Patents by Inventor A. Paul Alivisatos

A. Paul 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: 20090253211
    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 the 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20090230412
    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: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Michael C. Schlamp, A. Paul Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20090217973
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device having a first electrode layer, a high resistivity transparent film disposed on the first electrode, a second electrode layer, and an inorganic photoactive layer disposed between the first and second electrode layers, wherein the inorganic photoactive layer is disposed in at least partial electrical contact with the high resistivity transparent film, and in at least partial electrical contact with the second electrode. The photoactive layer has a first inorganic material and a second inorganic material different from the first inorganic material, wherein the first and second inorganic materials exhibit a type II band offset energy profile, and wherein the photoactive layer has a first population of nanostructures of a first inorganic material and a second population of nanostructures of a second inorganic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Paul A. Alivisatos, Ilan Gur, Delia Milliron
  • Publication number: 20090191567
    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 the 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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: SHIMON WEISS, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20090142522
    Abstract: Described herein are hollow nanocrystals having various shapes that can be produced by a simple chemical process. The hollow nanocrystals described herein may have a shell as thin as 0.5 nm and outside diameters that can be controlled by the process of making.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Yadong Yin, Can Kerem Erdonmez
  • Patent number: 7534488
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Erik C. Scher, Liberato Manna
  • Publication number: 20080226934
    Abstract: Described herein are nanoreactors having various shapes that can be produced by a simple chemical process. The nanoreactors described herein may have a shell as thin as 0.5 nm and outside diameters that can be controlled by the process of making and have a nanoparticle enclosed therein. The nanoreactors have catalytic activity and may be used to catalyze a variety of chemical reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Yadong Yin, Robert M. Rioux, Gabor A. Somorjai
  • Publication number: 20080216892
    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: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Erik C. Scher, Liberato Manna
  • Publication number: 20080202579
    Abstract: A process for forming functionalized nanorods. The process includes providing a substrate, modifying the substrate by depositing a self-assembled monolayer of a bi-functional molecule on the substrate, wherein the monolayer is chosen such that one side of the bi-functional molecule binds to the substrate surface and the other side shows an independent affinity for binding to a nanocrystal surface, so as to form a modified substrate. The process further includes contacting the modified substrate with a solution containing nanocrystal colloids, forming a bound monolayer of nanocrystals on the substrate surface, depositing a polymer layer over the monolayer of nanocrystals to partially cover the monolayer of nanocrystals, so as to leave a layer of exposed nanocrystals, functionalizing the exposed nanocrystals, to form functionalized nanocrystals, and then releasing the functionalized nanocrystals from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: The Regents o the University of California
    Inventors: llan Gur, Delia Milliron, A. Paul Alivisatos, Haitao Liu
  • Publication number: 20080188063
    Abstract: Graded core/shell semiconductor nanorods and shaped nanorods are disclosed comprising Group II-VI, Group III-V and Group IV semiconductors and methods of making the same. Also disclosed are nanorod barcodes using core/shell nanorods where the core is a semiconductor or metal material, and with or without a shell. Methods of labeling analytes using the nanorod barcodes are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Erik C. Scher, Liberato Manna
  • Patent number: 7314764
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Jr., Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 7311774
    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 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Eric C. Sher, Liberato Manna
  • Patent number: 7303628
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Delia Milliron, Liberato Manna, Steven M. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20070111350
    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 the 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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 7101718
    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: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Jr., Paul Alivisatos
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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