the thickness between opposing mirror layers are impacted by the thickness of Kozlov’s organic light emitters and their transparent electrodes. Therefore, it would be obvious that the thickness of different ones of Kozlov’s stacked organic light emitters and/or transparent electrodes would be different in order to output light of different colors. Further, Hamer teaches that their device can include multiple light emitting layers of different colors depending on the desired light spectrum emission (Hamer ¶¶ [0011] & [0107]-[0112]). Regarding claim 63, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 62, and Kozlov teaches that the non-periodic aperiodicity is a topological aperiodicity (Col. 6 lines 25-39 teaches that the thickness between opposing mirror layers impacts the output wavelength. Col. 6 lines 5-24 teaches that Kozlov’s stacked structure is capable of emitting light of multiple colors. It would be obvious that the thickness between opposing mirror layers are impacted by the thickness of Kozlov’s organic light emitters and their transparent electrodes. Therefore, it would be obvious that the thickness of different ones of Kozlov’s stacked organic light emitters and/or transparent electrodes would be different in order to output light of different colors. It would be obvious that varying thickness is topological. Further, Hamer teaches that their device can include multiple light emitting layers of different colors depending on the desired light spectrum emission (Hamer ¶¶ [0011] & [0107]-[0112]). Regarding claim 64, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 63, and Kozlov teaches that the non-periodic aperiodicity comprises at least one dielectric layer that has a different characteristic than the at least one dielectric layers in other ones of the photonic unit cells (Col. 6 lines 25-39 teaches that the thickness between opposing mirror layers impacts the output wavelength. Col. 6 lines 5-24 teaches that Kozlov’s stacked structure is capable of emitting light of multiple colors. It would be obvious that the thickness between opposing mirror layers are impacted by the thickness of Kozlov’s organic light emitters and their transparent electrodes. Therefore, it would be obvious to change thickness of different ones of Kozlov’s stacked organic light emitters in order to output light of different colors. Further, Hamer teaches that their device can include multiple light emitting layers of different colors depending on the desired light spectrum emission (Hamer ¶¶ [0011] & [0107]-[0112]). Regarding claim 65, Kozlov teaches the light emitting device of claim 63, and Kozlov teaches that the non-periodic aperiodicity comprises at least one metallic layer (Col. 6 lines 25-39 teaches that the thickness between opposing mirror layers impacts the output wavelength. Col. 6 lines 5-24 teaches that Kozlov’s stacked structure is capable of emitting light of multiple colors. Therefore, it would be obvious to change the thickness of different ones Kozlov’s transparent electrodes in order to output light of different colors. Further, Hamer teaches that their device can include multiple light emitting layers of different colors depending on the desired light spectrum emission (Hamer ¶¶ [0011] & [0107]-[0112]) that has a different characteristic than the at least one metallic layers in other ones of the photonic unit cells. Regarding independent claim 66, Kozlov teaches a light emitting device, comprising: a photonic structure (Fig. 6, layers above 113) that includes a plurality of photonic unit cells, wherein each of the plurality of photonic unit cells (Fig. 6, Col. 6 lines 4-24, layers between 111 and 112 and layers between 211 and 212) includes one or more microcavities (Col. 3, lines 12-25 teaches that Kozlov’s device is a microcavity structure. Further, Col. 3 lines-35-58 teaches that light outputted by organic material layer 110 is reflected between opposing mirror layers and light of a desired wavelength and narrow bandwidth is emitted out of the mirror layers, which is indicative of a microcavity), each of the microcavities (Fig. 6, 111 + 112 + 211 + 212, Col. 4 lines 1-24 and Col. 6 lines 4-24) including two parallel semitransparent mirrors and an electrically driven emitter (Fig. 6, 110a + 110b + 110c + 210a + 210b + 210c, Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24) located therebetween, each of the microcavities designed and configured to have at least one resonant mode (Col. 3 lines-35-58 teaches that light outputted by organic material layer 110 is reflected between opposing mirror layers and light of a desired wavelength and narrow bandwidth is emitted out of the mirror layers). However, Kozlov does not explicitly teach a periodic array of a plurality of photonic unit cells, and wherein at least two adjacent ones of the microcavities each have a fundamental resonant mode located at about the same energy and wherein the semitransparent mirrors are designed and configured to allow interaction of the at least one resonant modes of adjacent ones of the microcavities to thereby form a photonic-energy-band structure. However, Hamer is a pertinent art that teaches the arrangement of multiple light emitting layers of a same color at about equal spacing. Hamer ¶¶ [0107]-[0112] and Table B teaches that an optimum location for blue light emitting layers in a microcavity OLED is about 121-125 nm apart. Hamer’s blue light emitting layers are separated by non light emitting layers in a similar manner to Kozlov (see Hamer Fig. 6, 84 + 68, ¶ [0060]). Kozlov Col. 6, lines 4-24 teaches the stacking of OVCSEL to emit light from each structure alone or in any combination. Kozlov modified by Hamer’s device would have stacked OVCSEL structures each with a same light emitting layer in an about equal spacing and would therefore have a fundamental resonant mode located at about the same energy in order to provide intensification of the desired wavelength of light (Hamer ¶¶ [0106]-[0107]). Further, Kozlov modified by Hamer’s device’s would be separated by Kozlov’s semitransparent mirrors which would allow the intensification of a desired wavelength of light as taught by Hamer. Regarding claim 67, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 66, and Kozlov teaches the semitransparent mirrors (Fig. 6, 111 + 112 + 211 + 212, Col. 4 lines 1-24 and Col. 6 lines 4-24) are electrodes (Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 4-24 teaches that 111, 112, 211, and 212 can function as electrodes for Kozlov’s organic emitter) and transmit current for electrically driving the emitters, wherein the electrodes include anodes and cathodes (Col. 5 lines 48-67 teaches that 111, 112, 211, and 212 can function as electrodes. When 111, 112, 211, and 212 function as electrodes, it would be obvious that they would function as anodes and cathodes. Further, Col. 6 lines 4-24 teaches that 110a/210a are hole transporting layers while 110c/210c are electron transporting layers. Therefore, 111 and 211 would function as anodes and cathodes respectively), wherein at least one optical characteristic of the anodes and cathodes are different (Fig. 2, Col. 4 lines 1-24 teaches that when combined reflectivity and absorption of mirror layer 112 is greater than mirror layer 111, than laser emission 116 goes through mirror layer 111. In Fig. 6, the direction of laser emission 116 is through mirror layer 111. Therefore, the combined reflectivity and absorption of mirror layers 111 and 112 are different), the optical characteristics designed and configured to create a perturbation in a photonic band structure of the device (Figs. 2 & 6, Col. 4 lines 1-24 and Col. 6 lines 4-24 teaches that Kozlov’s mirror layers can function as electrodes and can have differing optical characteristics depending on the desired wavelength of light. Hamer also teaches that their device can include multiple light emitting layers of different colors depending on the desired light spectrum emission (Hamer ¶¶ [0011] & [0107]-[0112]). Kozlov teaches the claimed structure of semitransparent anodes and cathodes with different optical characteristics. When the structure recited in a reference is substantially identical to that of the claims, claimed properties or functions are presumed to be inherent. MPEP § 2112.01(I). “Where the claimed and prior art products are identical or substantially identical in structure or composition, or are produced by identical or substantially identical processes, a prima facie case of either anticipation or obviousness has been established.” “When the PTO shows a sound basis for believing that the products of the applicant and the prior art are the same, the applicant has the burden of showing that they are not.” Id. (quoting In re Spada, 911 F.2d 705, 709, 15 USPQ2d 1655, 1658 (Fed. Cir. 1990)). Accordingly, Kozlov modified by Hamer discloses a semitransparent mirror structure that necessarily possesses the claimed functions of the semitransparent mirrors disclosed in Applicant's claim 67. Regarding claim 68, Kozlov teaches the light emitting device of claim 66, and Kozlov teaches that an optical path length (OPL) of a first one of the microcavities is different than an OPL of other ones of the microcavities (Col. 6 lines 25-39 teaches that the thickness between opposing mirror layers impacts the output wavelength. Col. 6 lines 5-24 teaches that Kozlov’s stacked structure is capable of emitting light of multiple colors. Therefore, it would be obvious that the thickness, and thus the optical path length, of different ones of Kozlov’s stacked organic light emitters would be different in order to output light of different colors), the OPL of the first microcavity designed and configured to create a perturbation in an emission profile of the device to suppress a first portion of wavelengths of light and/or promote a second portion of wavelengths of light (different ones of Kozlov’s stacked organic light emitters would suppress or promote different wavelengths of light depending on the desired color output.). Regarding independent claim 69, Kozlov teaches a light emitting device, comprising: a substrate (Fig. 6, 113, Col. 4, lines 25-30); a bottom mirror (Fig. 6, 111, Col. 4, lines 1-24) disposed on said substrate; an alternating series of high (Fig. 6, 120 + 121 + 112 + 211 +220 + 221, Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24) and low index materials (Fig. 6, 110a + 110b + 110c + 210a + 210b + 210c, Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24) disposed on said bottom mirror, the alternating series forming a one dimensional array of a plurality of photonic unit cells (Fig. 6, Col. 6 lines 1-24); and a top mirror Fig. 6, 212, Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24) deposited on said alternating series; wherein; said low index materials are layers of light emitting diodes that are optically emissive in response to electrical stimulus provided through said high index materials (Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24 teaches that layers 110a/110b/110c and 210a/210b/210c emit light when current from electrodes 120/121 and 220/221 passes through); However, Kozlov does not explicitly teach a one dimensional periodic array of a plurality of photonic unit cells and at least two of the photonic unit cells have optical path lengths that are equal to one another such that the at least two photonic unit cells have fundamental emission energies located at about the same energy. However, Hamer is a pertinent art that teaches the arrangement of multiple light emitting layers of a same color at about equal spacing. Hamer ¶¶ [0107]-[0112] and Table B teaches that an optimum location for blue light emitting layers in a microcavity OLED is about 121-125 nm apart. Hamer’s blue light emitting layers are separated by non light emitting layers in a similar manner to Kozlov (see Hamer Fig. 6, 84 + 68, ¶ [0060]). Kozlov Col. 6, lines 4-24 teaches the stacking of OVCSEL to emit light from each structure alone or in any combination. Kozlov modified by Hamer’s device would have stacked OVCSEL structures each with a same light emitting layer in an about equal spacing and would therefore have a fundamental resonant mode located at about the same energy in order to provide intensification of the desired wavelength of light (Hamer ¶¶ [0106]-[0107]). Regarding claim 70, Kozlov modified by Hamer teaches the light emitting device of claim 69, and Kozlov teaches that the high index materials (Fig. 6, 120 + 121 + 112 + 211 +220 + 221, Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24) are transparent electrodes (Col. 5 lines 48-67 and Col. 6 lines 1-24 teaches that at least layers 120, 121, 220, and 221 are transparent electrodes). Cited Prior Art The Examiner has pointed out particular references contained in the prior art of record within the body of this action for the convenience of the Applicant. Although the specified citations are representative of the teachings in the art and are applied to the specific limitations within the individual claim, other passages and figures may apply. Conclusion Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this final action. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to RHYS P. SHEKER whose telephone number is (703)756-1348. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Steven B Gauthier can be reached on 571-270-0373. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /R.P.S./ Examiner, Art Unit 2813 /STEVEN B GAUTHIER/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2813
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Prosecution Timeline

Mar 29, 2023
Application Filed
May 01, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jul 30, 2026
Response Filed
Oct 09, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
84%
Grant Probability
91%
With Interview (+6.8%)
3y 4m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
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