Abstract: The present invention relates to Luminescent nanoparticles comprising (a) a core made from a luminescent metal salt selected from phosphates, sulfates or fluorides, being surrounded by (b) a shell made from a metal salt or oxide capable of preventing or reducing energy transfer from the core after its electronic excitation to the surface of the nanoparticle, e.g. a shell made from a non-luminescent metal salt or oxide, which are characterized by higher quantum yields and can be used in various fields including light generation and security marking.

Abstract: A metal sulfide nanocrystal manufactured by a method of reacting a metal precursor and an alkyl thiol in a solvent, wherein the alkyl thiol reacts with the metal precursor to form the metal sulfide nanocrystals, wherein the alkyl thiol is present on the surface of the metal sulfide nanocrystal, wherein the alkyl thiol is bonded to the sulfur crystal lattice. A metal sulfide nanocrystal manufactured with a core-shell structure by a method of reacting a metal precursor and an alkyl thiol in a solvent to form a metal sulfide layer on the surface of a core, wherein the alkyl thiol is present on the surface of the metal sulfide nanocrystal, wherein the alkyl thiol is bonded to the sulfur crystal lattice. These metal sulfide nanocrystals can have a uniform particle size at the nanometer-scale level, selective and desired crystal structures, and various shapes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions (“Optical Nanomaterial Compositions”) comprising one or more nano-materials and an optical coupling gel or an optical adhesive. The invention also provides methods for using the Optical Nanomaterial Compositions as an index-matching gel, an optical adhesive or an optical film, all of which are suitable for optical and sensing de-vices applications, including but not limited to noise suppression, passive Q-switching, mode-locking, waveform shaping, optical switching, optical signal regeneration, phase conjugation, in filter devices, dispersion compensation, wavelength conversion, soliton stabilization, microcavity applications, in interferometers (such as the Gires-Tournois interferometer), optical, magneto-optical or electro-optical modulation, biochemical sensors and photodetectors.

Abstract: An optical antenna assembly including multiple optical antenna elements, each of the optical antenna elements are arranged in a regular pattern and carried by a supporting body. The regular pattern of the plurality of optical antenna elements is nonuniform. Certain ones of the optical antenna elements are configured to respond to the one or more waves of light.

Abstract: Crystalline scintillator materials comprising nano-scale particles of metal halides are provided. The nano-scale particles are less than 100 nm in size. Methods are provided for preparing the particles. In these methods, ionic liquids are used in place of water to allow precipitation of the final product. In one method, the metal precursors and halide salts are dissolved in separate ionic liquids to form solutions, which are then combined to form the nano-crystalline end product. In the other methods, micro-emulsions are formed using ionic liquids to control particle size.

Abstract: An active optical filter transmits or blocks light according to whether or not a magnetic field is applied, and functions as an optical filter transmitting light having a predetermined wavelength when light is transmitted according to a magnetic field. The active optical filter includes: an optical filter layer for transmitting or blocking light according to whether or not a magnetic field is applied; and a magnetic field applying unit surrounding the optical filter layer for applying a magnetic field to the optical filter layer. The optical filter layer has a multi-layer thin layer structure which is formed of two kinds of thin layers having different respective refractive indices and sequentially and periodically stacked on a substrate.

Abstract: A transparent anti-reflective article includes a transparent substrate having a first refractive index and a first surface. An anti-reflective layer is formed within the first surface of the transparent substrate through use of one of nanosphere lithography, deep ultra-violet photolithography, electron beam lithography, and nano-imprinting. The anti-reflective layer includes a subwavelength nano-structured second surface including a plurality of protuberances. Such protuberances have a predetermined maximum distance between adjacent protuberances and a predetermined height for a given wavelength such that the anti-reflective layer includes a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index to minimize light diffraction and random scattering therethrough. The predetermined height is approximately equal to a quarter of the given wavelength divided by the second refractive index.

Abstract: The present invention provides a core/multishell semiconductor nanocrystal comprising a core and multiple shells, which exhibits a type-I band offset and high photoluminescence quantum yield providing bright tunable emission covering the visible range from about 400 nm to NIR over 1600 nm.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for manipulating light using nanoscale cometal structures are disclosed. A nanoscale optics apparatus for manipulating light includes a plurality of nanoscale cometal structures each comprising a dielectric material located between a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor. A method of fabricating a nanoscale optics apparatus for manipulating light includes preparing a plurality of nanoscale planar structures; coating a plurality of planar surfaces of the plurality of planar structures with a dielectric while leaving space between the plurality of planar surfaces; and coating the dielectric with an outer electrical conductor layer, wherein a portion of the outer electrical conductor layer is located between the planar structures to form coplanar structures.

Abstract: An optical power limiting and switching device comprises at least one plate made of transparent dielectric material, and a thin limiting solid mixture coated on one side of the plate. Upon being exposed to an optical power beam having a power level exceeding a predetermined limit power, the layer of solid mixture limits the power transmission by scattering out part of the impinging energy. When the power increases to the damage threshold, the solid mixture forms a plasma or catastrophic breakdown, damaging the solid mixture material and thereby rendering the portion of the plate surface under the impinging beam opaque to light.

Abstract: A deformable mirror formed out of two layers of a nanolaminate foil attached to a stiff substrate is introduced. Deformation is provided by an electrostatic force between two of the layers. The internal stiffness of the structure allows for high-spatial-frequency shapes. The nanolaminate foil of the present invention allows for a high-quality mirror surface. The device achieves high precision in the vertical direction by using foils with accurately controlled thicknesses, but does not require high precision in the lateral dimensions, allowing such mirrors to be fabricated using crude lithography techniques. Such techniques allow structures up to about the meter scale to be fabricated.

Abstract: An optical absorber includes vertically aligned carbon nanotubes with an ultra-low reflectance less than 0.16% and an absorption efficiency greater than 99.84%. The index of refraction and the absorption constant are controlled by independently varying the nanotube diameter and nanotube spacing. The nanotubes are mostly double-walled. The density of the nanotube arrays is very low, around 0.015 g/cm3.

Abstract: The present invention provides matrixes doped with semiconductor nanocrystals. In certain embodiments, the semiconductor nanocrystals have a size and composition such that they absorb or emit light at particular wavelengths. The nanocrystals can comprise ligands that allow for mixing with various matrix materials, including polymers, such that a minimal portion of light is scattered by the matrixes. The matrixes of the present invention can also be utilized in refractive index matching applications. In other embodiments, semiconductor nanocrystals are embedded within matrixes to form a nanocrystal density gradient, thereby creating an effective refractive index gradient. The matrixes of the present invention can also be used as filters and antireflective coatings on optical devices and as down-converting layers. The present invention also provides processes for producing matrixes comprising semiconductor nanocrystals.

Abstract: One or more nanotaper coupling waveguides formed within an optical substrate allows for straightforward, reproducible offset launch conditions to be achieved between an incoming signal and the core region of a multimode fiber (which may be disposed along an alignment fixture formed in the optical substrate), fiber array or other multimode waveguiding structure. Offset launching of a single mode signal into a multimode fiber couples the signal into favorable spatial modes which reduce the presence of differential mode dispersion along the fiber. This approach to providing single mode signal coupling into legacy multimode fiber is considered to be an improvement over the prior art which required the use of an interface element between a single mode fiber and multimode fiber, limiting the number of propagating signals and applications for the legacy multimode fiber. An optical switch may be used to select the specific nanotaper(s) for coupling into the multimode fiber.

Abstract: In order to make a reflection coefficient in boundary surface between materials to be zero and permeate 100% of a light independent of a polarization direction, an optical device made of an optical material composed of a metamaterial prepared by arranging a plurality of at least either of electrical resonators or magnetic resonators each being smaller than a wavelength of a light wave in only a predetermined plane, and at least either of the electrical resonators and the magnetic resonators arranged functioning with respect to s-polarization, wherein at least either of the dielectric constant or the magnetic permeability is controlled in response to the function to induce a Brewster phenomenon in the s-polarization.

Abstract: Nanomaterials for use in optoelectronic applications, and particularly nanocomposite optical amplifiers. nanocomposite optical amplifiers (NOAs), e.g., provided on integrated optical chips, for cost-effective broadband amplification across the entire clear-window of optical fiber. It is expected that such systems could provide a 15× increase in bandwidth over existing technology, while remaining compatible with all future advances in bit-rate and channel spacing.

Abstract: A color-tunable, reflective, paper-like display utilizes the unique optical properties of nano-engineered metal and metal-dielectric composite structures that exhibit a plasmon resonance. By changing the dielectric properties of a medium in which these structures are embedded, or by changing the spatial relationship of these structures, their optical absorbance and scattering spectra can be tuned. This enables simpler pixel architectures with better performance than is possible with fixed-color technologies. Low power video rate operation can be achieved in a paper-like display.

Abstract: A method for forming a substantially transparent nanoporous organosilicate film on a substantially transparent substrate, for use in optical lighting devices such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The method includes first preparing a composition comprising a silicon containing pre-polymer, a porogen, and a catalyst. The composition is coated onto a substrate which is substantially transparent to visible light, forming a film thereon. The film is then gelled by crosslinking and cured by heating, such that the resulting cured film is substantially transparent to visible light. It is preferred that both the substrate and the nanoporous film are at least 98% transparent to visible light. Optical devices which include the resulting structures of this invention exhibit improved light extraction and illuminance where the nanoporous organosilicate film has a low refractive index in the range of 1.05 to 1.4, serving as an impedance matching layer in such devices.

Abstract: A multifunctional optical film for enhancing light extraction includes a flexible substrate, a structured layer, and a backfill layer. The structured layer effectively uses microreplicated diffractive or scattering nanostructures located near enough to the light generation region to enable extraction of an evanescent wave from an organic light emitting diode (OLED) device. The backfill layer has a material having an index of refraction different from the index of refraction of the structured layer. The backfill layer also provides a planarizing layer over the structured layer in order to conform the light extraction film to a layer of an OLED display device. The film may have additional layers added to or incorporated within it to an emissive surface in order to effect additional functionalities beyond improvement of light extraction efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for addressable field enhancement microscopy are provided. In an embodiment, a nanoscale array of islands may be illuminated with an electromagnetic signal and addressed to differentiate signals from different islands of the nanoscale array. The differentiated signals originating from illuminating the nanoscale array may be applied to microscopy of a specimen.

Abstract: A novel and efficient method for polarization conversion, particularly from linear polarization to circular polarization, and, importantly, vice versa, is obtained using shapeanisotropic self-assembled quantum dots, which, having the advantage of extremely small size (nanometer scale), may be readily incorporated into photonic crystals and/or other optical components. Such devices also have the advantage of working in the absence of an applied magnetic field. Such devices also, when a voltage bias is applied, can be used to manipulate electron spin by manipulating light polarization in the same circuit, and vice versa. This permits a high degree of control for either or both of these in spintronics and/or optical devices, the biased quantum dot being used as a nanometer scale electro-optic modulator. Components utilizing the method and/or devices may be used as part of highly compact optical computing networks and/or spintronics systems for e.g.

Abstract: A metal chalcogenide composite nano-particle comprising a metal capable of forming p-type semiconducting chalcogenide nano-particles and a metal capable of forming n-type semiconducting chalcogenide nano-particles, wherein at least one of the metal chalcogenides has a band-gap between 1.0 and 2.9 eV and the concentration of the metal capable of forming p-type semiconducting chalcogenide nano-particles is at least 5 atomic percent of the metal and is less than 50 atomic percent of the metal; a dispersion thereof; a layer comprising the nano-particles; and a photovoltaic device comprising the layer.

Abstract: A doped-type metal sulfide phosphor nanoparticle dispersion, comprising a doped-type metal sulfide phosphor nanoparticle dispersed in water and/or a hydrophilic solvent, wherein the doped-type metal sulfide phosphor nanoparticle comprises a surface that is modified with a surface modifier, the surface modifier being a compound represented by formula [I]: HS-L-W??Formula [I] wherein L represents a divalent linking group; and W represents COOM or NH2, in which M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, or NX4, in which X represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group.

Abstract: A doped-type metal sulfide phosphor nanoparticle, whose surface is modified with a surface modifier, the surface modifier being a compound of formula [I]: HS-L-W??Formula [I] wherein L is a divalent linking group; and W is COOM or NH2, in which M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, or NX4, in which X is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; a dispersion containing the nanoparticle; and a method of producing the nanoparticle or the dispersion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing metal sulfide nanocrystals using a thiol compound as a sulfur precursor. The method comprises reacting the thiol compound and a metal precursor in a solvent to grow metal sulfide crystals to the nanometer-scale level. Further disclosed is a method for manufacturing metal sulfide nanocrystals with a core-shell structure by reacting a metal precursor and a thiol compound in a solvent to grow a metal sulfide layer on the surface of a core. The metal sulfide nanocrystals prepared by these methods can have a uniform particle size at the nanometer-scale level, selective and desired crystal structures, and various shapes.

Abstract: A transparent and conductive film comprising at least one network of graphene flakes is described herein. This film may further comprise an interpenetrating network of other nanostructures, a polymer and/or a functionalization agent(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for using color inconstancy pigments and/or dyes, such as rare earth doped color inconstancy pigments, in security applications including semi-overt and covert security application.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing nanoparticles, including single-crystal semiconductor nanoparticles, are provided. The methods include the step of generating a constricted radiofrequency plasma in the presence of a precursor gas containing precursor molecules to form nanoparticles. Single-crystal semiconductor nanoparticles, including photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles, having diameters of no more than 10 nm may be fabricated in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: An amplifier or laser using the stimulated Raman diffusion effect comprises a light guide (6), and a light pump (10) for producing a pump wave. In order to increase amplification efficiency, the light guide comprises a core structure that includes at least one optically active component that presents an electron transition energy corresponding to a wavelength that is close to the wavelength of the pump wave while nevertheless not being identical thereto. The invention is applicable to optical transmission systems.

Abstract: Nanometer-scaled up-converting fluoride phosphor particles and processes of making them are disclosed. In the process, an aqueous solution consisting of soluble salts of rare-earth metal ions at a molar ratio of (yttrium, lanthanum or gadolinium): ytterbium:(erbium, holmium, terbium or thulium)=(70-90):(0-29):(0.001-15) is mixed a rare-earth metal chelator and a soluble fluoride salt to form precipitates, which are then annealed at an elevated temperature to produce nanometer-scaled up-converting fluoride phosphor particles. The particle size is between 35 nm and 200 nm, and can be controlled by the amount of the metal chelator added to the solution. The nanometer-sized particle is applicable to many biological assays.

Abstract: A new class of nanostructured RE-doped SiO2-base materials that display superior fluorescence properties is provided. In particular, high gain combined with a broad and flat spectral band width is observed in material composed of a high fraction of a nano-dispersed metastable silicate phase in a glassy SiO2 matrix, produced by partial devitrification (crystallization) of several glassy Al2O3/Er2O3- and Y2O3/Er2O3-doped SiO2 compositions. Also, a highly deconvoluted spectral emission, with several prominent peaks, is observed in completely devitrified material, consisting of a uniform nano-dispersion of an equilibrium silicate phase in a crystobalite SiO2 matrix. Such enhanced fluorescence properties were observed in heat treated nanopowders prepared by vapor-phase, solgel, rapid solidification, and spray-pyrolysis methods.

Abstract: An antireflective coating applied onto a substrate in the form of at least one layer of nanoparticles arranged on the aforementioned substrate at equal distances from each other in accordance with a specific nanostructure. The nanoparticles are made from a material that under effect of incident light generates between the neighboring particles optical resonance interaction with a frequency that belongs to a visible optical range. The interaction between the nanoparticles reduces reflection of the incident light. The nanoparticles have a radius in the range of 10 to 100 nm and a pitch between the adjacent particles that ranges between 1.5 diameters to several diameters.

Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal complex that is stable and has high luminescent quantum yield. The semiconductor nanocrystal complex has a semiconductor nanocrystal core of a III-V semiconductor nanocrystal material. A method of making a semiconductor nanocrystal complex is also provided. The method includes synthesizing a semiconductor nanocrystal core of a III-V semiconductor nanocrystal material, and forming a metal layer on the semiconductor nanocrystal core after synthesis of the semiconductor nanocrystal core.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor nanoparticle comprising a semiconductor nanoparticle core on the surface of which electron-releasing groups are arranged, the semiconductor nanoparticle having a fluorescent property and water-solubility. The invention also provides a water-soluble semiconductor nanoparticle with an excellent fluorescent property that can be easily prepared by adding a surface-treating material for providing a semiconductor nanoparticle with one or more kinds of electron-releasing groups, and arranging the electron-releasing groups on the surface of the semiconductor nanoparticle core.

Abstract: A method for preparing luminescent diamond particles (e.g., fluorescent nanodiamonds). The method includes irradiating diamond particles with an ion beam and heating the irradiated diamond particles in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature between 600 and 1000° C. The diamond particles have a diameter of 1 nm to 1 mm and the ion beam has a kinetic energy of 1 KeV to 900 MeV. Also disclosed are luminescent diamond particles prepared by this method and methods of using them.

Abstract: The present invention provides matrixes doped with semiconductor nanocrystals. In certain embodiments, the semiconductor nanocrystals have a size and composition such that they absorb or emit light at particular wavelengths. The nanocrystals can comprise ligands that allow for mixing with various matrix materials, including polymers, such that a minimal portion of light is scattered by the matrixes. The matrixes of the present invention can also be utilized in refractive index matching applications. In other embodiments, semiconductor nanocrystals are embedded within matrixes to form a nanocrystal density gradient, thereby creating an effective refractive index gradient. The matrixes of the present invention can also be used as filters and antireflective coatings on optical devices and as down-converting layers. The present invention also provides processes for producing matrixes comprising semiconductor nanocrystals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to surface-modified lead chalcogenide nanocrystal quantum dots that are a reaction product of lead chalcogenide nanocrystal quantum dots and a metal such as a cadmium compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor nanoparticle having excellent chemical durability and high luminescence properties. The chemical durability of the particle is provided by coating the semiconductor nanoparticle having high luminescence properties dispersed in an organic solvent using a surface-active agent, an amphipathic molecule, and a lipid composed of a combination of two or more layers selected from a polar group, a hydrophobic group, a hydrophilic group, and a functional group (herein, the hydrophobic group is a necessary element and the hydrophilic group and the functional group are optional).

Abstract: A nanotip electroluminescence (EL) diode and a method are provided for fabricating said device. The method comprises: forming a plurality of Si nanotip diodes; forming a phosphor layer overlying the nanotip diode; and, forming a top electrode overlying the phosphor layer. The nanotip diodes are formed by: forming a Si substrate with a top surface; forming a Si p-well; forming an n+ layer of Si, having a thickness in the range of 30 to 300 nanometers (nm) overlying the Si p-well; forming a reactive ion etching (RIE)-induced polymer grass overlying the substrate top surface; using the RIE-induced polymer grass as a mask, etching areas of the substrate not covered by the mask; and, forming the nanotip diodes in areas of the substrate covered by the mask.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image probing conjugate. The conjugate comprises a nanoparticle and a targeting agent. The nanoparticle comprises a dye which is encapsulated by a functionalized polymer, and the targeting agent is bound to the functional group of the polymer. The nanoparticle provides the conjugate with improved stability and an increased concentration of the dye. Therefore, the conjugate of the invention can be used for probing a small target which otherwise cannot be detected. Bonding the targeting agent to the nanoparticle allows precise image probing from the location where the targeting agent is placed.

Abstract: Crystalline superfine particles capable of emitting light depending upon a time-rate-of-change of a stress and controlled in grain size in the range from 5 nm to 100 nm are complexed with another material such as resin. The crystalline superfine particles are manufactured by using aggregates of molecules, i.e. inverted micelles, which orient hydrophilic groups of surfactant molecules inward and hydrophobic groups outward in a nonpolar solvent and which contain metal ions of a metal for forming the crystalline superfine particles dissolved in water inside the inverted micelles. Alternatively, they are manufactured by using inverted micelles enveloping precursor superfine particles, in which precursor superfine particles are enveloped in water inside the inverted micelles. The crystalline superfine particles are excellent in dispersibility in another material to be complexed, enhanced in emission efficiency and usable to make a transparent stress emission material.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a phosphor which is excellent in transparency, light transmittance, luminescence efficiency and luminescent intensity and at the same time, processes for producing the phosphor. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a phosphor characterized in that phosphor particles represented by the general formula [(L)a(M)b(N)cOd:Y] are covered with an organic compound bearing at least one functional group at a terminal or side chain, wherein L is a metallic element such as Zn; M is a metallic element such as Al; N is Si or Ge; O is oxygen; Y is at least one activating agent such as Mn2+, Eu2+, Cu2+ or Yb2+; and a, b, c and d are each a value satisfying the relationships 0<a?2, 0?b?2, 0?c?2 and 2a+3b+4c=2d.

Abstract: An objective is to provide a core/shell type particle phosphor exhibiting an optimal excitation wavelength for fluorescence observation and excellent emission luminance of PL, together with excellent durability, to which particles are produced so as to be suitable for the field of bio-nanotechnology. Disclosed is a core/shell type particle phosphor comprising a core particle phosphor and coated thereon, a shell made of a metal compound having a different composition from a composition constituting the core particle phosphor, wherein the core particle phosphor is a particle phosphor prepared by baking a precursor synthesized via a reactive crystallization method, satisfying a PL (photoluminescence) intensity ratio A of the core particle phosphor to the core/shell type particle phosphor, {PL intensity(core)/PL intensity(core/shell)}; 0.001?A?0.1, and a core/shell type particle diameter of at most 0.1 ?m.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting changes in the refractive index of a fluid in a small test volume. A change in the refractive index can indicate a change in the chemical composition of the fluid. The test volume has a depth comparable to or less than the wavelength of incident light. In one embodiment, an internal surface of the volume is coated with a binding partner selected to bind with a targeted molecule. When the targeted molecule binds to the binding partner, the optical properties of the system change. The refractive index is determined by illuminating the test volume with laser light and measuring transmitted or reflected light.

Abstract: The present invention includes ultraviolet curable compositions preferably containing discrete, crystalline zirconia nanoparticles with reactive, or copolymerizable, surface modification, in a polymerizable monomer/oligomer resin mixture. It is believed that copolymerizable surface modification provides a functional group that enables the functionalized particle to co-polmerize with the reactive monomers, oligomers, and crosslinkers in the formulation. Relative to surface modification of the nanoparticles, acrylate functionality is preferred over methacrylate functionality. On the other hand, methacrylate functionality is preferred over non-reactive, or nonpolymerizable, functionality. As the nanocomposite cures, the resultant network is heavily crosslinked by selection of raw materials with substantial acrylate functionality.

Abstract: A method for making a nanocrystal-based material capable of emitting light over a sufficiently broad spectral range to appear white. Surface-modifying ligands are used to shift and broaden the emission of semiconductor nanocrystals to produce nanoparticle-based materials that emit white light.

Abstract: The present application is directed to the preparation and use of a class of nanoparticles called Quantum Confined Atoms or QCA's. A QCA is a particle of material comprising a plurality of host atoms in a nanoparticle of a size of less than 10 nm with a single atom of a dopant (or activator) confined within. The QCA's have unique luminescent and optical properties and thus can act as a very efficient nanophosphor which generate polarized light and can operate as a laser and a nanomagnet. An anti-agglomeration coating surrounding the nanoparticles can prevent clumping and loss of the enhanced properties.