Patents by Inventor Stephen Empedocles
Stephen Empedocles 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).
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Publication number: 20050126628Abstract: Nanocomposite photovoltaic devices are provided that generally include semiconductor nanocrystals as at least a portion of a photoactive layer. Photovoltaic devices and other layered devices that comprise core-shell nanostructures and/or two populations of nanostructures, where the nanostructures are not necessarily part of a nanocomposite, are also provided, as are devices including a recombination material and/or multiple electrodes. Varied architectures for such devices are also provided, including flexible and rigid architectures, planar and non-planar architectures, and the like, as are systems incorporating such devices, and methods and systems for fabricating such devices. Compositions comprising two populations of nanostructures of different materials or nanostructures and a small molecule are also described, as are doped polymer nanocomposites. Compositions useful for making nanocomposites are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2004Publication date: June 16, 2005Applicant: NANOSYS, Inc.Inventors: Erik Scher, Mihai Buretea, Calvin Chow, Stephen Empedocles, Andreas Meisel, J. Parce, Jeff Whiteford
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Publication number: 20050110064Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic substrate having a plurality of semiconductor devices is described. A thin film of nanowires is formed on a substrate. The thin film of nanowires is formed to have a sufficient density of nanowires to achieve an operational current level. A plurality of semiconductor regions are defined in the thin film of nanowires. Contacts are formed at the semiconductor device regions to thereby provide electrical connectivity to the plurality of semiconductor devices. Furthermore, various materials for fabricating nanowires, thin films including p-doped nanowires and n-doped nanowires, nanowire heterostructures, light emitting nanowire heterostructures, flow masks for positioning nanowires on substrates, nanowire spraying techniques for depositing nanowires, techniques for reducing or eliminating phonon scattering of electrons in nanowires, and techniques for reducing surface states in nanowires are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2004Publication date: May 26, 2005Applicant: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: Xiangfeng Duan, Chunming Niu, Stephen Empedocles, Linda Romano, Jian Chen, Vijendra Sahi, Lawrence Bock, David Stumbo, J. Parce, Jay Goldman
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Publication number: 20050079659Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic substrate having a plurality of semiconductor devices is described. A thin film of nanowires is formed on a substrate. The thin film of nanowires is formed to have a sufficient density of nanowires to achieve an operational current level. A plurality of semiconductor regions are defined in the thin film of nanowires. Contacts are formed at the semiconductor device regions to thereby provide electrical connectivity to the plurality of semiconductor devices. Furthermore, various materials for fabricating nanowires, thin films including p-doped nanowires and n-doped nanowires, nanowire heterostructures, light emitting nanowire heterostructures, flow masks for positioning nanowires on substrates, nanowire spraying techniques for depositing nanowires, techniques for reducing or eliminating phonon scattering of electrons in nanowires, and techniques for reducing surface states in nanowires are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: April 14, 2005Inventors: Xiangfeng Duan, Chunming Niu, Stephen Empedocles, Linda Romano, Jian Chen, Vijendra Sahi, Lawrence Bock, David Stumbo, J. Parce, Jay Goldman
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Patent number: 6878871Abstract: Nanocomposite photovoltaic devices are provided that generally include semiconductor nanocrystals as at least a portion of a photoactive layer. Photovoltaic devices and other layered devices that comprise core-shell nanostructures and/or two populations of nanostructures, where the nanostructures are not necessarily part of a nanocomposite, are also features of the invention. Varied architectures for such devices are also provided including flexible and rigid architectures, planar and non-planar architectures and the like, as are systems incorporating such devices, and methods and systems for fabricating such devices. Compositions comprising two populations of nanostructures of different materials are also a feature of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: Erik Scher, Mihai A. Buretea, Calvin Chow, Stephen Empedocles, Andreas Meisel, J. Wallace Parce
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Publication number: 20040197816Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for sensing and/or identifying signals from within a signal detection region are well-suited for identification of spectral codes. Large numbers of independently identifiable spectral codes can be generated by quite small bodies, and a plurality of such bodies or probes may be present within a detection region. Simultaneously imaging of identifiable spectra from throughout the detection region allows the probes to be identified. As the identifiable spectra can be treated as being generated from a point source within a much larger detection field, a prism, diffractive grading, holographic transmissive grading, or the like can spectrally disperse the images of the labels across a sensor surface. A CCD can identify the relative wavelengths of signals making up the spectra. Absolute signal wavelengths may be identified by determining positions of the labels, by an internal wavelength reference within the spectra, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: Quantum Dot CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Empedocles, Andrew R. Watson
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Publication number: 20040191915Abstract: A photoactive moiety exhibiting an anisotropic transition dipole. The moiety exhibits emission of polarized light in response to energy absorption. In a preferred embodiment, the moiety comprises a particle from the group consisting of a crystalline arrangement of photoactive molecules and a photoactive nanocrystal. The moiety may include a matrix in which photoactive objects exhibiting an anisotropic emission dipole are embedded. The moiety may be photobleached to product the anisotropy and the photoactive objects may have a one dimensional transition dipole in their natural state.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Moungi Bawendi, Stephen Empedocles
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Publication number: 20040178338Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and compositions of matter can track and/or identify a library of elements, particularly for use with fluids, particulates, cells, and the like. Signals from one or more semiconductor nanocrystals may be combined to define spectral codes. Separation of signal wavelengths within dedicated wavelength ranges or windows facilitates differentiation of spectral codes, while calibration signals within the spectral codes can avoid ambiguity. Modeling based on prior testing can help derive libraries of acceptable codes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: QUANTUM DOT CORPORATION, A California CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Empedocles, Joseph A. Treadway, Andrew R. Watson
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Publication number: 20040166505Abstract: The use of semiconductor nanocrystals as detectable labels in various chemical and biological applications is disclosed. The methods find use for detecting a single analyte, as well as multiple analytes by using more than one semiconductor nanocrystal as a detectable label, each of which emits at a distinct wavelength.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: Quantum Dot CorporationInventors: Marcel P. Bruchez, R. Hugh Daniels, Stephen A. Empedocles, Vince E. Phillips, Edith Y. Wong, Donald A. Zehnder
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Publication number: 20040135951Abstract: The present invention is directed to a display using nanowire transistors. In particular, a liquid crystal display using nanowire pixel transistors, nanowire row transistors, nanowire column transistors and nanowire edge electronics is described. A nanowire pixel transistor is used to control the voltage applied across a pixel containing liquid crystals. A pair of nanowire row transistors is used to turn nanowire pixel transistors that are located along a row trace connected to the pair of nanowire row transistors on and off. Nanowire column transistors are used to apply a voltage across nanowire pixel transistors that are located along a column trace connected to a nanowire column transistor. Displays including organic light emitting diodes (OLED) displays, nanotube field effect displays, plasma displays, micromirror displays, micoelectromechanical (MEMs) displays, electrochromic displays and electrophoretic displays using nanowire transistors are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Dave Stumbo, Stephen Empedocles
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Patent number: 6759235Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for sensing and/or identifying signals from within a signal detection region are well-suited for identification of spectral codes. Large numbers of independently identifiable spectral codes can be generated by quite small bodies, and a plurality of such bodies or probes may be present within a detection region. Simultaneously imaging of identifiable spectra from throughout the detection region allows the probes to be identified. As the identifiable spectra can be treated as being generated from a point source within a much larger detection field, a prism, diffractive grading, holographic transmissive grading, or the like can spectrally disperse the images of the labels across a sensor surface. A CCD can identify the relative wavelengths of signals making up the spectra. Absolute signal wavelengths may be identified by determining positions of the labels, by an internal wavelength reference within the spectra, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Quantum Dot CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Empedocles, Andrew R. Watson
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Publication number: 20040118448Abstract: Nanocomposite photovoltaic devices are provided that generally include semiconductor nanocrystals as at least a portion of a photoactive layer. Photovoltaic devices and other layered devices that comprise core-shell nanostructures and/or two populations of nanostructures, where the nanostructures are not necessarily part of a nanocomposite, are also features of the invention. Varied architectures for such devices are also provided including flexible and rigid architectures, planar and non-planar architectures and the like, as are systems incorporating such devices, and methods and systems for fabricating such devices. Compositions comprising two populations of nanostructures of different materials are also a feature of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.Inventors: Erik Scher, Mihai A. Buretea, Calvin Chow, Stephen Empedocles, Andreas Meisel, J. Wallace Parce
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Publication number: 20040112964Abstract: Macroelectronic substrate materials incorporating nanowires are described. These are used to provide underlying electronic elements (e.g., transistors and the like) for a variety of different applications. Methods for making the macroelectronic substrate materials are disclosed. One application is for transmission an reception of RF signals in small, lightweight sensors. Such sensors can be configured in a distributed sensor network to provide security monitoring. Furthermore, a method and apparatus for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is described. The RFID tag includes an antenna and a beam-steering array. The beam-steering array includes a plurality of tunable elements. A method and apparatus for an acoustic cancellation device and for an adjustable phase shifter that are enabled by nanowires are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: Nanosys, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Empedocles, David P. Stumbo, Chunming Niu, Xianfeng Duan
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Publication number: 20040095658Abstract: This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: NANOSYS, Inc.Inventors: Mihai Buretea, Stephen Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik C. Scher
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Patent number: 6734420Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and compositions of matter can track and/or identify a library of elements, particularly for use with fluids, particulates, cells, and the like. Signals from one or more semiconductor nanocrystals may be combined to define spectral codes. Separation of signal wavelengths within dedicated wavelength ranges or windows facilitates differentiation of spectral codes, while calibration signals within the spectral codes can avoid ambiguity. Modeling based on prior testing can help derive libraries of acceptable codes.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Quantum Dot CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Empedocles, Joseph A. Treadway, Andrew R. Watson
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Patent number: 6696299Abstract: A photoactive moiety exhibiting an anisotropic transition dipole. The moiety exhibits emission of polarized light in response to energy absorption. In a preferred embodiment, the moiety comprises a particle from the group consisting of a crystalline arrangement of photoactive molecules and a photoactive nanocrystal. The moiety may include a matrix in which photoactive objects exhibiting an anisotropic emission dipole are embedded. The moiety may be photobleached to product the anisotropy and the photoactive objects may have a one dimensional transition dipole in their natural state.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Stephen Empedocles, Moungi Bawendi
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Publication number: 20040026684Abstract: This invention pertains to the synthesis and use of nanowire heterostructures for the storage of information. In certain embodiments, the nanowire heterostructures comprise at least a first material type and a second material type wherein the first material type and the second material type delineate at least two different and distinguishable domains, wherein said domains store coded information. The nanowire heterostructures are particularly useful for identifying, tagging, and tracking compositions, articles of manufacture, or animals. The nanowire heterostructure are also useful for various assays and for storing and recovering information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: Nanosys, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Empedocles
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Publication number: 20040005723Abstract: Nanostructure manufacturing methods and methods for assembling nanostructures into functional elements such as junctions, arrays and devices are provided. Systems for practicing the methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicant: NANOSYS, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Empedocles, Larry Bock, Calvin Chow, Xianfeng Duan, Chungming Niu, George Pontis, Vijendra Sahi, Linda T. Romano, David Stumbo
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Patent number: 6630307Abstract: The use of semiconductor nanocrystals as detectable labels in various chemical and biological applications is disclosed. The methods find use for detecting a single analyte, as well as multiple analytes by using more than one semiconductor nanocrystal as a detectable label, each of which emits at a distinct wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Quantum Dot CorporationInventors: Marcel P. Bruchez, R. Hugh Daniels, Stephen A. Empedocles, Vince E. Phillips, Edith Y. Wong, Donald A. Zehnder
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Publication number: 20030099940Abstract: The present invention provides assays that allow for the detection of a single copy of a target of interest. The target species is either directly or indirectly labeled with a semiconductor nanocrytal, “quantum dot.” The bright and tunable fluorescence of the quantum dot is readily detected using methods described herein. Also provided are assays that are based on the colocalization of two or more differently colored quantum dots on a single target species, which provides superbly sensitive assays in which the decrease in assay sensitivity caused by non-specific binding of assay mixture components to the assay substrate is minimized. The assays are of use to detect target species including, but are not limited to, nucleic acids, polypeptides, small organic bioactive agents (e.g., drugs, agents of war, herbicides, pesticides, etc.) and organisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: Stephen A. Empedocles, Andrew R. Watson
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Publication number: 20020090650Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for sensing and/or identifying signals from within a signal detection region are well-suited for identification of spectral codes. Large numbers of independently identifiable spectral codes can be generated by quite small bodies, and a plurality of such bodies or probes may be present within a detection region. Simultaneously imaging of identifiable spectra from throughout the detection region allows the probes to be identified. As the identifiable spectra can be treated as being generated from a point source within a much larger detection field, a prism, diffractive grading, holographic transmissive grading, or the like can spectrally disperse the images of the labels across a sensor surface. A CCD can identify the relative wavelengths of signals making up the spectra. Absolute signal wavelengths may be identified by determining positions of the labels, by an internal wavelength reference within the spectra, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Applicant: Quantum Dot CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Empedocles, Andrew R. Watson, Jian Jin