Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Thundat
Thomas G. Thundat 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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Patent number: 8378286Abstract: Provided are improvements to photo detecting devices and methods for enhancing the sensitivity of photo detecting devices. A photo detecting device generates an electronic signal in response to a received light pulse. An electro-mechanical acoustic resonator, electrically coupled to the photo detecting device, damps the electronic signal and increases the signal noise ratio (SNR) of the electronic signal. Increased photo detector standoff distances and sensitivities will result.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Lawrence R. Senesac, Charles W. Van Neste
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Patent number: 8194246Abstract: A system generates a photoacoustic spectrum in an open or closed environment with reduced noise. A source focuses a beam on a target substance disposed on a base. The base supports a cantilever that measures acoustic waves generated as light is absorbed by the target substance. By focusing a chopped/pulsed light beam on the target substance, a range of optical absorbance may be measured as the wavelength of light changes. An identifying spectrum of the target may detected by monitoring the vibration intensity variation of the cantilever as a function of illuminating wavelength or color.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: UT-Battellle, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Charles W. Van Neste, Gilbert M. Brown, Lawrence R. Senesac
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Patent number: 8110082Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for separating molecules, such as biomolecules. The method, system, and apparatus utilize an electrochemical cell having at least two electrodes, one electrode comprising a photo-sensitive material capable of generating a photopotential. Molecules are moved through an electrolyte medium between the at least two electrodes based upon localized photopotentials.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Thomas L Ferrell, Gilbert M. Brown
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Publication number: 20120012737Abstract: Provided are improvements to photo detecting devices and methods for enhancing the sensitivity of photo detecting devices. A photo detecting device generates an electronic signal in response to a received light pulse. An electro-mechanical acoustic resonator, electrically coupled to the photo detecting device, damps the electronic signal and increases the signal noise ratio (SNR) of the electronic signal. Increased photo detector standoff distances and sensitivities will result.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Lawrence R. Senesac, Charles W. Van Neste
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Publication number: 20120002191Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for standoff spectroscopy of molecules (e.g. from a residue) on a surface from a distance. A source emits radiation that modifies or conditions the residue, such as through photodecomposition. A spectral generating source measures a spectrum of the residue before and after the residue is exposed to the radiation from that source. The two spectra are compared to produce a distinct identification of the residues on the surface or identify certain properties of the residue.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Marissa E. Morales-Rodriguez, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
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Patent number: 8080796Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for standoff spectroscopy of molecules (e.g. from a residue) on a surface from a distance. A source emits radiation that modifies or conditions the residue, such as through photodecomposition. A spectral generating source measures a spectrum of the residue before and after the residue is exposed to the radiation from that source. The two spectra are compared to produce a distinct identification of the residues on the surface or identify certain properties of the residue.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Marissa E. Morales-Rodriguez, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
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Patent number: 7972865Abstract: A sensor for detecting and differentiating chemical analytes includes a microscale body having a first end and a second end and a surface between the ends for adsorbing a chemical analyte. The surface includes at least one conductive heating track for heating the chemical analyte and also a conductive response track, which is electrically isolated from the heating track, for producing a thermal response signal from the chemical analyte. The heating track is electrically connected with a voltage source and the response track is electrically connected with a signal recorder. The microscale body is restrained at the first end and the second end and is substantially isolated from its surroundings therebetween, thus having a bridge configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Dechang Yi, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
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Patent number: 7961313Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating a photoacoustic spectrum in an open or closed environment with reduced noise. A source may emit a beam to a target substance coated on a detector that measures acoustic waves generated as a result of a light beam being absorbed by the target substance. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target substance on the detector, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance as the wavelength of light is changed. Rejection may decrease the intensity of the acoustic waves on the detector while absorption may increase the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
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Patent number: 7939811Abstract: Low energy light illumination and either a doped semiconductor surface or a surface-plasmon supporting surface are used in combination for manipulating a fluid on the surface in the absence of any applied electric fields or flow channels. Precise control of fluid flow is achieved by applying focused or tightly collimated low energy light to the surface-fluid interface. In the first embodiment, with an appropriate dopant level in the semiconductor substrate, optically excited charge carriers are made to move to the surface when illuminated. In a second embodiment, with a thin-film noble metal surface on a dispersive substrate, optically excited surface plasmons are created for fluid manipulation. This electrode-less optical control of the Marangoni effect provides re-configurable manipulations of fluid flow, thereby paving the way for reprogrammable microfluidic devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Thomas G Thundat, Ali Passian, Rubye H Farahi
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Patent number: 7924423Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating a reversed photoacoustic spectrum at a greater distance. A source may emit a beam to a target and a detector measures signals generated as a result of the beam being emitted on the target. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance by monitoring the intensity of light collected at the detector at different wavelengths. As the wavelength of light is changed, the target may absorb or reject each optical frequency. Rejection may increase the intensity at the sensing element and absorption may decrease the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
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Patent number: 7716965Abstract: An electrochemical suspended element-based sensor system includes a solution cell for holding an electrolyte comprising solution including at least one electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species. A working electrode (WE), reference electrode (RE) and a counter electrode (CE) are disposed in the solution. The CE includes an asymmetric suspended element, wherein one side of the suspended element includes a metal or a highly doped semiconductor surface. The suspended element bends when current associated with reduction or oxidation of the electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species at the WE passes through the suspended element. At least one measurement system measures the bending of the suspended element or a parameter which is a function of the bending.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Gilbert M. Brown
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Publication number: 20100055801Abstract: A sensor for detecting and differentiating chemical analytes includes a microscale body having a first end and a second end and a surface between the ends for adsorbing a chemical analyte. The surface includes at least one conductive heating track for heating the chemical analyte and also a conductive response track, which is electrically isolated from the heating track, for producing a thermal response signal from the chemical analyte. The heating track is electrically connected with a voltage source and the response track is electrically connected with a signal recorder. The microscale body is restrained at the first end and the second end and is substantially isolated from its surroundings therebetween, thus having a bridge configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Dechang Yi, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
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Patent number: 7665364Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a sample, involves illuminating the sample with light of varying wavelengths, transmitting an acoustic signal against the sample from one portion and receiving a resulting acoustic signal on another portion, detecting a change of phase in the acoustic signal corresponding to the light of varying wavelengths, and analyzing the change of phase in the acoustic signal for the varying wavelengths of illumination to identify the sample. The apparatus has a controlled source for illuminating the sample with light of varying wavelengths, a transmitter for transmitting an acoustic wave, a receiver for receiving the acoustic wave and converting the acoustic wave to an electronic signal, and an electronic circuit for detecting a change of phase in the acoustic wave corresponding to respective ones of the varying wavelengths and outputting the change of phase for the varying wavelengths to allow identification of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Ming Su, Thomas G. Thundat, David Hedden
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Publication number: 20100033723Abstract: A system generates a photoacoustic spectrum in an open or closed environment with reduced noise. A source focuses a beam on a target substance disposed on a base. The base supports a cantilever that measures acoustic waves generated as light is absorbed by the target substance. By focusing a chopped/pulsed light beam on the target substance, a range of optical absorbance may be measured as the wavelength of light changes. An identifying spectrum of the target may detected by monitoring the vibration intensity variation of the cantilever as a function of illuminating wavelength or color.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Charles W. Van Neste, Gilbert M. Brown, Lawrence R. Senesac
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Publication number: 20100033720Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating a reversed photoacoustic spectrum at a greater distance. A source may emit a beam to a target and a detector measures signals generated as a result of the beam being emitted on the target. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance by monitoring the intensity of light collected at the detector at different wavelengths. As the wavelength of light is changed, the target may absorb or reject each optical frequency. Rejection may increase the intensity at the sensing element and absorption may decrease the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
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Publication number: 20100033722Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating a photoacoustic spectrum in an open or closed environment with reduced noise. A source may emit a beam to a target substance coated on a detector that measures acoustic waves generated as a result of a light beam being absorbed by the target substance. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target substance on the detector, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance as the wavelength of light is changed. Rejection may decrease the intensity of the acoustic waves on the detector while absorption may increase the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
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Patent number: 7579052Abstract: Highly sensitive sensor platforms for the detection of specific reagents, such as chromate, gasoline and biological species, using microcantilevers and other microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) whose surfaces have been modified with photochemically attached organic monolayers, such as self-assembled monolayers (SAM), or gold-thiol surface linkage are taught. The microcantilever sensors use photochemical hydrosilylation to modify silicon surfaces and gold-thiol chemistry to modify metallic surfaces thereby enabling individual microcantilevers in multicantilever array chips to be modified separately. Terminal vinyl substituted hydrocarbons with a variety of molecular recognition sites can be attached to the surface of silicon via the photochemical hydrosilylation process.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Vassil I. Boiadjiev, Gilbert M. Brown, Lal A. Pinnaduwage, Thomas G. Thundat, Peter V. Bonnesen, Gudrun Goretzki
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Publication number: 20090020426Abstract: Low energy light illumination and either a doped semiconductor surface or a surface-plasmon supporting surface are used in combination for manipulating a fluid on the surface in the absence of any applied electric fields or flow channels. Precise control of fluid flow is achieved by applying focused or tightly collimated low energy light to the surface-fluid interface. In the first embodiment, with an appropriate dopant level in the semiconductor substrate, optically excited charge carriers are made to move to the surface when illuminated. In a second embodiment, with a thin-film noble metal surface on a dispersive substrate, optically excited surface plasmons are created for fluid manipulation. This electrode-less optical control of the Marangoni effect provides re-configurable manipulations of fluid flow, thereby paving the way for reprogrammable microfluidic devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Ali Passian, Rubye H. Farahi
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Publication number: 20080206103Abstract: Methods for the preparation of a stable, self-assembled monolayer on the silicon surface or metallic coating of a microcantilever are disclosed. The methods produce a microcantilever suitable as a chemical sensor. In a microcantilever produced using one version of the method, a metallic coating is disposed on a side of the microcantilever, a bridging atom is bonded to the metallic coating, a first spacer group is bonded to the bridging atom, a second spacer group is bonded to the bridging atom, and a chemical recognition agent is bonded to the first spacer group. In another version of the method, a silicon surface of a microcantilever is hydrogen terminated, and a calixarene chemical recognition agent is carbon linked to the silicon surface using photochemical hydrosilylation. Among other things, the calixarene may be bonded to a crown ether for ion detection or bonded to a area for the recognition of explosives by hydrogen bonding to nitro groups.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2005Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicants: UT-BATTELLE, LLC, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Lal A. Pinnaduwage, Thomas G. Thundat, Gilbert M. Brown, Peter V. Bonnesen, Vassil Boiadjiev, Gudron Goretzki
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Publication number: 20080099330Abstract: An electrochemical suspended element-based sensor system includes a solution cell for holding an electrolyte comprising solution including at least one electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species. A working electrode (WE), reference electrode (RE) and a counter electrode (CE) are disposed in the solution. The CE includes an asymmetric suspended element, wherein one side of the suspended element includes a metal or a highly doped semiconductor surface. The suspended element bends when current associated with reduction or oxidation of the electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species at the WE passes through the suspended element. At least one measurement system measures the bending of the suspended element or a parameter which is a function of the bending.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Gilbert M. Brown