Abstract:
A novel porous film (3) is disclosed comprising a network of silicon columns in a continuous void which may be fabricated using high density plasma deposition at low temperatures, i.e., less than about 250 DEG C. This silicon film is a two-dimensional nano-sized array of rodlike columns. This void-column morphology can be controlled with deposition conditions and the porosity can be varied up to 90 %. The simultaneous use of low temperature deposition and etching in the plasma approach utilized, allows for the unique opportunity of obtaining columnar structure, a continuous void, and polycrystalline column composition at the same time. Unique devices may be fabricated using this porous continuous film by plasma deposition of this film on a glass, metal foil, insulator or plastic substrates (5).
Abstract:
Methods and systems for utilizing metal nanoparticles to enhance optical (UV, visible, and IR, as appropriate) signals from a reporting entity are presented. The methods and systems of this invention do not require the nanoparticles to be attached or adhered to a surface, assembled in a matrix or coated with a spacer coating.
Abstract:
This invention presents a novel method to form uniform or heterogeneous, straight or curved and size-controllable nanostructures, nanowires, and nanotapes, including SiNW, in a nanochannel template. In the case of semiconductor nanowires, doping can be included during growth. Electrode contacts are present as needed and built in to the template structure. Thus completed devices such as diodes, transistors, solar cells, sensors, and transducers are fabricated, contacted, and arrayed as nanowire or nanotape fabrication is completed. Optionally, the template is not removed may become part of the structure. Nanostructures such as nanotweezers, nanocantiliver, and nanobridges are formed utilizing the processes of the invention.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for utilizing metal nanoparticles to enhance optical (UV, visible, and IR, as appropriate) signals from a reporting entity are presented. The methods and systems of this invention do not require the nanoparticles to be attached or adhered to a surface, assembled in a matrix or coated with a spacer coating.
Abstract:
A non-vacuum-based, non-collodial chemistry-based method of synthesizing metal nanoparticles and nanoparticle-nanostructured material composites obtained by that method. An embodiment of the method of this invention for fabricating a nanoparticle-nanostructured material composite and synthesizing nanoparticles includes preparing a nanostructured/nanotextured material, and, contacting the nanostructured/nanotextured material with a solution. Nanoparticles are synthesized on the nanostructured/nanotextured material as a result of the contact. The method of the present invention can be utilized to fabricate SPR and SERS substrates for sensing and detection. Additional systems based on this approach (e.g., surface plasmon resonance absorption and alloying sensors and nanocatalysts)are described.
Abstract:
This invention uses large surface to volume ratio materials for separation, release layer, and sacrificial material applications. The invention outlines the material concept, application designs, and fabrication methodologies. The invention is demonstrated using deposited column/void network materials as examples of large surface to volume ratio materials. In a number of the specific applications discussed, it is shown that it is advantageous to create structures on a laminate on a mother substrate and then, using the separation layer material approach, to separate this laminate from the mother substrate using the present separation scheme. It is also shown that the present materials have excellent release layer utility. In a number of applications it is also shown how the approach can be used to uniquely form cavities, channels, air-gaps, and related structures in or on various substrates. Further, it is demonstrated that it also can be possible and advantageous to combine the schemes for cavity formation with the scheme for laminate separation.