High Capacity, High Power Li-Ion Batteries
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers are developing new designs for battery cathode electrodes and cell assemblies that maximally utilize high-capacity conversion reaction compounds. The new battery structures simultaneously enable enhanced storage capacity, rapid charge transport, and enhanced mechanical and long-term cycle stability. The invention has broad applicability, e.g., for computer and telecom-related energy storage, energy distribution, and plug-in electric vehicles.
Silicon-Cobalt Nanostructures and Nanowires
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
University of California, Davis researchers have developed a method to synthesize novel self-aligned nanostructures (SANs) of single-crystalline cobalt silicide composition. The method can be used to produce metallic and semiconducting nanostrips of extremely small width and height dimensions (e.g., 3 nm by 20 nm) and with lengths of various sizes (e.g., 40 to 8000 nm). Under appropriate temperature conditions, the method can be used to produce silicon nanowires of substantial length (e.g., 20 nm in diameter, and microns to millimeters in ...
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a method for increasing energy conversion efficiency in semiconductor-based photovoltaic devices by increasing the absorption of incident photons. Absorption is increased by exploiting the dielectric behavior of certain types of metallic nanostructures at visible and near-visible wavelengths to induce forward scattering of incident radiation, thus increasing the transmission of photons into the active semiconductor region of the photovoltaic device. The increased transmission of photons ...
Gaas/Ingaas Axial Heterostructure Formation In Nanopillars By Catalyst-Free Selective Area Mocvd
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have invented a method to fabricate multiple axial GaAs/InGaAs hetero-structures with controllable indium composition and thickness. No catalysts or temperature adjustments are required to form the hetero-interfaces simplifying growth of multiple hetero-structures for complex device structures.
Significantly Faster Microchannel Based Immunoassays
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a microchannel based immunoassay using magnetic/luminescent core/shell nanoparticles as antibody carriers and labeling. The magnetic/luminescent particles serve as carriers for the antibodies and as an internal luminescent standard. The researchers have developed techniques and used additional technology that significantly increase the speed of the immunoreaction as well as the level of diffusion during the incubation steps. Coupled with the small volume of the single microchannel, the immunoassay times ...
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Single-cell and cell cluster optical tomography, or Cell-CT, has found increasing application in life sciences basic research. Two limitations to its use in this area are that it can image only fixed cells, and the lack of thixotropic gels that can support live cells and also satisfy refractive index constraints. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University have developed unique biocompatible gels with variable chemical, physical and optical properties. Among other uses, these biocompatible gels may function as a ...
Microfluidic Device to Control Stem Cell Differentiation and Proliferation
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Controlling stem cell differentiation and proliferation in traditional static stem cell cultures systems (such as a petri dish) is highly complex and challenging. Growth factors added to today’s current systems are not easily removed from the system. These growth factors, along with waste generate by the stem cells, remain in the system and may negatively affect stem cell differentiation. Thus stem cells grown in static cultures may have altered and unwanted responses to growth factor signaling. University of California, Irvine ...
Multi-level Silicon-on-insulator Process for the Fabrication of Optically Reflecting Substrates
Organization: Boston University
Chemical Vapor Depositions for Mullite Coatings and Powders
Organization: Boston University
Composite Mixed Oxygen Ionic and Electronic Conductors for Hydrogen Separation
Organization: Boston University
Organization: Boston University
Viscoeleastic Salts or Ionic Viscoelastics
Organization: Boston University
DNA Assembly of 3D Nanocrystal Superlattices
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have developed three-dimensional (3D) nanocrystal superlattices and methods of assembling such superlattices based on the capture of nanoparticles by a pattern of surface-bound DNA, the use of distinct DNA oligonucleotide sequences to arrange the particles in the confined space, incubation of the surface with the nanoparticles, and subsequent thermal annealing. In an example embodiment, highly ordered 3D body-centered-cubic superlattices of differently modified gold nanocrystals were assembled at desired areas ...
Method to Fabricate Polymer Nanofibers
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
The development of polymer micro/nanofibers has attracted significant interest in the last few decades due to the unique properties they endow. When the diameter of polymer fiber materials decreases from micrometer to nanometer, the properties exhibit significant changes, such as large specific surface area, greatly improved accessibility to surface functionalities, and remarkable mechanical properties compared with any other known material forms. These outstanding properties make the polymer nanofibers optimal candidates for many ...
Phase-Transition Driven Memristive Element
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Through a recently completed joint development effort with ETRI of South Korea, UC San Diego researchers have developed a novel new memristive device using thin-film vanadium dioxide. Memristive devices have long been considered the 4th passive circuit element (including resistors, capacitors, and inductors) but for years have eluded practical implementation. Memristors behave much like a resistor with memory—where their response isn’t based purely on the present applied voltage, as in an Ohmic device—but also on the entire ...
Nanostructure Enhanced X-ray Therapy (NEXT)
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have invented, and demonstrated the working principle of, a new radiation therapeutic method, which uses gold nanoparticles as x-ray radiation sensitizers. For instance, when tested with an x-ray tube operated at 100keV on a 5,000 base-pair supercoiled DNA decorated with 10 gold nanoparticles, the equivalent radiation dosage delivered to the nanoparticle-DNA was found to be tripled compared with that found from pure DNA. The theoretical upper limit of such radiation enhancement can be 1000% ...
Growth Of High-Quality Insulating Gan
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Scientists at the University of California have developed a method of producing semi-insulating GaN films using a "buffer layer stack" as opposed to a single compensated layer. Each layer is created under different conditions. The result is a stack of buffer layers with high thermal stability, high breakdown voltage, and high mobility.
Silicon (Oxy)Carbide Based Ceramic Fibers
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed methods by which nanostructured ceramic fibrous materials were fabricated from electrospinning preceramic polymer precursors and polymer carriers. The materials were subsequently converted to ceramics with varying levels of filled and doped substances, including carbon nanotubes, inorganic nanoparticles, glass, etc. The products consist typically of nanometer scaled silicon carbide (SiC) or silicon oxycarbide (SiCO) fibers with varying surface and internal structures. The ...
Composite Biopolymer Microtubes - Manufacture and Application via Novel Gel Spinning Technique
Organization: Tufts University
Method for Fabrication of Silk Photonic Crystals by Nanocontact Imprinting
Organization: Tufts University
Apparatus for Growth of Single Crystals of Uniaxial Materials
Organization: Tufts University
Method for Manufacturing a Cylindrical Microchannel
Organization: Tufts University
Composite Coatings by Welding of Layered Precursors
Organization: Tufts University
Hollow Polymeric Nano/Microspheres
Organization: Tufts University
Organization: Tufts University
Electronics Conducting Integration to Biopolymer Optical and Electro-optical Devices
Organization: Tufts University
Biopolymer Optical Waveguide and Method of Manufacturing the Same
Organization: Tufts University
Biopolymer Optofluidic Device and Method of Manufacturing the Same
Organization: Tufts University
Biopolymer Sensor and Method of Manufacturing the Same
Organization: Tufts University
Biopolymer Biophotonic Crystal and Method of Manufacturing the Same
Organization: Tufts University
Nanopatterned Biopolymer Optical Device and Method of Manufacturing the Same
Organization: Tufts University
Method for Polymer Synthesis Using Microfluidic Enzymatic Cascade
Organization: Tufts University
Organization: Tufts University
Electrochromic Window with High Reflectivity Modulation
Organization: Tufts University
Sprayable Amorphous Powders<br>
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Gas atomized powder produced from high viscosity metals, such as amorphous alloys, is often irregular in morphology and does not exhibit the uniform spherical structure typical of most gas atomized powder. High-aspect-ratio ligaments alter characteristics of the powder such as surface area, packing density, and flowability. Powder feed systems such as those used in the thermal spray industry rely on the use of powders that have excellent flow characteristics (which spherical powders typically do), to ensure stable control over the ...
Integrable Sub-Micron Ferromagnets For High Density Storage
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
The continued evolution of magnetic media's vital role in information storage requires advances in appropriate technologies. Scientists at the University of California have developed a process of introducing sub-micron ferromagnets of selectable size and spacings into semiconductor structures (including both Si and III-V compound semiconductors) by means of ion implantation and subsequent heat treatments. The properties of this invention offer alternate technologies for the next generation of information storage. The technology lends ...
Devices Using High Temperature Superconductors Disposed On A Chip
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Micro Nanostructured Heat Pipe
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Metal-Organic-Silicon-Thin-Film (MOSTF)
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a method to synthesize, coat, and image/imprint terpolymers. This invention is based on photosensitive organo-metallic hybrid films which consist largely of four distinct groups. The film is termed metal-organic-silicon-thin-film (MOSTF). Patent Cooperation Treaty PCT publication WO 09/086184 published on Jul 9, 2009
Organization: University of California, Riverside (UCR)
Figure 1. Schematic illustrations NTT-based flow-through membrane devices: A) Prior art; and B) Current invention.
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have synthesized two different 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with structures based on covalently linked porphyrin units stacked laterally. The COFs are found to be hole conducting having mobilities as high as 8.1 and 3.0 cm2 V-1s-1. Such multifunctional conducting COFs combine thermal stability, high charge mobility and pore accessibility to enable potential applications in plastic electronics and optoelectronics.
Organization: Boston College
Apparatus and Materials for Three-Dimensional Optical Data Storage and Retrieval
Organization: Boston College
Systems for Detecting and Measuring Inclusions
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Alloy Substantially Free of Dendrites and Method of Forming the Same
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Organization: Boston College
Incorporation of Zeolites into Hybrid Polymer Matrices
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Infrared Defect Detection System and method for the Evaluation of Powdermetallic Compacts
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Metal Oxide Nanostructures with Hierarchical Morphology
Organization: Boston College
Multi-probe impedance measurement system and method for detection of flaws in conductive articles
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Casting of Aluminum Based Wrought Alloys and Aluminum Based Casting Alloys
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Tri-Color DualGlucose and Oxygen Sensors
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Glucose and oxygen are important components of human metabolic processes -- many diseases are associated with glucose transport and metabolic disorders including diabetes and cancer. Monitoring glucose and cell metabolism can provide invaluable information for understanding these diseases. There are many assays and sensors for both glucose and oxygen, however none can perform real-time direct assays for glucose metabolism in living cells or organisms. Developing a sensor that can dynamically detect the real-time metabolic changes in living ...
Sensing Materials for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Hydrocarbons and Acids
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Chemical sensors that can quickly, selectively and sensitively detect unknown chemicals in air or in water are vital for security, environmental, biomedical, and food and drinking water safety. Existing detection methods are divided into two categories, lab-based analytical methods, and handheld or portable chemical sensors. Lab-based analytical methods are well established but slow, expensive and bulky. Portable chemical sensors have a potentially huge market but need improvement to selectivity and reliability to enable faster, more ...
Ratiometric optical dual oxygen and pH sensor with three emission colors
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
The efficiency of biofuel production depends on the photosynthetic activity of microbes; to maximize their growth it is necessary to continually monitor the environmental conditions. Traditional monitoring methods (such as using electrodes to measure CO2 consumption and/or O2 generation) are typically time- and labor-intensive, have low throughput, and often require special devices. It would be desirable to simultaneously measure several parameters with a simple, robust multiplexed high throughput sensor. Researchers at the Biodesign ...
Production of Carbon Nanomaterials Having Chalcogen-Containing Functional Groups and Their Uses
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Carbon nanotubes possess many interesting properties which make them suitable for a host of applications including use in batteries, catalysts, fuel cells, chemical sensors, drug delivery and nanoelectronics. However many of these applications require that the nanotbubes be chemically anchored at the surface of an interface, where they can enhance surface dependent processes such as charge transfer and chemical analyte binding. In the past, nanotubes have often been anchored to an interface by literally growing them on a surface; however this ...
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
In the manufacture of (Silicon based) semiconductor devices, an oxide layer is typically formed at the surface of a wafer prior to device fabrication. This oxide layer (such as SiO2 grown on a Si (100) surface) typically grows completely amorphous with little ordering in the first atomic layers near the interface. This can lead to thickness and structural variations that can affect the electronic performance of devices using these oxides. Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a proprietary method to grow oxide layers ...
SiGeSn Buffer Layers for Integration of III-V & II-VI Compound Semiconductors with Silicon
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
Current commercial and defense electronics are based on Silicon (Si) while most RF and optical sources and detectors are based on III-V and II-VI semiconductors grown on non-Si substrates such as GaAs, InP, InAs, GaSb, and CdZnTe. This partitioning of the substrates poses major obstacles to device integration and restricts the choice of material systems that are candidates for bandgap engineering of future devices. To overcome these problems, this invention utilizes new methodologies for integration of III-V and II-VI compound ...
Low Temperature Epitaxial Growth of Quaternary Wide Bandgap Semiconductors
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
The advent of epitaxial techniques for growing thin films has allowed for the growth of unnatural, metastable structures having properties previously unattainable in equilibrium systems. Specifically, quaternary compounds are of great interest for microelectronic and optoelectronic devices due to expectations that these materials will exhibit the promising physical (e.g. mechanical hardness, thermal expansion, close matching lattice parameters, etc.) and electronic properties of their binary constituents. Indeed, quaternary materials ...
Particle Suspension Porosimetry (Challenge Coreflood Test)
Organization: Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd
Porosimetry is the term given to analytical techniques used to measure quantifiable aspects of a material's porous nature. This includes pore size, volumes, distribution, and densities, among other material characteristics. Factors influenced by a material's porosity often determine its suitability of use. Researchers at the Australian School of Petroleum at the University of Adelaide have developed a breakthrough technology for environmentally responsible, low pressure porosimetry. Through this method core sample lengths of ...
Transition metal hydroxy-anion electrode materials for lithium-ion battery cathodes
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
The lithium battery industry is undergoing rapid expansion, now representing the largest segment of the portable battery industry and dominating the computer, cell phone, and camera power source industry. High capacity and high rate lithium-ion batteries (LIB) with low cost and improved safety characteristics constitute a major requirement for electric vehicles, portable electronics, and other energy storage applications. Year-to-year electrochemical performance improvements in LIBs are typically limited to 3-4%, with a major bottleneck being ...
Organization: Arizona Tech Enterprises (AzTE)
The lithium battery industry is undergoing rapid expansion, now representing the largest segment of the portable battery industry and dominating the computer, cell phone, and camera power source industry. Beyond consumer electronics, LIBs are also growing in popularity for military, electric vehicle, and aerospace applications. Lithium-ion batteries are a family of rechargeable battery types in which lithium ions move from a negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge, and back when charging. Compared to graphite anodes, ...
Digital Topological Analysis of the Trabecular Bone Structure
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: N2493 Evaluation of the mechanical strength of trabecular bone (TB), dependent upon material, scale, topology, mass density, architecture, and disease processes, can determine the onset of fracture due to osteoprosis or metabolic bone disorders. Unfortunately, current methods of diagnostic screening based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) which measures bone mineral density (BMD) does not distinguish between trabecular and cortical bone, nor does it address the structure of the bone. Currently, no existing ...
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: N2478 Penn researchers have developed a novel and simple-to-assemble method and apparatus to measure local impedance in microcircuitry. Currently, there is no way to measure point-by-point, or segment-by-segment values for both the amplitude and phase angle of local impedance in microdevices such as integrated circuits, thick film circuits, electronic ceramic devices, and MEMS. Commercially available technology only allows for an estimate of the average value throughout the entire surface of the device, ...
Functionalized Coatings on Metal Surfaces for Biomedical Implants
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: O2910 Metallic devices (stainless steel, titanium) are widely used for medical implants in a variety of organ systems from the skeletal system to cardiovascular. These materials are used because they are inert in the hostile environment of the body. However, they also have vastly different characteristics from the tissues which host these implants and, in the case of a hip joint for example, these differences can ultimately cause further damage or erosion of the hosting bone. Researchers at Penn and CHOP have ...
New Tandem Epoxidation and Oxidation Reactions
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: Q3444 Medications sold as single enantiomers comprise 50 of the 100 top selling drugs (e.g. Lipitor, Zyprexa, Nexium, Plavid, Zoloft), and currently represent a $172 billion industry, up from $133 billion in 2000. By 2008, chiral drugs will account for 40% of emerging and updated drug strategies. The precursors of these medications are chiral substances of high optical purity, which constitute an important class of starting materials for organic and medicinal chemists. Using the stereochemistry of these materials to control ...
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: O2802 There have been numerous and varied attempts to disperse carbon nanotubes in thermoplastic polymers. Although solvent-based and mixing-based approaches have shown some success, results show these methods are not ideal means of obtaining versatile polymers with a uniform dispersion of nanotubes. Accomplishing this would open up the market to these potentially very valuable composite materials. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have established a novel method for manufacture of dispersed, ...
Fabrication of Nanowires and Nanogaps for Molecular Electronic Circuitry
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: M2171 Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a novel method of fabricating nanogap metallic wires and wires with nanometer size breaks. This design enables molecules to attach across the nanogaps resulting in a complete circuit. Integral to the fabrication process is carbon nanotubes (NTs). These nanotubes are used as lithographic masks to create regulated gaps ranging in size of 1nm [diameter of C single-walled nanotube (SWNT)] to 50nm [diameter of C multi-walled nanotube (MWNT)] in the metal wire. ...
Microstructure and Behavior of Fullerenes Contained Within Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: L2033 University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed a novel method to functionalize nanotubes via filling: an operation that inserts appropriately sized gas phase molecules into the nanotube matrix. Utilizing this method, researchers were able to produce a new class of nanotube-fullerene hybrids. The nanotube-fullerene hybrids are composed of C60 molecular chains inside single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). These hybrids can be synthesized using SWNTs that were created using any method including pulsed ...
Oligomeric Anilines and Their Synthesis
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: J1631 Polyanilines are well known conductive polymers. While the synthesis of several smaller tetrameric oligomers has been reported, the preparation of larger oligomers has proven elusive. The present invention affords a method to prepare higher oligomers of aniline in several distinct oxidation states. Applications Advantages
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: J1630 Polyanilines are well known conductive polymers. The present invention affords a method for the preparation of chiral polyanilines by incorporating chiral dopants into the polymerization. The chiral polyanilines have properties which extend their utility into novel areas. Applications Advantages
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: I1462 Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a novel simple technique for synthesizing polyaniline oligomers. The method consists of a series of oxidative reactions from which oligomers of arbitrary length may be synthesized. From this procedure, previously unreported polyaniline oligomers can be synthesized, including a "16-mer" and an octamer. Applications Advantages
Flammability Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: P3204 There is great interest in using nanoscale additives for making polymer nanocomposites with improved flammability properties in an effort to provide an alternative to conventional flame retardant (FR) materials. Research to date has centered on using clay, nanoscale silica and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) combined with various polymers to achieve this goal. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently demonstrated impressive flame retarding capabilities of SWNT/Poly[methyl methacrylate] (PMMA) ...
Nanotubes and Nanofilaments Dispersion in Thermoplastics by Coagulation Methods
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: P2999 There have been numerous attempts to disperse carbon nanotubes in thermoplastic polymers. Previous solvent and mixing-based approaches have shown some success, but these methods are not ideal means of obtaining versatile polymers with uniform nanotube dispersion. While in situ polymerization (O2802) has shown some improvement, there is still a need for better dispersion before these potentially valuable composite materials are used. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have now established a new ...
Magnetically Doped Ruthenates with Large Magnetoresistance
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: O2773 The multi-billion dollar market of portable electronics (cell phones, players, PDAs) is largely responsible for the astonishing growth of the microelectronics industry. Continuous demand for increased functionality, better performance, smaller power consumption and lower cost of electronic devices has been managed by constant miniaturization of its feature sizes. However, at the present stage the manufacturers are approaching the physical limits of currently used silicon. This is particularly important for ...
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: K1885 Discodermolide, a metabolite of a deep water marine sponge, holds great promise as a chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer. Recent studies have shown discodermolide to be one of the most potent antimitotic agents known to date. It has been found to possess mechanisms of action similar to that of TaxolTM, while being 160-fold more water-soluble than TaxolTM. Discodermolide was also shown to be fully active against multidrug-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cells, which were 20-30 fold more ...
Electrochemical Devices Based on Single-Component Solid Oxide Bodies
Organization: University of Pennsylvania
TechID: D843 Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) hold some inherent advantages over other fuel cells such as molten carbonate, phosphoric acid (high temperature operation; corrosive) or membrane types. SOFC’s typically possess efficiencies approaching 80%. They require less energy input for specific power load. SOFC have suffered in the past from relatively low energy density and fabrication problems. For instance, the laminated structure of older SOFC’s often results in delamination after several use cycles; ...
Nano Structure For Adhesion, Friction And Conduction
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
A Method For Forming Double-gate Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Improved Dram With Capacitorless Double-gate
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Nano Structure With Compliant Angled Hairs And Filter Fabrication Method
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Bulk Hydrophilic Imprinted Silica
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Improved Flash Memory Cell Scalable To Sub 50nm
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Nano Structure For Friction Enhancement
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Nano Structure For Electrical Interconnect Including Integrated Circuit Mounting
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Nano Structure With Side Contact For Friction Enhancement
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Nano Structure For Actively Switchable Adhesion
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Optical Raster Scanning in a Micromechanical System
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Scanning micromirrors fabricated using surface-micromachining technology have numerous advantages over traditional scanning mirrors: they have smaller size, mass, and power consumption, and can be more readily integrated with actuators, electronics, light sources, lenses, and other optical elements. More complete integration simplifies packaging, reducing the manufacturing cost. The availability of red, green, and more recently, blue semiconductor lasers has made full-color scanning microdisplays a practical possibility. This adds motivation ...
Biocompatible Nanostructures For Ultrasensitive Biomolecular Sensors And Cellular Imaging
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Solar Cells, Artificial Tactile Skin, Fingerprinting
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Solar cell/photovoltaic systems are a promising technology for renewable and alternative energy sources. The use of solar cells has traditionally been dominated by single crystal silicon (SCS) and the costs of the starting substrates are almost 50% of the total manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the intense competition for SCS between the microelectronics industry and the fledgling solar cell industry has lead to worldwide SCS supply shortage, providing an opportunity for thin-film based solar cell/photovoltaic modules to enter the energy ...
Nano Structure For Adhesion That Self-cleans
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
A New Approach To Flow Cytometry, "nanocytometry"
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Nano Structure Fabrication Using Stretchable Molds
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Nano Structure With Compliant Support For Adhesion
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Integration Of Advanced Structures With Conventional Integrated Circuits
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Preferred treatment protocols and specific techniques to manage facial nerve paralysis often differ between surgeons. The etiology of the facial nerve dysfunction can range from oncologic resection, temporal bone surgery, skull base surgery, or trauma, idiopathic, or congenital. Free muscle transfer is most useful for dynamic reanimation of the paralytic face when a concomitant soft tissue defect needs reconstruction. Some reports have shown success creating eyelid closure by passing a strip of the free flap muscle over the eyelid; however, ...
Fuel Cells Using Low-Temperature Conducting Materials
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a novel method to fabricate nanometric oxides that exhibit enhanced conductivity by a different mechanism. Conduction in these materials (e.g., cubic zirconia and other materials with similar properties) takes place by protonic movement as opposed to ionic mobility, making it possible to operate a fuel cell at much lower temperatures. The marked reduction of the resistivity in these materials at low temperatures are comparable to that typical of other protonic conductors, but ...
A New Process For Biomolecule Patterning
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Nano-electro-mechanical Non-volatile Memory (nemory)
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Controllable Deposition Of Polymeric Nanofibers And Nanotubes Using Electrospinning Technology
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Rapid Synthesis Of Nanostructures At Room Temperature
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Highly Controlled Continuos Nanocrystal Production And Analysis
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Method For Grafting Hybrid Crosslinked-uncrosslinked Fluorocarbon Films On Biopolymer Surfaces
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Polycrystalline Optical Window Materials from Nanoceramics
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Sapphire is a material commonly used in infrared windows due to its high transmissivity of infrared radiation and its high resistance to adverse atmospheric conditions. As greater demands are made on aircraft and weaponry, however, windows and domes that can withstand even higher heating rates, greater mechanical loads, and harsher environments are needed. One type of alternative material that has been researched for its low cost and higher performance is polycrystalline. However, these materials have their limitations (i.e., high degree of ...
Anisotropic Thermal Conductivity in Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Ceramic Nanocomposites
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
A ceramic composite material with improved thermal, electrical and mechanical properties has been developed by researchers at the University of California, Davis through the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into a ceramic matrix. Using novel powder preparation and consolidation techniques, single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCN) and nanopowders of alumina are combined into a composite with remarkable properties. Images Carbon nanotube ceramic nanocomposite
Metallically Electrically Conductive Si-Ti-C-N Ceramics
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
A ceramics composite material with improved electrical and mechanical properties has been produced by researchers at the University of California, Davis during consolidation through an in situ reaction of amorphous polymer precursor-derived silicon carbon-nitride and nano-TiO2. Using novel powder preparation and consolidation techniques, single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCN) and nanopowders of alumina are combined into a composite with remarkable properties. The final composite consists of silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and titanium ...
Transistor Speed And Power Improvements
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Alumina-Titania Nanocomposites from Plasma Sprayed Aluminum Titanate
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Nanocomposites of alumina and titania from plasma sprayed aluminum titanate powders were developed by researchers at the University of California, Davis. Using novel powder preparation and consolidation techniques, the composites can be consolidated to full density while retaining a nanocrystalline grain size. These materials have potential for low temperature/high strain rate superplastic forming.
Polymer Precursor Derived Creep Resistant SiCBN Nanocomposites
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Novel ceramic composites with drastically improved creep resistance were developed by the researchers at the University of California, Davis. Using novel powder preparation and consolidation techniques, the SiCN polymer precuror was first doped with boron before being converted to nanocomposites of Si3N4, SiC and BN with remarkable mechanical properties.These composites of Si3N4, SiC, and BN have some of the highest creep resistance properties of any silicon nitride based ceramic and thermal stability up to 2000 degrees C.
Polymer Precursor Derived Creep Resistant Nanocomposites
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have used a polymer precursor of SiCN to produce ceramic composites with dramatically improved creep resistance. Using novel powder preparation and consolidation techniques the polymer precursor was converted to nanocomposites of Si3N4 and SiC with remarkable mechanical properties.These composites of Si3N4 and SiC have the highest creep resistance of any silicon nitride based ceramics.
Carbon Nanotube Toughened Ceramic Nanocomposites
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Through the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into a ceramic matrix, researchers at University of California, Davis have produced a composite with dramatically improved fracture toughness. Using novel powder preparation and consolidation techniques single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCN) and nanopowders of alumina are combined into a composite with remarkable mechanical properties.The fracture toughness of the composite is three times that of pure alumina with only 10 volume percent of SWCN added.
Remote Optical Nano Switch For Localized Control Of Gene Interference
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Lithographically Patterned Nanowire Electrodeposition
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University researchers have developed a technique called Lithographically Patterned Nanowire Electrodeposition (LPNE) as a new method for synthesizing noble metal nanowires on glass or oxidized silicon surfaces.Nanowire fabrication methods can be classified either as "top down", involving photo- or electron beam lithography, or "bottom-up", involving the synthesis of nanowires from molecular precursors. LPNE combines attributes of photolithography with the versatility of bottom-up electrochemical synthesis. Photolithography is employed to ...
Deep-subwavelength Photolithography
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Air Corridor Interconnect Structure
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a novel method for the preparation of patterned polymer brushes. The formation of a patterned surface is achieved by using a microcontact printing technique followed by surface-initiated synthesis of polymer brushes within the framework of the pattern. In contrast to the production of complex patterns in polymer films on surfaces that combine spin-casting and photolithographic techniques, polymer films patterned by microcontact printing and surface-initiated ...
Nanowire-based Chemical Connector for Miniature-Scale Applications
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
A Method for Gold Coating of Rare Earth Nano-Phosphors and Uses Thereof
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed novel core-shell architecture nanoparticles that consist of a gold shell and a phosphor core. These particles are developed using a simple, robust one pot water based technique to coat gold on rare-earth fluoride containing nanometer sized phosphors. The uncoated phosphors are white, while the gold coated phosphors have distinct reddish tints that arise from the surface plasmon resonance of the gold shell. The tunable visible color together with the phosphor emission offers ...
Capacitorless, Silicon-on-insulator Dram Device
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing of Nano, Micro and Sub-micro Fibers with Hybrid CAB System
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a novel and high throughput production process of making nano/submicro-sized fibers. By extruding in-situ micro or submicrofibrillar blend of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and polymers (polyolefin, polyesters, and proteins) into regular size fibers, CAB serves as a sacrificial matrix and other polymers as micro/nano-fibrills in the matrix in coarse fiber form. After removal of CAB with acetone extraction, micro, as well as, submicro fibers can be produced.
Real Time Analysis Of Metal Ore
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Traditional sensor technologies for sorting systems can only reliably detect and discriminate between a narrow range of materials. Some promising sensor technologies require substantial sample preparation limiting their utility for real time sorting. There are also materials resistant to traditional sorting technologies such as the rare earth elements. UC Davis researchers have developed a novel sensor for the real time of sorting materials which overcomes these limitations.
New Protein Resistant and Biodegradable Biopolymer
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University of California, Irvine, researchers have developed a protein resistant biopolymer made from readily available starting materials such as carbohydrates or other polyhydroxyl compounds. These biopolymers are biodegradable and have many sites along the chain that may be functionalized. These biopolymers have a greater advantage than PEG since PEG may only be modified on the chain ends to introduce new functional groups to modify the biopolymer's properties.
Zeolite Molecular Sieve Thin Films As Low-K Dielectrics
Organization: University of California, Riverside (UCR)
Scientists at the University of California have developed an novel method for using zeolite molecular sieves and low-k dielectrics as well as techniques for the design and synthesis of thin films of these materials for use as inter-metal dielectrics in ICs.
Novel Responsive Polymer System and its 1D Nanohybrid Thin Films
Organization: University of California, Merced (UC Merced)
A researcher at the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) has developed novel responsive polymers that comprise a hard segment that deforms upon light stimulation and a soft segment that deforms upon thermal stimulation, and nanomaterial-polymer composite comprising the novel responsive polymers. The UC Merced invention can be applied for polymeric transducer materials and sensor systems. This polymer system and its associated composite 1D nanomaterials can be processed into hybrid thin film and directly incorporated into MEM-based ...
Polymer-Carbon Nanotube Gel as a New Cathode Material For Enhanced Performance
Organization: University of California, Merced (UC Merced)
A researcher at the University of California, Merced has developed a new type of cathode material to be used for LIBs. The material, as shown in figure 1 below, is composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes covalently bound with a polymer gel matrix, in which redox centers are embedded. The new cathode material is lighter with higher content of cathode material. It may potentially provide more than 300mAh/g energy density based on the theoretical calculation. The polymer gel like structures allows facile Li ion insertion/extraction, yielding ...
Micro-patterned Photoliable Surfaces for Capture and Light Triggered Release of Cells
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
The researchers at UC Davis have developed a novel method for micropatterning surfaces with photoliabile protein to capture and release of cells, triggered by UV light. In this approach, surfaces were modified using a mixture of amine- and acrylate-terminated methoxysilanes and then micropatterned using poly (ethylene glycol)(PEG) photolithography. There surface were further functionalized with photolabile linker containing photosensitive o-nitrobenzyl group. Finally, the surfaces were functionalized with specific antibodies. This multi-step ...
Relaxed SiGe Films By Surfactant Mediation
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Scientists at the University of California have developed a novel method of using Sb as a surfactant to promote the growth of thin, high-quality relaxed SiGe buffers.
Fabrication Of Multiple-wavelength Vertical-cavity Opto-electronic Device Arrays
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Alternative Percutaneous Drug Delivery Using Thermocavitation
Organization: University of California, Riverside (UCR)
UCR researchers have advanced a thermocavitation method that increases the absorption of topical solutions through the stratum corneum of the skin using a low-powered CW laser by inducing thermocavitation bubbles. The particles to be absorbed may be micro or nano-sized particles dissolved in an aqueous or gel-based solutions or alternatively, they could be mixed within lotions or creams used for the infusion of drugs through the skin. ...
A New Polymerization Method For Polymethylene
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers at the University of California have developed a new synthetic method for the manufacture of polymers that offers several distinct advantages over existing methods. The UC method consists of a unique polymerization reaction that: - Permits a high degree of monodispersity, - Enables the preparation of block copolymers, - Allows a broad variety of functional groups to be added to the chain termini, and - Can be used to synthesize highly functionalized compounds such as polystilbene or polytrimethylsilylmethane.Synthetic routes ...
RNA-based, Amplification-free, Microbial Identification using Nano-Enabled Electronic Detection
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Rapid, efficient, and low cost detection and identification of microorganisms including pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi is a challenge facing plant and animal health. Current technologies such as Q-PCR rely on multiple assays and amplification methods to identify bacteria and viruses. Traditional optical detection methods also require fluorescent markers. These multiple independent steps and tests increase the processing time and cost for detection and identification. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed ...
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Currently, there is great interest in developing small volume droplet systems, since these have the potential to enable large numbers of chemical assays on small footprint, while requiring only small quantities of chemicals. However, metering small drops is extremely difficult due to large surface tension forces at small size scales. Typically, small volume metering requires computer controlled pistons or special nozzles that forcibly eject drops of desired size ("spitting"). Useful systems are large, complex and expensive. In recent years, ...
A Novel METHOD FOR AMORPHOUS Metal Micromolding Using Carbon MEMS
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Bulk Metallic Glasses (BMGs) refer to a class of metal alloys which exhibit high strength, large elastic strain limit, and high corrosion resistance owing to their amorphous nature. They are isotropic, homogeneous, and free from any crystalline defects down to atomic scales. These materials are therefore excellent candidates for small scale applications such as micro- nanostructures, MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical-systems), NEMS (nano-electro-mechanical-systems), precision surgery tools, watch movement components, and micronanomolds. It has ...
Formation of polymers on nanostructures under X-ray irradiation
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Researchers at UC Davis have developed methods of formation of a polymer from a monomer on a metal-based nanoparticle under X-ray irradiation or the dissolution of metal ions from this nanoparticle under X-ray irradiation, and more specifically methods of enhancing formation of a polyanilne polymer from an aniline monomer on a silver core - gold shell nanoparticle under X-ray irradiation and release of Ag ions from this core-shell nanoparticle. X-rays are highly penetrating, and nanomaterials can pinpoint the growth of polymers down to ...
Ultrathin Nanoporous Silicon Nitride Membranes for Separations and Biotechnology
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed ultrathin membranes made from silicon nitride and other inorganic compounds, which contain nanopores of controllable diameter, geometry and chemical functionality of the pore walls. Ultrathin character and tunable porosity of our membranes makes them an ideal candidate for high-resolution transmission electron microscopy supports. The membranes can be used in temperatures >1000 °C and at harsh chemical conditions. Mass flux through these membranes exceeds by three orders ...
Patterned, Dense, and High-Quality Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Arrays
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University researchers have developed an easy one-step approach to pattern uniform catalyst lines for the growth of dense, aligned parallel arrays of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on quartz wafers by using photolithography or polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp micro-contact printing (μCP). By directly doping a FeCl3/methanol solution into Shipley 1827 photoresist or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), various catalyst lines can be well-patterned on a wafer scale. In addition, during the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of SWNTs the ...
Fast Sensitive Hydrogen Gas Detection Using Single Palladium Nanowires
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
UC Irvine researchers have developed a method which has demonstrated that by controlling the grain structure of a palladium nanowire, nanowires operating in either the RH2( ) or the RH2(-) modes can be obtained. Superior H2 sensing performance, including response times in the 1-5 s range at high H2 concentrations and a LODH2 of 2 ppm have also been demonstrated for single Pd nanowire sensors operating in the RH2( ) mode that did not break upon exposure to H2.
Improved Mechanical Contact Reliability and Energy Efficiency for CMOS Applications
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Beams Of Nanodroplets For High Sputtering Rate Of Inert Materials
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
There exists a need to carve hard materials for IC and MEMS fabrication. For very hard, inert materials such as silicon carbide, a main fabrication tool is physical sputtering via Ion-Beam Milling (IBM). This process has the lowest etch rate and wafer throughput among subtractive techniques. The slow etch rate of the state-of-the-art IBM cannot be significantly corrected because the space charge that forms between the plasma and the extraction grids of the ion source imposes a fundamental limit on the beam current density, and thus on the ...
Diamonoid Stabilized Fine-Grained Metals
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
A common method for strengthening metals without large decreases in ductility is to reduce the grain size of the metal. However, this strategy does not generally lead to improved strength at elevated temperatures because the grains grow larger by diffusion and grain boundary sliding can occur. This invention adds diamonoids to aluminum resulting in a marked grain size stability at elevated temperatures making it possible to retain the high strength of fine grained metals without sacrificing ductility.
High-Speed Fabrication Of Highly Uniform Ultra-Small Micro-Metallic Spheres
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Metallic nanoparticles form surface oxide layers that impede full densification during parts manufacturing through conventional and field-assisted sintering procedures. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have invented a pre-treatment step that causes dielectric breakdown of the surface oxide layers between particles, resulting in the ability to conduct densification at lower temperatures, pressures, and/or shorter times. The new method also allows for manufacture of more complex shapes with better final part performance.
Metal And Metal Core, Oxide Shell Nanoparticles
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
A Novel High-Qu Octave-Tunable Resonator And Filter With Lumped Tuning Elements
Organization: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Litho-particle Dispersions: Designer Particles with Customizable Shapes
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The invention described here uses directed, top-down processes facilitated by automated lithography, for rapid, massively parallel, high throughput production of particles of customizable shapes that exhibit high fidelity and uniformity. As a demonstration of the power of this invention, UCLA researchers have designed and fabricated colloidal alphabet soup: a dispersion of microscale polymer particles representing all twenty-six letters of the English alphabet in a viscous liquid. Submicron and nanoscale particles can be created by the same ...
A Porous Microfluidic Spinneret
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Biologically Inspired Self-Activated Building Envelope Regulation (Saber)
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
6-18 GHz 8-Element SiGe Phased Array Beamformer Chip
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
This invention is a 6-18 GHz 8-element SiGe phased array beamformer chip, including GSDII layout files, design-files compatible with Jazz Semiconductor’s SBC18Hx process detailing circuit design, and the following supporting published literature: Kwang-Jin Koh; Rebeiz, G.M.; “An X- and Ku-Band 8-Element Phased-Array Receiver in 0.18um SiGe BiCMOS Technology” Solid-State Circuits, IEEE Journal of, Volume 43, Issue 6, June 2008 Page(s):1360 – 1371. Sample chips are available. Additional chips may be ordered as-is ...
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
The invention provides an electronic circuit that realistically mimics the function of a memory resistor. The memory resistor emulator may be used alone or as a part of an electronic circuit. The memory resistor emulator includes several intrinsic features of a memory resistor. First, from the point of view of an external circuit, the memory resistor emulator behaves as a passive electronic device. Second, the response of the memory resistor emulator to the applied voltage can be selected very close to the response of a real memory resistor. ...
High-Efficiency Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on TiO2 Nanotubes
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have developed new dye sensitized solar-cells, which are based on aligned TiO2 nanotubes that exhibit improved electron collection efficiency relative to earlier DSSCs. The invention’s architecture provides a direct and low-resistance conduit for electron capture while maintaining a very high surface area for covalently binding inorganic or organic sensitizers. With the invention, light can be effectively absorbed even in the near-IR region because the path-length of the TiO2 nanotube layer is significantly ...
Ultrahigh Sensitivity Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Researchers in UCI’s Department of Physics fabricated nanoporous alumina structures on QCM’s by electrochemically anodizing aluminum electrodes and have shown that these electrodes are very sensitive to the partial pressure of water and thus make excellent, high Q humidity sensors. By applying nanoporous structures as electrodes for QCM’s, using various techniques including evaporation, electrochemistry, spin-coating and selective etching the relative surface area is enhanced without sacrificing Q. The resulting sensors ...
Biocompatible And Biodegradable Microneedles Made From Silk
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Synthesis And Use Of Chiral Calixarene Phosphite And Phosphate Ligands In Catalysis
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Nanophotonic Graphene Transistor
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
NANOSTRUCTURES FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Organization: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
BACKGROUND: While nanotechnology, the field of applied science on the nanoscale, has been extensively studied for applications in electronic materials, its potential for applications in the biomedical field are just now being realized. For example, current methods of tissue engineering and regeneration have been limited by the risk of inflammation and inappropriate tissue formation. Similarly, drug delivery techniques have been limited by the range of control in release and loading. By applying nanotechniques, scientists have been able to ...
Poly(4-Methyl2-Pentyne) Templates For Micro/Nanopatterning Process
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Fabrication Method Of SOI With Partially Different Thicknesses
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Using a simple fabrication process, the invention allows for control, through conventional lithography and etching steps, over the formation of the insulating layer of a SOI substrate. This novel and simple process gives the user a high degree of control over the thickness of the SOI layers as well as three-dimensional patterning of the insulating layer of the SOI substrate.
Porous Carbon On-chip Energy Storage Devices
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Photoelectrochemical Wet Etching Of Group III Nitrides
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California have developed a powerful process to etch group III nitride heterostructures at room temperature. The method uses a wet, photoelectrochemical etching technique characterized by fast etch rates, anisotropic etching, minimal surface damage to surrounding strucutures, and etch selectivity dependent on the band-gap of the material, relative to the wavelength of the photo-illumination used.
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Rhenium Diboride, An Ultra-incompressible, Superhard Material
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
To overcome many of these problems with materials in this area, researchers at UCLA have identified a way to manufacture a superhard material, rhenium diboride (ReB2), at ambient pressures. They have shown this material possesses incompressibility along its c-axis similar to that of diamond, has a high differential stress, and has high hardness under low load similar to cubic boron nitride.
Fabrication Of High Quality P-Type GaN and Alloys by Preventing Hydrogen Incorporation
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California have developed a novel processing technique to prevent hydrogen incorporation. High quality p-GaN films and p-n junction devices have been fabricated by this method without the need for any post-growth treatments of the epitaxial layer. This invention has widespread utility in depositing p-type GaN films for electronic and optoelectronic applications. It simplifies and improves the fabrication of blue, UV, and full-color light-emitting devices as well as a wide range of solid-state semiconductor ...
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Semiconductor nanowires have been successfully utilized as building blocks for various electronic and photonic devices. In particular, vertically aligned semiconductor nanowire arrays offer the potential of high photoconversion efficiency compared to that of thin film devices given the nanowire properties of enhanced light absorption, improved carrier collection efficiency, and reduced optical reflectance. UC San Diego researchers have developed photovoltaic devices and methods to fabricate said devices that utilize semiconductor ...
Massively Parallel Assembly of Composite Structures using Depletion Attractions
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed a method to construct complex microstructures via mass fabrication techniques employing depletion attractions that depend on the shapes of particulate components. From a solution containing a mixture of particles with similar or different shapes, this method induces aggregation of targeted particles into larger structures. The method can induce aggregation of particles with similar shapes into ordered structures as well as binding particles of different shapes into pre-determined configurations. This ...
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
The superelastic polymer ink formulation enables continuous electrospinning at a voltage of 200V, nearly an order of magnitude lower than conventional near-field electrospinning. At such low voltages, perturbations in the deposition pattern due to bending instabilities are reduced, thereby increasing control of the resulting polymer jet and resulting nanofiber. These qualities allowed for improved precision over the patterning capability of the nanofibers.
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Ultrathin OTFTs are of technical interest as a possible route toward reduced bias stress in standard OTFTs. UC San Diego researchers have developed such ultrathin OTFT devices and methods of fabricating and processing the same. The invention enables achieving nanosculpted contacts with lower contact resistance that are key to fabrication of ultra thin devices with significantly lower bias stress and better performance than in devices of conventional thickness. It also facilitates recovery from chemical contamination as may occur during ...
Method To Reduce The Dislocation Density In Group III- Nitride Films
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
This invention represents a compromise between the expensive approach of almost complete dislocation elimination by epitaxial lateral overgrowth and the standard two step growth process that results in dislocation densities on the order of 108 to 109 cm-2. Scientists at the University of California have developed an approach whereby the dislocation density in the epitaxial layer can be substantially reduced by implementing two additional growth steps. Reduction of dislocation densities from 2 x 1010 cm-2 to 4 x 107 cm-2 has been achieved by ...
Synthesis Of Silica And Silicone Polymer Networks Under Benign Conditions
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Scientists at the University of California have shown that the protein filaments and their constituent subunits found in the silica structures produced by a marine sponge chemically and spatially direct the polymerization of silica and silicone polymer networks. The marine sponge, Tethya aurantia, produces copious silica spicules which contain an axial filament of protein consisting of three similar subunits, dubbed silicateins (for silica proteins). Silicatein filaments and their constituent subunits have been shown to catalyze and spatially ...
LACVD Thin Film Encapsulation of Organic Optoelectronic Devices
Organization: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Improved Capacitive Microelectromechanical Switches
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Scientists at the University of California have developed an improvement upon the traditional MEMS design. In this new switch, the contact of the movable membrane and the metallic layer is made intimate through an original design fabrication process. In addition, the contact with the dielectric layer is made independent of the geometry of the membrane, enabling an optimized design of the switch.
Controlled Mineralization of a Matrix
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Characterization of natural mechanisms of bone calcification has yielded insight into a more general means for controlled mineralization of any matrix of interest. The technique has been validated for mineralization of bone, but is generally applicable to other combinations of matrices and inhibitors.
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Giant Planar Hall Effect In Ferromagnetic Semiconductors
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California and the California Institute of Technology have invented (Ga,Mn)As-based ferromagnetic semiconductor materials that exhibit the giant planar Hall effect (GPHE). In GPHE, the localized alignment of electron spins causes a change in resistance. With this invention, the GPHE-induced resistance change in multiterminal, micron-scale structures can be as large as ~100 Ω, about four orders of magnitude higher than the analogous resistances previously observed in metallic ferromagnets. This ...
Methods for Fabricating Metal Nanowires
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Methods for the preparation of long, dimensionally uniform, metallic nanowires that are removable from the surface on which they are synthesized. The methods include the selective electro-deposition of metal nanowires at step edges present on a stepped surface, such as graphite, from an aqueous solution containing a metal or metal oxide. Where a metal oxide is first deposited, the metal oxide nanowires are reduced via a gas phase reduction at elevated temperatures to metal nanowires. Alternatively, beaded or hybrid nanowires comprising a ...
Fabrication Of Carbon Mems / Carbon Nanotubes Integrated Electrodes
Organization: University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Aqueous Electrodeposition Of Magnetic Co-Sm Alloys
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The novel development is a continuous, low capital and operating cost process. It produces Co-Sm alloys from aqueous plating solutions by electrodeposition. Manufacturing costs of the electrodeposition method can be as little as one-tenth that of other known physical methods. Furthermore, this process enables electroforming (an electrodeposition procedure) of magnetic materials on complex geometries, which cannot be achieved by other processes currently in use. The substantial savings in manufacturing costs, and considerable lower ...
Novel Nanomaterial-based Thermo-Photovoltaic Cells
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers in UCLA's Department of Electrical Engineering have proposed three types of TPV cell structures based on a particular nanomaterial. The optical and electrical properties of these nanotechnology-based TPVs can be tuned during fabrication, making them suitable for multiple applications.
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed a novel approach for modifying and testing the mechanical response of carbon nanotube arrays post-synthesis using metal oxide nanoparticles. The mechanical performance of the carbon nanotube arrays is tested without disrupting the ordered structure of the nanotube arrays, as is common in other studies. The mechanical stability of the hybrid carbon nanotube and nanoparticle structures is tested so that the material can be used in multifunctional applications.
Physical Assembly Integration Of Graphene And Dielectrics
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Solution-Deposition Of Cigs Solar Cell By Spray-Coating
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed a solution-based thin-film deposition technique that circumvents the need for vacuum based deposition. Instead, the method utilizes spray coating to form a thin, high-quality inorganic film. This fully scalable technique conforms to control requisites, such as the thickness and the metal ratio in the resulting film. Furthermore, because spray coating allows the substrate to be kept at a constant elevated temperature without cooling, the issues associated with film cracking due to multiple heating and cooling ...
Ordered And Self-Assembled MnXGe1-X Nanostructures By MBE
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel growth method for secondary-phase free MnGe thin films. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is used to alter the growth of MnGe and GE thin layers, resulting in a "superlattice" structure that successfully avoids the formation of secondary phases. In particular, the method enables the formation of ordered and self-assembled MnGe nanostructures, such as MnGe nanodots, nanocolumns, and wells. Furthermore, the proposed growth method can be applied to other ferromagnetic material to achieve similar magnetic ...
Wafer-Scale Formation Of Aligned Nanowires And Nanotubes
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed a method to form aligned nanowires (and/or nanotube arrays) through standard lithographic patterning techniques. The invention enables control over the nanowire (or nanotube) number, linewidth, and pitch, with no restriction on the substrate size and the material choice of nanowires (or nanotubes). Furthermore, since the technique requires a low-thermal budget, integration and fabrication of heterogeneous devices is feasible with minimal cross-contamination issues.
Flip Chip Nanotechnology Using Composite Solder/Sic Nanowire Joints
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed a method to strengthen Pb-free solder joints by adding small quantities of contoured-surface nanowires to the IMC matrix. The composite provides very strong impact fracture toughness, which prevents shearing along the interface. Furthermore, since only small quantities of nanowires are required, the proposed technique provides an affordable solution that meets the new safety regulations.
Localized Droplet Heating With Surface Electrodes In Microfluidic Chips
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed a fully miniaturized lab-on-a-chip system that performs multiplex thermal processing of discrete micro- and nano-liter sample droplets. The invention enables facile integration of localized temperature control and droplet centering mechanism in addition to basic microfluidic functionalities. Furthermore, the integrated functionalities are implemented via simple thin-film processes without complicating or lengthening the fabrication process.
A Simple Route For Grain Growth In Solution-Processed Crystalline Semiconductors
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have identified a simple route to enlarging the grain size of crystalline semiconductors through the use of alkali metals. They have demonstrated a 5X enlargement of the grain size in a solution-processed metal hybrid semiconductor material.
Integration Of Ultra-Low Loss And Active Silicon Waveguide Layers
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have discovered a new technique for integrating ultra-low loss waveguides (ULLWs) with active silicon photonics. By adding the silicon photonic layer through a back-end process, this new approach guarantees thermal-budget, stress-budget, and lower cladding thickness compatibility, and preserves the single-crystalline nature and tight thickness tolerance of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguide layer. This technique is important for producing high-quality silicon devices and further ...
3-D Composite Metallodielectric Nanoresonant Array Fabrication With Enhanced Sensing Abilities
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
The subject invention details a new surface plasmon-based sensing chip for array-based detection sensors for environmental monitoring; explosive detection; protein-protein interaction for genomics, pharmaceuticals, proteomics, disease discovery, and drug development; and physical parameter detection and monitoring, such as temperature, pressure, and surface deposition thickness
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed a novel method of producing high quality oxide/semiconductor interfaces using single chamber growth. In this method, the top oxide layers and the underlying semiconductor layers are grown in the same MOCVD reactor chamber in a single pass. No chemical pretreatments are needed on the as-grown semiconductors. The oxide/semiconductor interface is free from ambient air contaminants and is of high quality. Using this method, total growth time for the device structures ...
Method Of Depositing A High Dielectric Constant Coating Material
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Improved Gallium Nitride (GaN) Thermoelectric Devices
Organization: University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed a method of enhancing cross-plane thermoelectric properties, resulting in increased efficiency and a higher figure of merit (ZT). It is desirable to enhance properties in the cross-plane direction because traditional thermoelectric devices maintain a temperature gradient in this direction. This invention thus allows standard semiconductor processing techniques to be used to fabricate a thin film based thermoelectric module which takes advantage of polarization enhanced ...
Organic Bistable Device And Organic Memory Cells
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Nanostructured Electron-Injection Materials and Electroluminescence Method and Device
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have developed nanostructured semiconductor phosphor materials and a method and device for producing light by injecting electrons into these new phosphors. The new device can potentially achieve a breakthrough efficiency of about 90 percent. In the invention, light results from electroluminescent emission that occurs with electron-hole recombination in the nanostructured phosphor. More generally, the invention’s phosphors can emit light through one or more of the following mechanisms: photoluminescence, ...
Dry Adhesion and Patterning of Nanomaterials on Tacky Photopolymer
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Using the Tacky Dot®, UC San Diego researchers have adapted the technology to the patterning of carbon nanotubes, nanowires, and other types of nano-materials. This technology places the nanomaterials on the surface of the photopolymer, sandwiched with other materials or in layers to form a structure of nanomaterial. The dry method removes both the need for the use of a flux, which is found in wet methods, and the need to anneal the surface to fix the nanomaterials in place. The method is capable of producing patterns whose size ...
Pothole Repair For Asphalt And Concrete Base Aggregates
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed a strong boding polymer that offers a long-term solution to asphalt and cement pothole repair patching material. Because the new polymer has high fracture toughness and impact absorbing ability, it serves as a continuous structural cage material for holding aggregates together even when heavy traffic stresses are applied. Furthermore, due to its adjustable viscosity, the material provides penetration depth control for various applications.
Explosive Nanocrystalline Porous Silicon Device
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a solid state device fabricated from a high surface-area porous silicon substrate and nitrate salts. On ignition, the material produces a very clean burning flame. Although ignition can be initiated by a low voltage source, the device is stable at temperatures above 100 degrees centigrade. Fabrication of this explosive “chip” is compatible with conventional silicon fabrication techniques.
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
This invention is a self-cleaning, superhydrophobic coating characterized by extremely large contact angles (approximately 178-179 degrees) and greatly reduces the need for water as a transport medium. The fabrication methods of the invention can be scaled up for volume production and have been adapted to prepare surfaces that are superoleophobic (non-wetting for oil) or omniphobic (non-wetting for both water and oil). Applications of this technology include self-cleaning windows, wind-turbine blades, aircraft wings, wash-free automobiles, ...
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
The fuel cell is an energy conversion device that produces electricity through the electrochemical reaction of a fuel and oxidative gas. Polymer electrolyte fuel cells, e.g., proton-exchange membrane fuel cells using hydrogen gas as fuel and direct methanol fuel cells, are clean energy sources with high power density and high energy conversion efficiency. They can replace fossil fuels and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Moreover, polymer electrolyte fuel cells can operate at ambient temperature and be miniaturized and ...
Nonlinearity Robust Successive Requantizer
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
The invention, called a successive requantizer, is a replacement for a modulator that avoids the above-mentioned spurious tone problem, thereby circumventing the tradeoffs mentioned above. It has the potential to reduce power consumption and cost of commercial communication devices.
Gaas/Ingaas Axial Heterostructure Formation In Nanopillars By Catalyst-Free Selective Area MOCVD
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel catalyst free growth technique that allows formation of multiple axial GaAs/InGaAs hetero-structures with controllable indium composition and thickness. This method allows for the capability to control the formation of axial nanopillar hetero-structures which is crucial for optimized device integration.
Nanomotor Based Fabrication and Patterning of Defined Nanostructures
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have developed methods and devices for fabricating or patterning nanostructures on surfaces using nanomotors. In one example, catalytic nanowire motors move along predetermined paths to fabricate nano-objects in the presence of the relevant reaction precursors and a catalyst confined to the motor surface. Guided motion of the functionalized nanomotors, enabled by electric or magnetic fields or other means, thus leads to localized reaction in specific locations along the nanomotor path and the ‘writing’ of ...
On-Demand Remote Control of Nanomotor Movement
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have developed methods for controlling the motion of artificial nanomotors. The invention pertains to on-demand remote control of the motion of catalytic, fuel-driven nanomotors in connection with external stimuli. For example, placing a microelectrode near the nanomotors and applying an electrochemical or thermal pulse turns the nanomotor on or off repeatedly. Further, on-demand control of nanomotor speed is achieved by controlling the temperature or potential during the thermal or electrochemical pulse, ...
CeramicAsh: Material And Method
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Each year, factories and power plants in the United States produce more than 125 million tons of waste, much of it fly ash left from combustion. Dr. Jenn-Ming Yang and colleagues in the UCLA Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a method to utilize this waste product to make CeramicAsh, a chemically bonded ceramic. Fabricated at room temperature, CeramicAsh exhibits high compression strength, fire resistance, and extremely low density. The inventors have also demonstrated that the material's density, transparency, and ...
New Lead- Boron-Based Ceramics
Organization: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. Jenn-Ming Yang and colleagues in the UCLA Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a new fast-setting ceramic-cement material, fabricated with lead and boron compounds. In addition to shielding gamma rays and neutrons, these materials also effectively encapsulate radioactive nuclear and hazardous wastes. They also exhibit high temperature resistance and extraordinary compressive strength; one experimental composite recorded a mean value of 50MPa, far exceeding the 3.45MPa required for nuclear waste applications.
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
As part of the Tacky Dot® donation, the University is offering for commercialization the improved method and apparatus for precise placement of an array of single particles on a surface.
Novel Nanowire Array for High Efficiency Light Emitting Diodes and Lasers
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Researchers at UC San Diego's have invented a nanowire-based LED and laser device using semiconductor nanowire arrays to replace the conventional planar layer designs for light emitting devices. These arrays allow high efficiency, high brightness, and low cost manufacturing of light emitting devices. These arrays enable very large surface areas and much enhanced carrier injection as well as enhanced light extraction as the nanostructure array minimizes the total internal reflection.
Enhanced Capacitance in Carbon-Nanotube Based Electrode Systems for Supercapacitors
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have developed the methods, materials, and designs for producing electrochemical capacitors based on carbon nanotube electrodes with enhanced capacitance due to the addition of charged defects. Specifically, exposure to argon is used to controllably incorporate extrinsic defects into CNTs and increase the magnitude of both the pseudo-capacitance and double-layer capacitance by as much as 50% and 200% respectively, compared to untreated electrodes. The invention’s defect-engineered, carbon-nanotube ...
Microstructured Biomaterials with a Tunable Negative Poisson’s Ratio
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have developed microstructured biomaterials that are auxetic, i.e., exhibit a negative Poisson ratio (expand rather than contract transversally when stretched axially). Importantly, said negative Poisson ratio is tunable in the invention. The auxetic behavior is obtained by patterning traditional non-auxetic biomaterial with an artificial lattice of rib-containing unit-cells or pores, and the Poisson’s ratio tuning is achieved by altering the pore shape and deformation mechanisms. The patterning is done ...
Junctionless Semiconductor Light Emitting Diodes and Lasers
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
UC San Diego researchers have developed novel semiconductor light-emitting diode devices that do not require forming a physical p/n junction and are not constrained by p- or n- doping in certain semiconductors. The semiconductor material can be in the form of thin films or nanostructures (e.g., nanowires). The lighting device can operate in AC or DC mode and allows color tuning with phosphors or dual/triple color light-emitting modules. Relative to conventional LEDs, the invention presents the advantages of reduced processing ...
Silicon Nanostructure Detector With Sub-Bandgap Infrared Response
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
University researchers have developed fabrication methods and devices that enable greatly enhanced photoresponse to sub-bandgap energy photons in indirect bandgap semiconductors. Proof of concept has been achieved with a vertically arrayed silicon nanowire-based device that exhibits voltage dependence of photoresponse to infrared sub-bandgap optical radiation. The device is fabricated using a proximity solid-state phosphorous diffusion method to convert the surface areas of highly boron-doped silicon nanowires into n-type, thus forming a ...
Nanometer Scale High-Aspect-Ratio Trench Etching at Controllable Angles
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
University researchers have developed a novel masking approach to achieve nanoscale gradient doping by fabricating a three dimensional mask using a multilayer approach based on electron beam lithography and ballistic reactive ion etching (RIE) at angles. In the invention, low-pressure RIE is used to pattern nanometer scale angled sidewalls and three dimensional structures in photoresist. At low pressure, the plasma has a large dark space region where the etchant ions have very large highly directional mean free paths. Mounting the sample ...
Branched Nanowire Arrays and Photoelectrochemical Production of Clean Energy
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
University researchers have developed methods enabling the hierarchical growth of semiconductor nanowires on nanowire-array and similar substrates, and the use of the resulting 3D branched, heterojunction structures in the photoelectrochemical production of clean energy (solar water splitting and hydrogen generation, CO2 capture and conversion, and dye-less “dye-sensitized” solar cells). The tree-like nanostructures provide advantages over traditional planar substrates and simple nanowire arrays: enhanced light absorption, charge ...
Active and Passive Controlled Surfaces for Sports and Transportation Applications
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
Invention Description: University researchers have developed unique nanostructures to enhance surfaces of sports-related or transportation-related apparatus and more generally prevent water, snow or ice accumulation. The methods of the invention produce nanoscale features on surfaces of a broad range of materials, resulting in superhydrophobic or superoleophobic (non-wetting for oil) or superomniphobic (non-wetting for water and oil) properties. The invention includes active as well as passive control of contact surfaces. Novel ...
Self-cleaning Surfaces with Enhanced Light Transmission Properties
Organization: University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego)
University researchers have developed devices, systems and techniques for producing and implementing articles and materials having nanoscale and microscale structures that exhibit superhydrophobic, superoleophobic or omniphobic surface properties and other enhanced properties. The invention has broad applications for information display devices that are subject to a touch, as well as optical applications including solar cells, thermoelectric energy conversion devices, sunlight focusing lenses, waveguides, and other similar devices.
