Patents by Inventor A. Alivisatos

A. Alivisatos 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).

  • Publication number: 20060177945
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) an affinity molecule linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal. The semiconductor nanocrystal is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. Exposure of the semiconductor nanocrystal to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation. Further described are processes for respectively: making the luminescent semiconductor nanocrystal compound; making the semiconductor nanocrystal probe; and using the probe to determine the presence of a detectable substance in a material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 6984369
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making surfactant capped nanocrystals of metal oxides which are dispersable in organic solvents. The process comprises decomposing a metal cupferron complex of the formula MXCupX, wherein M is a metal, and Cup is a N-substituted N-Nitroso hydroxylamine, in the presence of a coordinating surfactant, the reaction being conducted at a temperature ranging from about 150 to about 400° C., for a period of time sufficient to complete the reaction. Also disclosed are compounds made by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Joerg Rockenberger
  • Publication number: 20060003464
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in the probe causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20050211154
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanostructures comprising distinct dots and rods coupled through potential barriers of tuneable height and width, and arranged in three dimensional space at well defined angles and distances. Such control allows investigation of potential applications ranging from quantum information processing to artificial photosynthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Inventors: A. Alivisatos, Delia Milliron, Liberato Manna, Steven Hughes
  • Patent number: 6927069
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. Subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in the probe causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Jr., Paul Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20050146258
    Abstract: A multicolor electronic display is based on an array of luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals. Nanocrystals which emit light of different colors are grouped into pixels. The nanocrystals are optically pumped to produce a multicolor display. Different sized nanocrystals are used to produce the different colors. A variety of pixel addressing systems can be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Michael Schlamp, A. Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20050133087
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides for thin films and methods of making comprising inorganic semiconductor-nanocrystals dispersed in semiconducting-polymers in high loading amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: A. Alivisatos, Janke Dittmer, Wendy Huynh, Delia Milliron
  • Publication number: 20050109269
    Abstract: Shaped nanocrystal particles and methods for making shaped nanocrystal particles are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method for forming a branched, nanocrystal particle. It includes (a) forming a core having a first crystal structure in a solution, (b) forming a first arm extending from the core having a second crystal structure in the solution, and (c) forming a second arm extending from the core having the second crystal structure in the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Alivisatos, Eric Sher, Liberato Manna
  • Patent number: 6884478
    Abstract: Semiconductor liquid crystal compositions and methods for making such compositions are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a liquid crystal composition including a solvent and semiconductor particles in the solvent. The solvent and the semiconductor particles are in an effective amount in the liquid crystal composition to form a liquid crystal phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Liang-shi Li
  • Publication number: 20050054004
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a graded core/shell semiconductor nanorod having at least a first segment of a core of a Group II-VI, Group III-V or a Group IV semiconductor, a graded shell overlying the core, wherein the graded shell comprises at least two monolayers, wherein the at least two monolayers each independently comprise a Group II-VI, Group III-V or a Group IV semiconductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Inventors: A. Alivisatos, Erik Scher, Liberato Manna
  • Patent number: 6864626
    Abstract: A multicolor electronic display is based on an array of luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals. Nanocrystals which emit light of different colors are grouped into pixels. The nanocrystals are optically pumped to produce a multicolor display. Different sized nanocrystals are used to produce the different colors. A variety of pixel addressing systems can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Michael C. Schlamp, A. Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 6855202
    Abstract: Shaped nanocrystal particles and methods for making shaped nanocrystal particles are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method for forming a branched, nanocrystal particle. It includes (a) forming a core having a first crystal structure in a solution, (b) forming a first arm extending from the core having a second crystal structure in the solution, and (c) forming a second arm extending from the core having the second crystal structure in the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Erik C. Scher, Liberato Manna
  • Patent number: 6727065
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound and probe are described. The compound is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy. Also described are processes for respectively: making the semiconductor nanocrystal compound; making the semiconductor nanocrystal probe; and treating materials with the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 6699723
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. Subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in the probe, causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Jr., Paul Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20030226498
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides for thin films and methods of making comprising inorganic semiconductor-nanocrystals dispersed in semiconducting-polymers in high loading amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Janke J. Dittmer, Wendy U. Huynh, Delia Milliron
  • Publication number: 20030145779
    Abstract: Shaped nanocrystal particles and methods for making shaped nanocrystal particles are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method for forming a branched, nanocrystal particle. It includes (a) forming a core having a first crystal structure in a solution, (b) forming a first arm extending from the core having a second crystal structure in the solution, and (c) forming a second arm extending from the core having the second crystal structure in the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Erik C. Scher, Liberato Manna
  • Publication number: 20030136943
    Abstract: Semiconductor liquid crystal compositions and methods for making such compositions are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a liquid crystal composition including a solvent and semiconductor particles in the solvent. The solvent and the semiconductor particles are in an effective amount in the liquid crystal composition to form a liquid crystal phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Regents of University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Liang-shi Li
  • Publication number: 20030113709
    Abstract: Methods for determining metabolic properties of living cells through the uptake of semiconductor nanocrystals by cells. Generally the methods require a layer of neutral or hydrophilic semiconductor nanocrystals and a layer of cells seeded onto a culture surface and changes in the layer of semiconductor nanocrystals are detected. The observed changes made to the layer of semiconductor nanocrystals can be correlated to such metabolic properties as metastatic potential, cell motility or migration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Carolyn A. Larabell, Wolfgang J. Parak, Mark Le Gros, Rosanne Boudreau
  • Publication number: 20030100130
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in the probe causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20030099968
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described which is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to the one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more of these semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos