Abstract:
A self-arranging, luminescence-enhancement device 101 for surface-enhanced luminescence. The self-arranging, luminescence-enhancement device 101 for surface-enhanced luminescence includes a substrate 110, and a plurality 120 of flexible columnar structures. A flexible columnar structure 120-1 of the plurality 120 includes a flexible column 120-1A, and a metallic cap 120-1B coupled to the apex 120-1 C of the flexible column 120-1A. At least the flexible columnar structure 120-1 and a second flexible columnar structure 120-2 are configured to self-arrange into a close-packed configuration with at least one molecule 220-1 disposed between at least the metallic cap 120-1B and a second metallic cap 120-2B of respective flexible columnar structure 120-1 and second flexible columnar structure 120-2.
Abstract:
An implantable nanosensor includes a stent to be implanted inside a fluid conduit. The stent has a well in a surface of the stent. The implantable nanosensor further includes a nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate disposed in the well. The nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate is to produce an optical scattering response signal indicative of a presence of an analyte in a fluid carried by the fluid conduit when interrogated by an optical stimulus signal.
Abstract:
An apparatus for performing a sensing application includes a reservoir to contain a solution, a dispenser to dispense the solution from the reservoir, and a substrate having a plurality of nano-fingers positioned to receive the dispensed solution, in which the plurality of nano-fingers are flexible, such that the plurality of nano-fingers are configurable with respect to each other. The apparatus also includes an illumination source to illuminate the received solution, an analyte introduced around the plurality of nano-fingers, and the plurality of nano-fingers, in which light is to be emitted from the analyte in response to being illuminated. The apparatus further includes a detector to detect the light emitted from the analyte.
Abstract:
According to an example, an apparatus for performing spectroscopy includes a structure having an opening. The apparatus also includes a plurality of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) elements positioned within the structure and a porous membrane covering the opening and the plurality of SERS elements. The porous membrane is to allow a predetermined analyte to reach the SERS elements while substantially preventing other analytes from reaching the SERS elements.
Abstract:
A configurable grating based on collapsing nano-fingers includes a substrate; and a plurality of bendable nano-fingers supported on the substrate. The nano-fingers may be formed in a regular first array and the nano-fingers may be formed in a spacing that, upon closing at their tops, forms a second array to act as an optical grating or a diagnostic tool. A method of fabricating a configurable optical grating based on collapsing nano-fingers is also disclosed, as well as a method of determining an open or closed state for a plurality of nano-fingers.
Abstract:
Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of programming nanowire-to-conductive element electrical connections. The method comprises: providing a substrate including a number of conductive elements overlaid with a first layer of nanowires, at least some of the conductive elements electrically coupled to more than one of the nanowires through individual switching junctions, each of the switching junctions configured in either a low-conductance state or a high-conductance state; and switching a portion of the switching junctions from the low-conductance state to the high-conductance state or the high-conductance state to the low-conductance state so that individual nanowires of the first layer of nanowires are electrically coupled to different conductive elements of the number of conductive elements using a different one of the switching junctions configured in the high-conductance state. Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to a nanowire structure including a mixed-scale interface.
Abstract:
An apparatus for performing surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) includes a substrate and a plurality of nano-pillars, each of the plurality of nano-pillars having a first end attached to the substrate, a second end located distally from the substrate, and a body portion extending between the first end and the second end, in which the plurality of nano-pillars are arranged in an array on the substrate, and in which each of the plurality of nano-pillars is formed of a polymer material that is functionalized to expand in the presence of a fluid to cause gaps between the plurality of nano-pillars to shrink when the fluid is supplied onto the nano-pillars.
Abstract:
According to an example, an apparatus for performing spectroscopy includes a structure having an opening. The apparatus also includes a plurality of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) elements positioned within the structure and a porous membrane covering the opening and the plurality of SERS elements. The porous membrane is to allow a predetermined analyte to reach the SERS elements while substantially preventing other analytes from reaching the SERS elements.
Abstract:
A hybrid nanostructure for molecular analysis is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of nanofingers wherein each nanofinger is coated with a metal coating, is attached at one end to a substrate, and is freely bendable along its length such that the second ends of each nanofinger are capable of movement toward each other to form a cavity. The structure further includes a nanoparticle trapped in the cavity. An array of hybrid nanostructures and a method for fabricating the hybrid nanostructures are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An electrically driven device for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy includes a first electrode, a substrate positioned proximate to the first electrode, a plurality of cone shaped protrusions formed integrally with or on a substrate surface, a Raman signal-enhancing material coated on each protrusion, and a second electrode positioned relative to the first electrode at a predetermined distance. Each of the protrusions has a tip with a radius of curvature ranging from about 0.1 nm to about 100 nm. The second electrode is positioned relative to the first electrode such that the electrodes together produce an electric field when a voltage bias is applied therebetween. The electric field has a field distribution that creates a stronger field gradient at a region proximate to the tips than at other portions of the substrate.