Abstract:
A method of positioning a catalyst nanoparticle that facilitates nanowire growth for nanowire-based device fabrication employs a structure having a vertical sidewall formed on a substrate. The methods include forming the structure, forming a targeted region in a surface of either the structure or the substrate, and forming a catalyst nanoparticle in the targeted region using one of a variety of techniques. The techniques control the position of the catalyst nanoparticle for subsequent nanowire growth. A resonant sensor system includes a nanowire-based resonant sensor and means for accessing the nanowire. The sensor includes an electrode and a nanowire resonator. The electrode is electrically isolated from the substrate. One or more of the substrate is electrically conductive, the nanowire resonator is electrically conductive, and the sensor further comprises another electrode. The nanowire resonator responds to an environmental change by displaying a change in oscillatory behavior.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to an edge deletion module positioned within an automated solar cell fabrication line. The edge deletion module may include a grinding wheel device for removing material from edge regions of a solar cell device and cleaning the edge regions of the solar cell device after removing the material. The edge deletion module may also include an abrasive element, a portion of which is ground as it is periodically, laterally advanced toward the grinding wheel device. A controller is provided for controlling the operation and function of various facets of the module.
Abstract:
Various aspects of the present invention are directed to photonic devices configured to control transmission of electromagnetic radiation through a resonator structure. In one aspect of the present invention, a photonic device includes at least one electromagnetic resonator and a state-change material operably coupled to the at least one electromagnetic resonator. The state-change material is capable of being reversibly transitioned between a high-resistivity state and a low-resistivity state, with a ratio of the resistivity of the high-resistivity state to the resistivity of the low-resistivity state being at least about 100. Transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the at least one electromagnetic resonator at an operational frequency is controllable by transitioning the state-change material between the high-resistivity state and the low-resistivity state. Methods for controlling transmission of a signal are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Raman spectroscopy systems include an analyte, a radiation source configured to emit incident radiation having a wavelength, and a detector that is capable of detecting only radiation having wavelengths within a detectable range that includes at least one wavelength corresponding to hyper Raman scattered radiation scattered by the analyte. The wavelength of the incident radiation is outside the detectable range. In particular systems, all wavelengths of radiation that are scattered in the direction of the detector impinge on the detector. Raman spectroscopy methods include providing an analyte and irradiating the analyte with incident radiation having a wavelength, providing a detector capable of detecting only wavelengths of radiation within a detectable range that does not include the wavelength of the incident radiation, and detecting Raman scattered radiation scattered by the analyte. A continuous path free of radiation filters may be provided between the analyte and the detector.
Abstract:
Structures for amplifying light include a resonant cavity in which an analyte may be positioned. The structures for amplifying light may be used to amplify the incident light employed in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). SERS systems employing the structures for amplifying light of the present invention and methods of performing SERS are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An optical sensor is provided, comprising (a) a silicon nanowire of finite length having an electrical contact pad at each end thereof; and (b) a plurality of self-assembled molecules on a surface of the silicon nanowire, the molecules serving to modulate electrical conductivity of the silicon nanowire by either a reversible change in dipole moment of the molecules or by a reversible molecule-assisted electron/energy transfer from the molecules onto the silicon nanowire. Further, a method of making the optical sensor is provided. The concept of molecular self-assembly is applied in attaching functional molecules onto silicon nanowire surfaces, and the requirement of molecule modification (hydroxy group in molecules) is minimal from the point view of synthetic difficulty and compatibility. Self-assembly will produce well-ordered ultra-thin films with strong chemical bonding on a surface that cannot be easily achieved by other conventional methods.
Abstract:
A method for increasing adhesion between a substrate and a polymeric imprintable material during an imprinting procedure. The method includes chemically bonding a plurality of molecules to a surface of a substrate to form a self-assembled monolayer thereon. A monomer is copolymerized with the self-assembled monolayer to form a polymeric imprintable material that is chemically bonded to the self-assembled monolayer. Adhesion between the polymeric imprintable material and the substrate is substantially increased by the self-assembled monolayer.
Abstract:
Packaged NERS-active structures are disclosed that include a NERS substrate having a NERS-active structure thereon, and a packaging substrate over the NERS substrate having an opening therethrough, the opening in alignment with the NERS-active structure. A membrane may cover the opening in the packaging substrate. In order to perform nanoenhanced Raman spectroscopy, the membrane may be removed, and an analyte placed on the NERS substrate adjacent the NERS-active structure. The membrane may be replaced with another membrane after the analyte has been placed on the substrate. The membrane may maintain the pristine state of the substrate before it is deployed, and the replacement membrane may preserve the substrate and analyte for archival purposes. Also disclosed are methods for performing NERS with packaged NERS-active structures.
Abstract:
A molecular analysis device comprises a molecule sensor and a nanopore that passes through, partially through, or substantially near the molecule sensor. The molecule sensor may comprise a single electron transistor including a first terminal, a second terminal, and a nanogap or at least one quantum dot positioned between the first terminal and the second terminal. The molecular sensor may also comprise a nanowire that operably couples a first and a second terminal. A nitrogenous material that may be disposed on at least part of the molecule sensor is configured for a chemical interaction with an identifiable configuration of a molecule. The molecule sensor develops an electronic effect responsive to a molecule or responsive to a chemical interaction.
Abstract:
A SERS-active structure is disclosed that includes a substrate and at least two nanowires disposed on the substrate. Each of the at least two nanowires has a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the substrate and the second end having a SERS-active tip. A SERS system is also disclosed that includes a SERS-active structure. Also disclosed are methods for forming a SERS-active structure and methods for performing SERS with SERS-active structures.