Patents by Inventor Nathan S. Lewis

Nathan S. Lewis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110309477
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, particularly photovoltaic devices, incorporating Group IIB/VA semiconductors such phosphides, arsenides, and/or antimonides of one or more of Zn and/or Cd. In particular, the present invention relates to methodologies, resultant products, and precursors thereof in which electronic performance of the semiconductor material is improved by causing the Group IIB/VA semiconductor material to react with at least one metal-containing species (hereinafter co-reactive species) that is sufficiently co-reactive with at least one Group VA species incorporated into the Group IIB/VA semiconductor as a lattice substituent (recognizing that the same and/or another Group VA species also optionally may be incorporated into the Group IIB/VA semiconductor in other ways, e.g., as a dopant or the like).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory M. Kimball, Marty W. DeGroot, Nathan S. Lewis, Harry A. Atwater
  • Patent number: 7966132
    Abstract: Provided are compositions and systems useful in remote monitoring of chemical hazards, air quality, and medical conditions, for example, robotic systems to search for and detect explosives, mines, and hazardous chemicals. In addition, the methods, systems and compositions of the invention provide the ability to mine data from a database containing a plurality of chemical fingerprints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik Severin
  • Patent number: 7955561
    Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprising a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive material) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material). In preferred embodiments, the conducting region comprises a nanoparticle. Variability in chemical sensitivity from sensor to sensor is provided by qualitatively or quantitatively varying the composition of the conductive and/or nonconductive regions. An electronic nose for detecting an analyte in a fluid may be constructed by using such arrays in conjunction with an electrical measuring device electrically connected to the conductive elements of each sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Brett J. Doleman, Shawn M. Briglin, Erik J. Severin
  • Publication number: 20110129714
    Abstract: A structure comprising an array of semiconductor structures, an infill material between the semiconductor materials, and one or more light-trapping elements is described. Photoconverters and photoelectrochemical devices based on such structure also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Michael D. KELZENBERG, Harry A. Atwater, Ryan M. Biggs, Shannon W. Boettcher, Nathan S. Lewis, Jan A. Petykiewicz
  • Publication number: 20110126892
    Abstract: Three-dimensional patterning methods of a three-dimensional microstructure, such as a semiconductor wire array, are described, in conjunction with etching and/or deposition steps to pattern the three-dimensional microstructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Morgan C. PUTNAM, Michael D. Kelzenberg, Harry A. Atwater, Shannon W. Boettcher, Nathan S. Lewis, Joshua M. Spurgeon, Daniel B. Turner-Evans, Emily L. Warren
  • Patent number: 7910461
    Abstract: Reusing a Si wafer for the formation of wire arrays by transferring the wire arrays to a polymer matrix, reusing a patterned oxide for several array growths, and finally polishing and reoxidizing the wafer surface and reapplying the patterned oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Joshua M. Spurgeon, Katherine E. Plass, Nathan S. Lewis, Harry A. Atwater
  • Publication number: 20100164073
    Abstract: Electrical structures and devices may be formed and include an organic passivating layer that is chemically bonded to a silicon-containing semiconductor material to improve the electrical properties of electrical devices. In different embodiments, the organic passivating layer may remain within finished devices to reduce dangling bonds, improve carrier lifetimes, decrease surface recombination velocities, increase electronic efficiencies, or the like. In other embodiments, the organic passivating layer may be used as a protective sacrificial layer and reduce contact resistance or reduce resistance of doped regions. The organic passivation layer may be formed without the need for high-temperature processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, William Royea
  • Publication number: 20100133098
    Abstract: Analytical methods and devices are disclosed for separating low abundance analytes by electrophoretically driving the analytes through a sieving matrix to first remove high molecular weight species. Subsequently the remaining low abundance analytes are electrophoretically focused onto a capture membrane where the analytes become bound within a small capture site. After this step the capture membrane may be allowed to dry and then attached to a conductive MALDI sample plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Dean Hafeman, Kilian Dill, James B. Harkins, Richard M. Caprioli, Jeremy Norris, Nathan S. Lewis, Daniel Kuban, Charles E. Witkowski, II
  • Publication number: 20100051478
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions, devices and methods for screening of photocatalysts for water-splitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Jordan Katz, Todd Gingrich
  • Publication number: 20090309614
    Abstract: Techniques are used to detect and identify analytes. Techniques are used to fabricate and manufacture sensors to detect analytes. An analyte (810) is sensed by sensors (820) that output electrical signals in response to the analyte. The electrical signals may be preprocessed (830) by filtering and amplification. In one embodiment, a plurality of sensors are formed on a single integrated circuit. The sensors may have diverse compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Rodney M. Goodman, Nathan S. Lewis, Robert H. Grubbs, Jeffery Dickson, Vincent F. Koosh, Richard S. Payne
  • Patent number: 7595023
    Abstract: Sensor arrays and sensor array systems for detecting analytes in fluids. Sensors configured to generate a response upon introduction of a fluid containing one or more analytes can be located on one or more surfaces relative to one or more fluid channels in an array. Fluid channels can take the form of pores or holes in a substrate material. Fluid channels can be formed between one or more substrate plates. Sensor can be fabricated with substantially optimized sensor volumes to generate a response having a substantially maximized signal to noise ratio upon introduction of a fluid containing one or more target analytes. Methods of fabricating and using such sensor arrays and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignees: The California Institute of Technology, University of Florida, Aerovironment, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund, Shawn S. Briglin, Phillip Tokumaru, Charles R. Martin, David Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20090214762
    Abstract: Sensor arrays and sensor array systems for detecting analytes in fluids. Sensors configured to generate a response upon introduction of a fluid containing one or more analytes can be located on one or more surfaces relative to one or more fluid channels in an array. Fluid channels can take the form of pores or holes in a substrate material. Fluid channels can be formed between one or more substrate plates. Sensor can be fabricated with substantially optimized sensor volumes to generate a response having a substantially maximized signal to noise ratio upon introduction of a fluid containing one or more target analytes. Methods of fabricating and using such sensor arrays and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Michael S. Freund, Shawn M. Briglin, Phil Tokumaru, Charles R. Martin, David T. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7564120
    Abstract: Electrical structures and devices may be formed and include an organic passivating layer that is chemically bonded to a silicon-containing semiconductor material to improve the electrical properties of electrical devices. In different embodiments, the organic passivating layer may remain within finished devices to reduce dangling bonds, improve carrier lifetimes, decrease surface recombination velocities, increase electronic efficiencies, or the like. In other embodiments, the organic passivating layer may be used as a protective sacrificial layer and reduce contact resistance or reduce resistance of doped regions. The organic passivation layer may be formed without the need for high-temperature processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, William J. Royea
  • Patent number: 7550310
    Abstract: Techniques are used to detect and identify analytes. Techniques are used to fabricate and manufacture sensors to detect analytes. An analyte (810) is sensed by sensors (820) that output electrical signals in response to the analyte. The electrical signals may be preprocessed (830) by filtering and amplification. In one embodiment, a plurality of sensors are formed on a single integrated circuit. The sensors may have diverse compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Rodney M. Goodman, Nathan S. Lewis, Robert H. Grubbs, Jeffery Dickson, Vincent F. Koosh, Richard S. Payne
  • Patent number: 7534338
    Abstract: Analytical methods and devices are disclosed for separating low abundance analytes by electrophoretically driving the analytes through a sieving matrix to first remove high molecular weight species. Subsequently the remaining low abundance analytes are electrophoretically focused onto a capture membrane where the analytes become bound within a small capture site. After this step the capture membrane may be allowed to dry and then attached to a conductive MALDI sample plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Protein Discovery, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Hafeman, Kilian Dill, James B. Harkins, Richard M. Caprioli, Jeremy Norris, Nathan S. Lewis, Daniel Kuban, Charles E. Witkowski, II
  • Publication number: 20090057839
    Abstract: A structure consisting of well-ordered semiconductor structures embedded in a binder material which maintains the ordering and orientation of the semiconductor structures. Methods for forming such a structure include forming the semiconductor structures on a substrate, casting a binder material onto the substrate to embed the semiconductor structures in the binder material, and separating the binder material from the substrate at the substrate. These methods provide for the retention of the orientation and order of highly ordered semiconductor structures in the separated binder material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Nathan S. LEWIS, Katherine E. Plass, Joshua M. Spurgeon, Harry A. Atwater
  • Publication number: 20090061600
    Abstract: Reusing a Si wafer for the formation of wire arrays by transferring the wire arrays to a polymer matrix, reusing a patterned oxide for several array growths, and finally polishing and reoxidizing the wafer surface and reapplying the patterned oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Joshua M. SPURGEON, Katherine E. Plass, Nathan S. Lewis, Harry A. Atwater
  • Patent number: 7491642
    Abstract: Electrical structures and devices may be formed and include an organic passivating layer that is chemically bonded to a silicon-containing semiconductor material to improve the electrical properties of electrical devices. In different embodiments, the organic passivating layer may remain within finished devices to reduce dangling bonds, improve carrier lifetimes, decrease surface recombination velocities, increase electronic efficiencies, or the like. In other embodiments, the organic passivating layer may be used as a protective sacrificial layer and reduce contact resistance or reduce resistance of doped regions. The organic passivation layer may be formed without the need for high-temperature processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, William Royea
  • Publication number: 20090020853
    Abstract: A structure consisting of vertically aligned wire arrays on a Si substrate and a method for producing such wire arrays. The wire arrays are fabricated and positioned on a substrate with an orientation and density particularly adapted for conversion of received light to energy. A patterned oxide layer is used to provide for wire arrays that exhibit narrow diameter and length distribution and provide for controlled wire position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Brendan M. KAYES, Michael A. Filler, Nathan S. Lewis, Harry A. Atwater
  • Publication number: 20090020150
    Abstract: A device having arrays of semiconductor structures with dimensions, ordering and orientations to provide for light absorption and charge carrier separation. The semiconductor structures are formed with relatively high aspect ratios, that is, the structures are long in the direction of received light, but have relatively small radii to facilitate efficient radial collection of carriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Harry A. ATWATER, Brendan M. KAYES, Nathan S. LEWIS, James R. MAIOLO, III, Joshua M. SPURGEON