Abstract: A wafer-scale nano-metrology system (10) for sensing position of a nanofabrication element (16) when illuminated by a patterned optical projection defining a grid or position measuring gauge includes a frequency stabilized laser emitter (12) configured to generate a laser emission at a selected frequency, where the laser emission forms a diverging beam configured to illuminate a selected area occupied by a target fabrication object (18) having a proximal surface. An optical pattern generator (14) is illuminated by laser (12) and generates a patterned optical projection grid or gauge for projection upon the target fabrication object (18). A movable tool or nanofabrication element (16) carries an optical sensor array (50), and the sensor array detect at least a portion of the optical projection grid, and, in response to that detection, generates grid position data for use in controlling the position of the tool (16).

Abstract: A method for controlling a structure of a nano-scale substance may include irradiating a mixture of low-dimensional quantum structures having a nano-scale with an electromagnetic wave in an oxygen atmosphere, to thereby selectively oxidize a low-dimensional quantum structure having a density of states resonating with the electromagnetic wave used for the irradiation. The method allows a low-dimensional quantum structure having a specific structure to be selectively removed from the mixture of low-dimensional quantum structures having a nano-scale.

Abstract: A method for controlling a structure of a nano-scale substance may include irradiating a mixture of low-dimensional quantum structures having a nano-scale with an electromagnetic wave in an oxygen atmosphere, to thereby selectively oxidize a low-dimensional quantum structure having a density of states resonating with the electromagnetic wave used for the irradiation. The method allows a low-dimensional quantum structure having a specific structure to be selectively removed from the mixture of low-dimensional quantum structures having a nano-scale.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing a crystalline semiconductor film. An insulating film is formed over a substrate; an amorphous semiconductor film is formed over the insulating film; a cap film is formed over the amorphous semiconductor film; the amorphous semiconductor film is scanned and irradiated with a continuous wave laser beam or a laser beam with a repetition rate of greater than or equal to 10 MHz, through the cap film; and the amorphous semiconductor film is melted and crystallized At this time, an energy distribution in a length direction and a width direction in a laser beam spot is a Gaussian distribution, and the amorphous semiconductor film is scanned with the laser beam so as to be irradiated with the laser beam for a period of greater than or equal to 5 microseconds and less than or equal to 100 microseconds per region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal coated nano-fibres obtained by a process that includes electrospinning and to the use of said metal coated nano-fibres. The process is characterised in that a polymer nano-fibre with functional groups providing the binding ability to a reducing reagent is prepared by electrospinning at ambient conditions. Then this is contacted with a reducing agent, thereby opening the epoxy ring on the surface of polymer nano-fibre and replacing with the reducing agent and the reducing agent modified film is reacted with metal solution in alkaline media. Finally the electrospun mat is treated with water to open the epoxy rings in the structure and crosslinking the chains to provide integrity.

Abstract: A method of producing nanoparticles of solar light absorbing compound materials based on pulsed laser ablation is disclosed. The method uses irradiation of a target material of solar light absorbing compound material with a pulsed laser beam having a pulse duration of from 10 femtoseconds to 500 picoseconds to ablate the target thereby producing nanoparticles of the target. The nanoparticles are collected and a solution of the nanoparticles is applied to a substrate to produce a thin film solar cell. The method preserves the composition and structural crystalline phase of the starting target. The method is a much lower cost fabrication method for thin film solar cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a chemically pure and stably dispersed organic nanoparticle colloidal suspension using an ultrafast pulsed laser ablation process. The method comprises irradiating a target of an organic compound material in contact with a poor solvent with ultrashort laser pulses at a high repetition rate and collecting the nanoparticles of the organic compound produced. The method may be implemented with a high repetition rate ultrafast pulsed laser source, an optical system for focusing and moving the pulsed laser beam, an organic compound target in contact with a poor solvent, and a solvent circulating system to cool the laser focal volume and collect the produced nanoparticle products. By controlling various laser parameters, and with optional poor solvent flow movement, the method provides stable colloids of dispersed organic nanoparticles in the poor solvent in the absence of any stabilizing agents.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for synthesizing carbon nanofibers containing catalytic material particles characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) electrospinning a polymer solution and a catalytic material precursor for obtaining polymer fibers containing catalytic material precursor particles, b) reducing the product obtained in a) with a reducing agent to form polymer fibers containing catalytic material particles, c) heat treating the product obtained in b) for converting the polymer fibers containing catalytic material particles into carbon fibers containing catalytic material particles. The invention also relates to the intermediate products and products obtained by this method and use of these in various applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods generally directed to enhancing the growth of carbon-based nanostructures are described. In some embodiments, electromagnetic radiation can be used to enhance carbon-based nanostructure growth.

Abstract: The invention provides products of manufacture, e.g., biomaterials and implants, for cartilage maintenance and/or formation in-vivo, in-vitro, and ex-vivo, using nanotechnology, e.g., using nanotube, nanowire, nanopillar and/or nanodepots configured on surface structures of the products of manufacture.

Abstract: A method produces nanoparticles by electrospinning a silicon composition having at least one silicon atom. The electrospinning of the silicon composition forms fibers. The fibers are pyrolyzed to produce the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have excellent photo-luminescent properties and are suitable for use in many different applications.

Abstract: A method for controlling a structure of a nano-scale substance, which comprises irradiating a mixture of low-dimensional quantum structures having a nano-scale with an electromagnetic wave in an oxygen atmosphere, to thereby selectively oxidize a low-dimensional quantum structure having a density of states resonating with the electromagnetic wave used for the irradiation. The method allows a low-dimensional quantum structure having a specific structure to be selectively disappeared from the mixture of low-dimensional quantum structures having a nano-scale.

Abstract: A method of forming a catalyst, comprising: providing a plurality of support particles and a plurality of mobility-inhibiting particles, wherein each support particle in the plurality of support particles is bonded with its own catalytic particle; and bonding the plurality of mobility-inhibiting particles to the plurality of support particles, wherein each support particle is separated from every other support particle in the plurality of support particles by at least one of the mobility-inhibiting particles, and wherein the mobility-inhibiting particles are configured to prevent the catalytic particles from moving from one support particle to another support particle.

Abstract: This invention provides novel tools for surgery on single cells. In certain embodiments the tools comprise a microcapillary having at and/or near the tip a metal coating or a plurality of nanoparticles that can be heated by application of electromagnetic energy. In certain embodiments substrates are provided that facilitate the introduction of agents into cells. The substrates typically comprise a surface bearing a film or particles or nanoparticles that can be heated by application of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing photocatalytic activity. Nanoparticulate matter comprising a strontium titanate ferrite of the general formula SrTi1-xFexO3- is provided, in which x is any value from 0 to 1. The nanoparticulate matter is exposed to electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 800 nm.

Abstract: Populations of quantum dots are combined with quantities of a modulator of photoluminescence to produce a plurality of optical barcodes having at least two distinguishable colors arising from varying quantities of a modulator of photoluminescence bound to the populations of quantum dots.

Abstract: A method of forming mufti-phasic nano-objects involves the jetting of two or more different liquids in side-by-side capillaries thereby generating a composite liquid stream. The composite then exposed to a force field which causes the composite liquid stream to at least partially solidify into a nano-object. The method forms a nano-object having a number of morphologies such as rods, spheres, and fibers.

Abstract: Laser-assisted apparatus and methods for performing nanoscale material processing, including nanodeposition of materials, can be controlled very precisely to yield both simple and complex structures with sizes less than 100 nm. Optical or thermal energy in the near field of a photon (laser) pulse is used to fabricate submicron and nanometer structures on a substrate. A wide variety of laser material processing techniques can be adapted for use including, subtractive (e.g., ablation, machining or chemical etching), additive (e.g., chemical vapor deposition, selective self-assembly), and modification (e.g., phase transformation, doping) processes. Additionally, the apparatus can be integrated into imaging instruments, such as SEM and TEM, to allow for real-time imaging of the material processing.

Abstract: An RF inductor such as a Tesla antenna splices nanotube ends together to form a nanostructure in a polymer foam matrix. High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) is gently sheared and stretched in a reactor comprising opposed coaxial counter-rotating impellers, which parallel-align polymer chains and also carbon nanotubes mixed with the oil phase. Stretching and forced convection prevent the auto-acceleration effect. Batch and continuous processes are disclosed. In the batch process, a fractal radial array of coherent vortices in the HIPE is preserved when the HIPE polymerizes, and helical nanostructures around these vortices are spliced by microhammering into longer helices. A disk radial filter produced by the batch process has improved radial flux from edge to center due to its area-preserving radial vascular network. In the continuous process, strips of HIPE are pulled from the periphery of the reactor continuously and post-treated by an RF inductor to produce cured conductive foam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for producing a two-dimensional patterned beam, e.g. a two-dimensional patterned and focused ion beam, for fabricating a nano-structure on a substrate with the precursor gas. In comparison with the conventional focused ion beam that is applied for fabricating a dot-like nano-structure the method is more simplified and easy to be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming ultrafine particles, including: a light source generating a laser beam to be irradiated at an organic substance; at least one microflow channel capable of passing therethrough a suspension containing the organic substance; and a flow device for allowing the suspension containing the organic substance to continuously or intermittently pass through the microflow channel, the organic substance present in the microflow channel being irradiated with the laser beam at least once within a predetermined period, thereby forming ultrafine particles of the organic substance.

Abstract: A curable resin composition containing as the binder a fumarate copolymer which is excellent in thermal discoloration resistance and capable of forming details of a color filter, namely, a photocurable resin composition useful in forming overcoats, RGB pixels, black matrixes or spacers in the production of color filters, which contains as the binder a fumarate copolymer having a molecular structure comprising constituent units represented by the general formula (1) and constituent units having acidic functional groups, and preferably further containing constituent units having ethylenically unsaturated bonds: (1) wherein R1 and R2 are each independently branched C3-8 alkyl which may be substituted, or C4-8 cycloalkyl which may be substituted.

Abstract: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing nanotubes from coaxial jets of immiscible liquids or poorly-miscible liquids. The purpose of the invention is to produce hollow fibers (nanotubes) or composite fibers having diameters ranging from a few micras to tens of nanometers and comprising walls, in the case of nanotubes, with a thickness ranging from hundreds of nanometers to a few nanometers. The inventive nanotube-formation method involves the generation of coaxial nanojets of two liquids using electrohydrodynamic technology.

Abstract: A method includes imparting energy to a target in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at room temperature to provide a substrate facing the target with a carbonaceous coating that includes nested carbon structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembly of small structures is disclosed. The present invention discloses electron beams created from one or more nanotips in an array operated in a field emission mode that can be controlled to apply heat to very well defined spots. The multiple electron beams may be generated and deflected and applied to electron beam heating and welding applications.

Abstract: Provided is the azobenzene derivative denoted by general formula (I). In general formula (I), R1 denotes a hydrogen atom or the like; Ar1 and Ar2 each independently denote an arylene group optionally comprising a substituent R or an aromatic heterocycle optionally comprising a substituent R, wherein Ar1 and Ar2 which are bonded through an azo group comprise at least two substituents denoted by R in total and multiple atoms and/or substituents denoted by R may be identical or different; R denotes a halogen atom or the like; X denotes an alkylene group optionally comprising a hetero atom; X1 denotes —NH— or the like; Y denotes a hydrogen atom or the like; a denotes an integer ranging from 0 to 2; and m and n each independently denote an integer ranging from 1 to 8.

Abstract: The present invention involves the interaction of radiation with functionalized carbon nanotubes that have been incorporated into various host materials, particularly polymeric ones. The present invention is directed to chemistries, methods, and apparatuses which exploit this type of radiation interaction, and to the materials which result from such interactions. The present invention is also directed toward the time dependent behavior of functionalized carbon nanotubes in such composite systems.

Abstract: A coaxial cable includes an internal insulating layer formed on an outer periphery of an electric conductor, and a conductive layer formed on an outer periphery of the internal insulating layer, wherein the conductive layer is made of a metal nanoparticle paste sintered body obtained by sintering metal nanopraticles by irradiation of light toward a metal nanoparticle paste, and an external insulating layer is formed on an outer periphery of the conductive layer.

Abstract: Described herein are electromagnetic traps or tweezers. Desired results are achieved by combining two recently developed techniques, 3D negative refraction flat lenses (3DNRFLs) and optical tweezers. The very unique advantages of using 3DNRFLs for electromagnetic traps have been demonstrated. Super-resolution and short focal distance of the flat lens result in a highly focused and strongly convergent beam, which is a key requirement for a stable and accurate electromagnetic trap. The translation symmetry of 3DNRFL provides translation-invariance for imaging, which allows an electromagnetic trap to be translated without moving the lens, and permits a trap array by using multiple sources with a single lens.

Abstract: A method for preparing III-VI2 nanoparticles and a thin film of polycrystalline light absorber layers. The method for preparing I-III-VI2 nanoparticles comprises the steps of: (a1) preparing a mixed solution by mixing each element from groups I, III and VI in the periodic table with a solvent; (a2) sonicating the mixed solution; (a3) separating the solvent from the sonicated mixed solution; and (a4) drying the product resulted from the above step (a3) to obtain nanoparticles.

Abstract: A nano device includes an array of cells disposed in rows and columns and constructed over a substrate, and an optical circuit disposed over the substrate, wherein the optical circuit is formed by nano elements in a self-assembled process.

Abstract: An object is to move a rail molecule by means of a biomolecular motor deposited on a base and inactivate the biomolecular motor through irradiation with light having a predetermined wavelength, to thereby readily and reliably fix the rail molecule at a predetermined position, while orienting the rail molecule in a predetermined direction without employment of any reagent. A method for fixing a rail molecule which has polarity and on which a biomolecular motor moves in a direction corresponding to the polarity includes depositing a biomolecular motor on a base; moving a rail molecule by means of the biomolecular motor; and inactivating the biomolecular motor by irradiating the biomolecular motor with light having a predetermined wavelength when the rail molecule reaches a predetermined position, to thereby fix the rail molecule so that it is oriented in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A light beam generating apparatus and method of controlling the same is provided. The light beam generating apparatus may include a light source, a beam expander collimating a light beam emitted from the light source, an optical shutter selectively transmitting a light beam transmitted through the beam expander, and a focusing lens focusing a light beam transmitted the optical shutter. The optical shutter in the light generating apparatus can selectively transmit a light beam based on on/off control of the optical shutter on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This may permit one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional nano patterns having various periods and directions to be manufactured.

Abstract: An ion flux is directed to a carbon nanotube to permanently shape, straighten and/or bend the carbon nanotube into a desired configuration. Such carbon nanotubes have many properties that make them ideal as probes for Scanning Probe Microscopy and many other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanowire production method that is simpler than conventional nanowire production methods, and that makes it easier to control the size and shape of the nanowires by using a technique completely different from the conventional ones. A powder particle containing a metal element is divided into nanometer-size wires containing the metal element by irradiating a suspension of the powder particles with a femtosecond laser. The present invention also makes it possible to divide the nanometer-size wires thus formed into nanometer-size particles containing the metal element by irradiating further the nanometer-size wires with the femtosecond laser.

Abstract: A photo-curing or photosintering process is utilized to modify, reduce or eliminate whiskers or nanowires growing on a material surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a charge pattern includes treating a stamp layer with a plasma, applying the treated stamp layer to a surface of a substrate to thereby form a charge pattern on the surface of the substrate, and separating the stamp layer from the surface of the substrate. In one aspect, the method includes depositing nanoparticles on the surface of the substrate. An apparatus made in accordance with the method is also provided.

Abstract: A disclosed technology is a method for exposing a photo-sensitive SAM film, wherein a self-assembled-monolayer (photo-sensitive SAM film) having photo-sensitivity, exhibiting hydrophobicity before exposure, and exhibiting hydrophilicity after exposure is formed on a substrate, exposure is performed to the substrate in a state in which a surface of the substrate on which the film has been formed is dipped in liquid or in a state in which a light-sensitive surface of the substrate faces downward to be in contact with liquid, exposure light is ultraviolet light, visible light, or light with an exposure-wavelength of 350 nm or more to 800 nm or less, and the liquid is at least one of organic solvent containing an aromatic group and organic solvent of alcohols, ethers, or ketones.

Abstract: Provided is an optical microscope system for detecting nanowires that is designed with a rotational polarizer and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to allow for use of an existing optical microscope in fabricating an electronic device having the nanowires. The optical microscope system includes: a light source for emitting light to provide the light to a nanowire sample; a rotational polarizer provided on a path of the light emitted from the light source for polarizing the light; an optical microscope for detecting a nanowire image using light that is polarized by the rotational polarizer and incident on the nanowire sample; a CCD camera provided in a region of the optical microscope for photographing and storing the nanowire image detected by the optical microscope; and a data processor for performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the nanowire image stored in the CCD camera.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are provided for improved contact doping and annealing systems and processes. In embodiments, a plasma ion immersion implantation (PIII) process is used for contact doping of nanowires and other nanoelement based thin film devices. According to further embodiments of the present invention, pulsed laser annealing using laser energy at relatively low laser fluences below about 100 mJ/cm2 (e.g., less than about 50 mJ/cm2, e.g., between about 2 and 18 mJ/cm2) is used to anneal nanowire and other nanoelement-based devices on substrates, such as low temperature flexible substrates, e.g., plastic substrates.

Abstract: Methods for preparing nanocrystalline-Si/SiO2 composites by treating hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) under reductive thermal curing conditions are described. Also described are methods of preparing silicon nanoparticles by acid etching the nanocrystalline-Si/SiO2 composites.

Abstract: Holographic optical traps using the forces exerted by computer-generated holograms to trap, move and otherwise transform mesoscopically textured materials. The efficacy of the present invention is based upon the quality and nature of the diffractive optical element used to create the traps and dynamically use them. Further a landscape of potential energy sites can be created and used to manipulate, sort and process objects.

Abstract: A near-field interaction control element includes a near-field optical waveguide containing particles formed of a metal, a metal anion or a metal cation with a diameter of 0.5 nm or more and 3 nm or less and a dielectric constant of ?2.5 or more and ?1.5 or less, an electron injector/discharger injecting or discharging an electron into or from the particles contained in the near-field optical waveguide to vary a dielectric constant of the near-field optical waveguide, a near-field light introducing part introducing near-field light into the near-field optical waveguide, and a near-field light emitting part emitting the near-field light having guided through the near-field optical waveguide.

Abstract: An apparatus for making electrspun fibers comprises a collector that may be submerged in a coagulation bath. The collector may be automatically movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the collected fibers are submerged in a coagulation bath in the first position and spaced apart from the coagulation bath in the second position. The collector may be a rotating collector. A process for making electrospun fibers comprises electrospinning a dispersion and collecting a plurality of electrospun fibers, followed by submerging the collected fibers in a coagulation bath.

Abstract: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.

Abstract: A filtration device including a filtration medium having a plurality of nanofibers of diameters less than 1 micron formed into a fiber mat in the presence of an abruptly varying electric field. The filtration device includes a support attached to the filtration medium and having openings for fluid flow therethrough. A device for making a filter material. The device includes an electrospinning element configured to electrospin a plurality of fibers from a tip of the electrospinning element, a collector opposed to the electrospinning element configured to collect electrospun fibers on a surface of the collector, and an electric field modulation device configured to abruptly vary an electric field at the collector at least once during electrospinning of the fibers. A method for making a filter material.

Abstract: An azobenzene derivative compound denoted by general formula (I): (wherein R1 denotes a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, cyano group, amino group, ester group, nitro group, alkyl group, alkoxyl group, cycloalkyl group, or heterocyclic group; m and n each independently denote an integer ranging from 1 to 6; R2 to R9 each independently denote a hydrogen atom or alkyl group; p and q each independently denote an integer ranging from 3 to 28; and r denotes 0 or 1). Particles formed by aggregates of the above azobenzene derivative compounds and method of fabricating the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in depositing electrical charge and/or nanoparticles is provided. A stamping process is used in which a stamp having a flexible layer such as a flexible semiconductor layer applies a charge pattern on a substrate. Other techniques include lithographic patterning, the use of pre-patterned dissimilar materials, deposition by ions or radiation, the use of differing work functions, the use of liquid phase materials. Deposition monitoring techniques and apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: A method has been developed for the post-synthesis separation of nanotubes by size and/or type. Solubilized, functionalized nanotubes are passed over a GPC column such that length-separated fractions are collected. These length-separated fractions can then further be separated by diameter or type. Particularly useful are methods for separating nanotubes into metallic and semiconducting fractions.