Abstract:
An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar.
Abstract:
Multilayer carbon nanotube capacitors, and methods and printable compositions for manufacturing multilayer carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are disclosed. A first capacitor embodiment comprises: a first conductor; a plurality of fixed CNTs in an ionic liquid, each fixed CNT comprising a magnetic catalyst nanoparticle coupled to a carbon nanotube and further coupled to the first conductor; and a first plurality of free CNTs dispersed and moveable in the ionic liquid. Another capacitor embodiment comprises: a first conductor; a conductive nanomesh coupled to the first conductor; a first plurality of fixed CNTs in an ionic liquid and further coupled to the conductive nanomesh; and a plurality of free CNTs dispersed and moveable in the ionic liquid. Various methods of printing the CNTs and other structures, and methods of aligning and moving the CNTs using applied electric and magnetic fields, are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.
Abstract:
Printed micro-LEDs have a top metal anode electrode that is relatively tall and narrow and a bottom cathode electrode. After the LED ink is cured, the bottom electrodes are in electrical contact with a conductive layer on a substrate. The locations of the LEDs are random. A thin dielectric layer is then printed between the LEDs, and a thin conductive layer, such as a nano-wire layer, is then printed over the dielectric layer to contact the anode electrodes. The top conductive layer over the tall anode electrodes has bumps corresponding with the locations of the LEDs. An omniphobic liquid is then printed which only resides in the “low” areas of the top conductive layer between the bumps. Any optical material is then uniformly printed over the resulting surface. The printed optical material accumulates only on the bump areas by adhesion and surface tension, so is self-aligned with the individual LEDs.
Abstract:
A programmable circuit includes an array of printed groups of microscopic transistors or diodes having pn junctions. The devices are pre-formed and printed as an ink and cured. The devices have a proper orientation and a reverse orientation after settling on a conductor layer. The devices are connected in parallel within small groups. To neutralize the reverse-oriented devices, a sufficient voltage is applied across the parallel-connected diodes to forward bias only the devices having the reverse orientation. This causes a sufficient current to flow through each of the reverse-orientated devices to destroy an electrical interface between an electrode of the devices and the conductor layer to create an open circuit, such that those devices do not affect a rectifying function of the devices in the group having the proper orientation. An interconnection conductor pattern may then interconnect the groups to form complex logic circuits.
Abstract:
Printed micro-LEDs have a top metal anode electrode that is relatively tall and narrow and a bottom cathode electrode. After the LED ink is cured, the bottom electrodes are in electrical contact with a conductive layer on a substrate. The locations of the LEDs are random. A thin dielectric layer is then printed between the LEDs, and a thin conductive layer, such as a nano-wire layer, is then printed over the dielectric layer to contact the anode electrodes. The top conductive layer over the tall anode electrodes has bumps corresponding with the locations of the LEDs. An omniphobic liquid is then printed which only resides in the “low” areas of the top conductive layer between the bumps. Any optical material is then uniformly printed over the resulting surface. The printed optical material accumulates only on the bump areas by adhesion and surface tension, so is self-aligned with the individual LEDs.
Abstract:
A programmable circuit includes an array of printed groups of microscopic transistors or diodes having pn junctions. The devices are pre-formed and printed as an ink and cured. The devices have a proper orientation and a reverse orientation after settling on a conductor layer. The devices are connected in parallel within small groups. To neutralize the reverse-oriented devices, a sufficient voltage is applied across the parallel-connected diodes to forward bias only the devices having the reverse orientation. This causes a sufficient current to flow through each of the reverse-orientated devices to destroy an electrical interface between an electrode of the devices and the conductor layer to create an open circuit, such that those devices do not affect a rectifying function of the devices in the group having the proper orientation. An interconnection conductor pattern may then interconnect the groups to form complex logic circuits.
Abstract:
An exemplary printable composition of a liquid or gel suspension of diodes comprises a plurality of diodes, a first solvent and/or a viscosity modifier. An exemplary apparatus comprises: a plurality of diodes; at least a trace amount of a first solvent; and a polymeric or resin film at least partially surrounding each diode of the plurality of diodes. Various exemplary diodes have a lateral dimension between about 10 to 50 microns and about 5 to 25 microns in height. Other embodiments may also include a plurality of substantially chemically inert particles having a range of sizes between about 10 to about 50 microns.
Abstract:
An exemplary printable composition of a liquid or gel suspension of diodes comprises a plurality of diodes, a first solvent and/or a viscosity modifier. An exemplary diode comprises: a light emitting or absorbing region having a diameter between about 20 and 30 microns and a height between about 2.5 to 7 microns; a first terminal coupled to the light emitting region on a first side, the first terminal having a height between about 1 to 6 microns; and a second terminal coupled to the light emitting region on a second side opposite the first side, the second terminal having a height between about 1 to 6 microns.
Abstract:
An exemplary printable composition of a liquid or gel suspension of diodes comprises a plurality of diodes, a first solvent and/or a viscosity modifier. An exemplary apparatus comprises: a plurality of diodes; at least a trace amount of a first solvent; and a polymeric or resin film at least partially surrounding each diode of the plurality of diodes. Various exemplary diodes have a lateral dimension between about 10 to 50 microns and about 5 to 25 microns in height. Other embodiments may also include a plurality of substantially chemically inert particles having a range of sizes between about 10 to about 50 microns.