Patents by Inventor Erik C. Scher

Erik C. Scher 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: 20100001982
    Abstract: Devices, compositions and methods for producing photoactive devices, systems and compositions that have improved conversion efficiencies relative to previously described devices, systems and compositions. This improved efficiency is generally obtained by one or both of improving the efficiency of light absorption into the photoactive component, and improving the efficiency of energy extraction from that active component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.
    Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Calvin Y.H. Chow, Andreas P. Meisel, Linh Nguyen, Erik C. Scher, Jeffery A. Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20090317044
    Abstract: This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Mihai Buretea, Stephen Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik C. Scher
  • Patent number: 7603003
    Abstract: This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc
    Inventors: Mihai A. Bureatea, Stephen A. Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik C. Scher
  • Patent number: 7572395
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions (small molecules, oligomers and polymers) that can be used to modify charge transport across a nanocrystal surface or within a nanocrystal-containing matrix, as well as methods for making and using the novel compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Whiteford, Mihai A. Buretea, Erik C. Scher
  • Patent number: 7557028
    Abstract: Methods for producing nanostructures, particularly Group III-V semiconductor nanostructures, are provided. The methods include use of novel Group III and/or Group V precursors, novel surfactants, oxide acceptors, high temperature, and/or stable co-products. Related compositions are also described. Methods and compositions for producing Group III inorganic compounds that can be used as precursors for nanostructure synthesis are provided. Methods for increasing the yield of nanostructures from a synthesis reaction by removal of a vaporous by-product are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik C. Scher, Mihai A. Buretea, William P. Freeman, Joel Gamoras, Baixin Qian, Jeffery A. Whiteford
  • 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: 20090121190
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.
    Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Jian Chen, Robert S. Dubrow, William P. Freeman, Erik C. Scher, Jeffery A. Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20090050854
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions (small molecules, oligomers and polymers) that can be used to modify charge transport across a nanocrystal surface or within a nanocrystal-containing matrix, as well as methods for making and using the novel compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Whiteford, Mihai A. Buretea, Erik C. Scher
  • Publication number: 20090010608
    Abstract: This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Mihai Buretea, Stephen Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik C. Scher
  • Publication number: 20080257406
    Abstract: Devices, compositions and methods for producing photoactive devices, systems and compositions that have improved conversion efficiencies relative to previously described devices, systems and compositions. This improved efficiency is generally obtained by one or both of improving the efficiency of light absorption into the photoactive component, and improving the efficiency of energy extraction from that active component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Calvin Y.H. Chow, Andreas P. Meisel, Linh Nguyen, Erik C. Scher, Jeffery A. Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20080257407
    Abstract: Devices, compositions and methods for producing photoactive devices, systems and compositions that have improved conversion efficiencies relative to previously described devices, systems and compositions. This improved efficiency is generally obtained by one or both of improving the efficiency of light absorption into the photoactive component, and improving the efficiency of energy extraction from that active component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Calvin Y.H. Chow, Andreas P. Meisel, Linh Nguyen, Erik C. Scher, Jeffery A. Whiteford
  • Patent number: 7438833
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions (small molecules, oligomers and polymers) that can be used to modify charge transport across a nanocrystal surface or within a nanocrystal-containing matrix, as well as methods for making and using the novel compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Whiteford, Mihai A. Buretea, Erik C. Scher
  • 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: 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: 7374807
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Wallace Parce, Jian Chen, Bob Dubrow, Bill Freeman, Erik C. Scher, Jeffery A. Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20080105855
    Abstract: This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Mihai Buretea, Stephen Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik C. Scher
  • Patent number: 7339184
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods to harvest, integrate and exploit nanomaterials, and particularly elongated nanowire materials. The invention provides methods for harvesting nanowires that include selectively etching a sacrificial layer placed on a nanowire growth substrate to remove nanowires. The invention also provides methods for integrating nanowires into electronic devices that include placing an outer surface of a cylinder in contact with a fluid suspension of nanowires and rolling the nanowire coated cylinder to deposit nanowires onto a surface. Methods are also provided to deposit nanowires using an ink-jet printer or an aperture to align nanowires. Additional aspects of the invention provide methods for preventing gate shorts in nanowire based transistors. Additional methods for harvesting and integrating nanowires are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc
    Inventors: Linda T. Romano, Jian Chen, Xiangfeng Duan, Robert S. Dubrow, Stephen A. Empedocles, Jay L. Goldman, James M. Hamilton, David L. Heald, Francesco Lemmi, Chunming Niu, Yaoling Pan, George Pontis, Vijendra Sahi, Erik C. Scher, David P. Stumbo, Jeffery A. Whiteford
  • Patent number: 7228050
    Abstract: This invention provides composite materials comprising nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, nanocrystals, and nanoparticles). Methods and compositions for making such nanocomposites are also provided, as are articles comprising such composites. Waveguides and light concentrators comprising nanostructures (not necessarily as part of a nanocomposite) are additional features of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Mihai Buretea, Stephen Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik C. Scher
  • Patent number: 7087833
    Abstract: Nanocomposite photovoltaic devices are provided that generally include semiconductor nanocrystals as at least a portion of a photoactive layer. Photovoltaic devices and other layered devices that comprise core-shell nanostructures and/or two populations of nanostructures, where the nanostructures are not necessarily part of a nanocomposite, are also features of the invention. Varied architectures for such devices are also provided including flexible and rigid architectures, planar and non-planar architectures and the like, as are systems incorporating such devices, and methods and systems for fabricating such devices. Compositions comprising two populations of nanostructures of different materials are also a feature of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik C. Scher, Mihai Buretea, Stephen A. Empedocles
  • Patent number: 7087832
    Abstract: Nanocomposite photovoltaic devices are provided that generally include semiconductor nanocrystals as at least a portion of a photoactive layer. Photovoltaic devices and other layered devices that comprise core-shell nanostructures and/or two populations of nanostructures, where the nanostructures are not necessarily part of a nanocomposite, are also features of the invention. Varied architectures for such devices are also provided including flexible and rigid architectures, planar and non-planar architectures and the like, as are systems incorporating such devices, and methods and systems for fabricating such devices. Compositions comprising two populations of nanostructures of different materials are also a feature of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik C. Scher, Mihai Buretea, Calvin Y. H. Chow, Stephen A. Empedocles, Andreas P. Meisel, J. Wallace Parce