Patents Assigned to Sandia
  • Structured wafer for device processing
    Patent number: 8895364
    Abstract: A structured wafer that includes through passages is used for device processing. Each of the through passages extends from or along one surface of the structured wafer and forms a pattern on a top surface area of the structured wafer. The top surface of the structured wafer is bonded to a device layer via a release layer. Devices are processed on the device layer, and are released from the structured wafer using etchant. The through passages within the structured wafer allow the etchant to access the release layer to thereby remove the release layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Okandan, Gregory N. Nielson
  • Frequency selective infrared sensors
    Patent number: 8897609
    Abstract: A frequency selective infrared (IR) photodetector having a predetermined frequency band. The exemplary frequency selective photodetector includes: a dielectric IR absorber having a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface; an electrode electrically coupled to the first surface of the dielectric IR absorber; and a frequency selective surface plasmonic (FSSP) structure formed on the second surface of the dielectric IR absorber. The FSSP structure is designed to selectively transmit radiation in the predetermined frequency band that is incident on the FSSP structure substantially independent of the angle of incidence of the incident radiation on the FSSP structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Davids, David W. Peters
  • Method of fabricating vertically aligned group III-V nanowires
    Patent number: 8895337
    Abstract: A top-down method of fabricating vertically aligned Group III-V micro- and nanowires uses a two-step etch process that adds a selective anisotropic wet etch after an initial plasma etch to remove the dry etch damage while enabling micro/nanowires with straight and smooth faceted sidewalls and controllable diameters independent of pitch. The method enables the fabrication of nanowire lasers, LEDs, and solar cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: George T. Wang, Qiming Li
  • Impurity-induced disorder in III-nitride materials and devices
    Patent number: 8895335
    Abstract: A method for impurity-induced disordering in III-nitride materials comprises growing a III-nitride heterostructure at a growth temperature and doping the heterostructure layers with a dopant during or after the growth of the heterostructure and post-growth annealing of the heterostructure. The post-growth annealing temperature can be sufficiently high to induce disorder of the heterostructure layer interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Wierer, Jr., Andrew A. Allerman
  • Neutron generators with size scalability, ease of fabrication and multiple ion source functionalities
    Patent number: 8891721
    Abstract: A neutron generator is provided with a flat, rectilinear geometry and surface mounted metallizations. This construction provides scalability and ease of fabrication, and permits multiple ion source functionalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Juan M. Elizondo-Decanini
  • Decoding and optimized implementation of SECDED codes over GF(q)
    Patent number: 8892985
    Abstract: A plurality of columns for a check matrix that implements a distance d linear error correcting code are populated by providing a set of vectors from which to populate the columns, and applying to the set of vectors a filter operation that reduces the set by eliminating therefrom all vectors that would, if used to populate the columns, prevent the check matrix from satisfying a column-wise linear independence requirement associated with check matrices of distance d linear codes. One of the vectors from the reduced set may then be selected to populate one of the columns. The filtering and selecting repeats iteratively until either all of the columns are populated or the number of currently unpopulated columns exceeds the number of vectors in the reduced set. Columns for the check matrix may be processed to reduce the amount of logic needed to implement the check matrix in circuit logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignees: Sandia Corporation, Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Lee Ward, Anand Ganti, David R. Resnick
  • IMAGE REGISTRATION VIA OPTIMIZATION OVER DISJOINT IMAGE REGIONS
    Publication number: 20140334735
    Abstract: Technologies pertaining to registering a target image with a base image are described. In a general embodiment, the base image is selected from a set of images, and the target image is an image in the set of images that is to be registered to the base image. A set of disjoint regions of the target image is selected, and a transform to be applied to the target image is computed based on the optimization of a metric over the selected set of disjoint regions. The transform is applied to the target image so as to register the target image with the base image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Pitts, Simon Hathaway, David B. Karelitz, John Sandusky, Richard Mark Laine
  • METHODS AND DEVICES FOR IMMOBILIZATION OF SINGLE PARTICLES IN A VIRTUAL CHANNEL IN A HYDRODYNAMIC TRAP
    Publication number: 20140329722
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of immobilizing a particle which comprise focusing the flow of a sample fluid containing the particle into a virtual channel which flows towards an unoccupied hydrodynamic trap in a microfluidic channel such that the particle flows into the hydrodynamic trap and becomes immobilized therein. Also disclosed are microfluidic devices which comprise at least one microchannel having at least one hydrodynamic trap, at least one focusing fluid inlet, said focusing fluid inlet is upstream of the hydrodynamic trap such that a focusing fluid introduced therein results in a virtual channel of a sample fluid when present which preferentially flows toward the hydrodynamic trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: SANDIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas D. Perroud, Kamlesh D. Patel
  • Imaging Doppler Lidar for Wind Turbine Wake Profiling
    Publication number: 20140327904
    Abstract: An imaging Doppler lidar (IDL) enables the measurement of the velocity distribution of a large volume, in parallel, and at high spatial resolution in the wake of a wind turbine. Because the IDL is non-scanning, it can be orders of magnitude faster than conventional coherent lidar approaches. Scattering can be obtained from naturally occurring aerosol particles. Furthermore, the wind velocity can be measured directly from Doppler shifts of the laser light, so the measurement can be accomplished at large standoff and at wide fields-of-view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Bossert
  • Solid-state lithium battery
    Patent number: 8877388
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a higher power, thin film lithium-ion electrolyte on a metallic substrate, enabling mass-produced solid-state lithium batteries. High-temperature thermodynamic equilibrium processing enables co-firing of oxides and base metals, providing a means to integrate the crystalline, lithium-stable, fast lithium-ion conductor lanthanum lithium tantalate (La1/3-xLi3xTaO3) directly with a thin metal foil current collector appropriate for a lithium-free solid-state battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Ihlefeld, Paul G. Clem, Cynthia Edney, David Ingersoll, Ganesan Nagasubramanian, Kyle Ross Fenton
  • Reducing current reversal time in electric motor control
    Patent number: 8878473
    Abstract: The time required to reverse current flow in an electric motor is reduced by exploiting inductive current that persists in the motor when power is temporarily removed. Energy associated with this inductive current is used to initiate reverse current flow in the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Michael V. Bredemann
  • Wear-Resistant Nanocrystalline Hard Noble Metal Coating
    Publication number: 20140319432
    Abstract: A new class of electrically conductive, wear resistant, and high thermal stability nanocrystalline noble metal coatings achieved by codeposition of an insoluble, unreactive, and thermally stable, grain boundary segregated ceramic species that strengthens the base metal by inhibiting grain boundary mobility and recrystallization during deposition. These coatings exhibit high hardness and wear resistance while maintaining electrical conductivity effectively equivalent to that of the pure, fine-grained base metal. The coatings exhibit relatively low friction coefficients in nominally unlubricated sliding, and high thermal stability. The friction, wear, and electrical contact characteristics of these coatings are comparable or superior to electroplated hard gold films used extensively in electrical contact applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald S. Goeke, Nicolas Argibay, Somuri V. Prasad
  • Increasing security in inter-chip communication
    Patent number: 8874926
    Abstract: An apparatus for increasing security in inter-chip communication includes a sending control module, a communication bus, and a receiving control module. The communication bus is coupled between the sending control module and the receiving control module. The sending control module operates to send data on the communication bus, disable the communication bus when threats are detected, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan J. Edwards, Jason Hamlet, Todd Bauer, Ryan Helinski
  • Methods, microfluidic devices, and systems for detection of an active enzymatic agent
    Patent number: 8871496
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, microfluidic devices, and systems for the detection of an active target agent in a fluid sample. A substrate molecule is used that contains a sequence which may cleave in the presence of an active target agent. A SNAP25 sequence is described, for example, that may be cleaved in the presence of Botulinum Neurotoxin. The substrate molecule includes a reporter moiety. The substrate molecule is exposed to the sample, and resulting reaction products separated using electrophoretic separation. The elution time of the reporter moiety may be utilized to identify the presence or absence of the active target agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Sommer, Anson V. Hatch, Anup K. Singh, Ying-Chih Wang
  • Synthesis of porphyrin nanostructures
    Patent number: 8871926
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to self-assembly methods for generating porphyrin nanostructures. For example, in one embodiment a method is provided that includes preparing a porphyrin solution and a surfactant solution. The porphyrin solution is then mixed with the surfactant solution at a concentration sufficient for confinement of the porphyrin molecules by the surfactant molecules. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant is at or above its critical micelle concentration (CMC), which allows the surfactant to template the growth of the nanostructure over time. The size and morphology of the nanostructures may be affected by the type of porphyrin molecules used, the type of surfactant used, the concentration of the porphyrin and surfactant the pH of the mixture of the solutions, and the order of adding the reagents to the mixture, to name a few variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Hongyou Fan, Feng Bai
  • Memristor using a transition metal nitride insulator
    Patent number: 8872246
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed in which at least one resistive switching element is interposed between at least a first and a second conducting electrode element. The resistive switching element comprises a metal oxynitride. A method for making such a resistive switching element is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Stevens, Matthew Marinella, Andrew John Lohn
  • Novel compositions and methods useful for ionic liquid treatment of biomass
    Publication number: 20140311481
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel compositions and methods for recycling or recovering ionic liquid used in IL pretreated cellulose and/or lignocellulosic biomass (LBM).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: SANDIA CORPORATION, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Dean C. Dibble, Aurelia Cheng, Anthe George
  • FINANCIAL METHODS FOR WATERFLOODING INJECTATE DESIGN
    Publication number: 20140311750
    Abstract: A method of selecting an injectate for recovering liquid hydrocarbons from a reservoir includes designing a plurality of injectates, calculating a net present value of each injectate, and selecting a candidate injectate based on the net present value. For example, the candidate injectate may be selected to maximize the net present value of a waterflooding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: NRG Systems Inc., Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Helmuth J. Heneman, Patrick V. Brady
  • Time encoded radiation imaging
    Patent number: 8866100
    Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to detecting nuclear material at a large stand-off distance. An imaging system is presented which can detect nuclear material by utilizing time encoded imaging relating to maximum and minimum radiation particle counts rates. The imaging system is integrated with a data acquisition system that can utilize variations in photon pulse shape to discriminate between neutron and gamma-ray interactions. Modulation in the detected neutron count rates as a function of the angular orientation of the detector due to attenuation of neighboring detectors is utilized to reconstruct the neutron source distribution over 360 degrees around the imaging system. Neutrons (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Marleau, Erik Brubaker, Scott Kiff
  • Multi-factor authentication
    Patent number: 8868923
    Abstract: Detection and deterrence of spoofing of user authentication may be achieved by including a cryptographic fingerprint unit within a hardware device for authenticating a user of the hardware device. The cryptographic fingerprint unit includes an internal physically unclonable function (“PUF”) circuit disposed in or on the hardware device, which generates a PUF value. Combining logic is coupled to receive the PUF value, combines the PUF value with one or more other authentication factors to generate a multi-factor authentication value. A key generator is coupled to generate a private key and a public key based on the multi-factor authentication value while a decryptor is coupled to receive an authentication challenge posed to the hardware device and encrypted with the public key and coupled to output a response to the authentication challenge decrypted with the private key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Jason R. Hamlet, Lyndon G. Pierson