Abstract: Methods for joining two objects through the growth of carbon nanotubes from one or both of two opposing surfaces of the two objects, and interfaces formed between the two objects, are provided. Carbon nanotubes grown from both of the opposing surfaces can interdigitate to secure the two objects together. A metal layer can also be placed on one of the opposing surfaces such that carbon nanotubes growing from the other opposing surface bond with the metal layer. In addition to the mechanical bond, the carbon nanotubes can also provide thermal and electrical conductivity between the objects.

Abstract: A thermal interface includes an array of generally aligned carbon nanotubes joined to a surface with a metal layer. The array of carbon nanotubes includes a coating on the ends of the carbon nanotubes for improved wetting of the metal layer to the ends of the carbon nanotubes so that the thermal resistance at the interface between the carbon nanotubes ends and the metal is reduced. A semiconductor device that employs a thermal interface of the invention, and a method for fabricating the thermal interfaces are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method for sensing specific molecules is provided. The method comprises forming a nanoelement structure and forming two spaced apart electrodes in contact with the nanoelement structure, wherein at least one of the electrodes is capable of functioning as a sensing element to sense the specific molecules.

Abstract: A catalyst material for carbon nanotube synthesis includes a uniform dispersion of host particles on a substrate. The host particles themselves include catalyst nanoparticles that are effective to catalyze nanotube syntheses reactions and provide nucleation sites. Methods for preparing a catalyst material includes co-sputtering a catalytic species and a host species to directly form the catalyst material. Methods for synthesizing generally aligned nanotubes are also provided. In these methods host particles comprise alumina and the catalyst nanoparticles comprise iron. Also in these methods nanotube synthesis is achieved in an atmosphere including a carbon-containing gas and water vapor.

Abstract: A catalyst material for carbon nanotube synthesis includes a uniform dispersion of host particles on a substrate. The host particles themselves include catalyst nanoparticles that are effective to catalyze nanotube syntheses reactions and provide nucleation sites. Methods for preparing catalyst materials include co-sputtering a catalytic species and a host species to form a precursor thin film on a substrate, followed by an oxidation reaction of the precursor thin film in air. The precursor thin film can be patterned on the substrate to limit the locations of the catalyst material to well-defined areas. Methods for nanotube synthesis employ CVD in conjunction with the catalyst materials of the invention. During the synthesis, the catalyst nanoparticles catalyze carbon nanotubes to grown from a carbon-containing gas.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides for a nanotube-based sensor for detecting a biomolecule comprising one or a plurality of nanotubes, a first electrode and a second electrode connected to said nanotubes, a microfluidic system, and a plurality of immobilized biomolecules, wherein said plurality of immobilized biomolecules are immobilized on said plurality of nanotubes, said plurality of nanotubes are integrated to said microfluidic system, and said first electrode and said second electrode are connected to provide to electrical readout. In another embodiment, said plurality of immobilized biomolecules are immobilized on said substrate or said electrodes or the said microfluidics system. In another embodiment, the sensors are integrated to provide an array of sensors. The present invention further provides for methods to detect a biomolecule using the nanotube-based sensors or arrays of sensors.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method for sensing specific molecules is provided. The method comprises forming a nanoelement structure and forming two spaced apart electrodes in contact with the nanoelement structure, wherein at least one of the electrodes is capable of functioning as a sensing element to sense the specific molecules.