Patents by Inventor Erik Scher

Erik 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).

  • Patent number: 7585564
    Abstract: Ligand compositions for use in preparing discrete coated nanostructures are provided, as well as the coated nanostructures themselves and devices incorporating same. Methods for post-deposition shell formation on a nanostructure and for reversibly modifying nanostructures are also provided. The ligands and coated nanostructures of the present invention are particularly useful for close packed nanostructure compositions, which can have improved quantum confinement and/or reduced cross-talk between nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Whiteford, Mihai Buretea, William P. Freeman, Andreas Meisel, Kyu S. Min, J. Wallace Parce, Erik Scher
  • Patent number: 7572393
    Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric compositions 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: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Nanosys Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Whiteford, Mihai A. Buretea, Linh Nguyen, Erik Scher
  • Publication number: 20090085095
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrically active devices (e.g., capacitors, transistors, diodes, floating gate memory cells, etc.) having dielectric, conductor, and/or semiconductor layers with smooth and/or dome-shaped profiles and methods of forming such devices by depositing or printing (e.g., inkjet printing) an ink composition that includes a semiconductor, metal, or dielectric precursor. The smooth and/or dome-shaped cross-sectional profile allows for smooth topological transitions without sharp steps, preventing feature discontinuities during deposition and allowing for more complete step coverage of subsequently deposited structures. The inventive profile allows for both the uniform growth of oxide layers by thermal oxidation, and substantially uniform etching rates of the structures. Such oxide layers may have a uniform thickness and provide substantially complete coverage of the underlying electrically active feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Arvind KAMATH, Erik SCHER, Patrick SMITH, Aditi CHANDRA, Steven MOLESA
  • Publication number: 20090065776
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to printing features from an ink containing a material precursor. In some embodiments, the material includes an electrically active material, such as a semiconductor, a metal, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the material includes a dielectric. The embodiments provide improved printing process conditions that allow for more precise control of the shape, profile and dimensions of a printed line or other feature. The composition(s) and/or method(s) improve control of pinning by increasing the viscosity and mass loading of components in the ink. An exemplary method thus includes printing an ink comprising a material precursor and a solvent in a pattern on the substrate; precipitating the precursor in the pattern to form a pinning line; substantially evaporating the solvent to form a feature of the material precursor defined by the pinning line; and converting the material precursor to the patterned material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Erik SCHER, Steven Molesa, Joerg Rockenberger, Arvind Kamath, Ikuo Mori
  • Publication number: 20090020829
    Abstract: Methods of forming contacts (and optionally, local interconnects) using an ink comprising a silicide-forming metal, electrical devices such as diodes and/or transistors including such contacts and (optional) local interconnects, and methods for forming such devices are disclosed. The method of forming contacts includes depositing an ink of a silicide-forming metal onto an exposed silicon surface, drying the ink to form a silicide-forming metal precursor, and heating the silicide-forming metal precursor and the silicon surface to form a metal silicide contact. Optionally, the metal precursor ink may be selectively deposited onto a dielectric layer adjacent to the exposed silicon surface to form a metal-containing interconnect. Furthermore, one or more bulk conductive metal(s) may be deposited on remaining metal precursor ink and/or the dielectric layer. Electrical devices, such as diodes and transistors may be made using such printed contact and/or local interconnects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Aditi CHANDRA, Arvind KAMATH, James Montague CLEEVES, Joerg ROCKENBERGER, Mao Takashima, Erik SCHER
  • Publication number: 20090004370
    Abstract: Printable metal formulations, methods of making the formulations, and methods of coating or printing thin films from metal ink precursors are disclosed. The metal formulation generally includes one or more Group 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 metal salts or metal complexes, one or more solvents adapted to facilitate coating and/or printing of the formulation, and one or more optional additives that form (only) gaseous or volatile byproducts upon reduction of the metal salt or metal complex to an elemental metal and/or alloy thereof. The formulation may be made by combining the metal salt(s) or metal complex(es) and the solvent(s), and dissolving the metal salt(s) or metal complex(es) in the solvent(s) to form the formulation. Thin films may be made by coating or printing the metal formulation on a substrate; removing the solvents to form a metal-containing precursor film; and reducing the metal-containing precursor film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Fabio ZURCHER, Aditi Chandra, Wenzhuo Guo, Erik Scher, Mao Takashima, Joerg Rockenberger
  • Publication number: 20080308130
    Abstract: Methods of processing nanocrystals to remove excess free and bound organic material and particularly surfactants used during the synthesis process, and resulting nanocrystal compositions, devices and systems that are physically, electrically and chemically integratable into an end application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Scher, Mihai Buretea, Jeffery A. Whiteford, Andreas Meisel
  • Publication number: 20080241051
    Abstract: Methods of processing nanocrystals to remove excess free and bound organic material and particularly surfactants used during the synthesis process, and resulting nanocrystal compositions, devices and systems that are physically, electrically and chemically integratable into an end application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: NANOSYS, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Scher, Mihai Buretea, Jeffery A. Whiteford, Andreas Meisel
  • Patent number: 7422790
    Abstract: Methods of processing nanocrystals to remove excess free and bound organic material and particularly surfactants used during the synthesis process, and resulting nanocrystal compositions, devices and systems that are physically, electrically and chemically integratable into an end application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Scher, Mihai Buretea, Jeffery A. Whiteford, Andreas Meisel
  • Publication number: 20080118755
    Abstract: Ligand compositions for use in preparing discrete coated nanostructures are provided, as well as the coated nanostructures themselves and devices incorporating same. Methods for post-deposition shell formation on a nanostructure, for reversibly modifying nanostructures, and for manipulating the electronic properties of nanostructures are also provided. The ligands and coated nanostructures of the present invention are particularly useful for close packed nanostructure compositions, which can have improved quantum confinement and/or reduced cross-talk between nanostructures. Ligands of the present invention are also useful for manipulating the electronic properties of nanostructure compositions (e.g., by modulating energy levels, creating internal bias fields, reducing charge transfer or leakage, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: NANOSYS, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Whiteford, Mihai A. Buretea, Jian Chen, William P. Freeman, Andreas Meisel, Linh Nguyen, J. Wallace Parce, Erik Scher
  • Publication number: 20080085373
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlled polymerization and/or oligomerization of hydrosilanes compounds including those of the general formulae SinH2n and SinH2n+2 as well as alkyl- and arylsilanes, to produce soluble silicon polymers as a precursor to silicon films having low carbon content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Dmitry KARSHTEDT, Joerg Rockenberger, Fabio Zurcher, Brent Ridley, Erik Scher
  • Publication number: 20080041814
    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: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Linda Romano, Jian Chen, Xiangfeng Duan, Robert Dubrow, Stephen Empedocles, Jay Goldman, James Hamilton, David Heald, Francesco Lemmi, Chunming Niu, Yaoling Pan, George Pontis, Vijendra Sahi, Erik Scher, David Stumbo, Jeffery Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20080032134
    Abstract: Ligand compositions for use in preparing discrete coated nanostructures are provided, as well as the coated nanostructures themselves and devices incorporating same. Methods for post-deposition shell formation on a nanostructure and for reversibly modifying nanostructures are also provided. The ligands and coated nanostructures of the present invention are particularly useful for close packed nanostructure compositions, which can have improved quantum confinement and/or reduced cross-talk between nanostructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: NANOSYS, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Whiteford, Rhett Brewer, Mihai Buretea, Jian Chen, Karen Cruden, Xiangfeng Duan, William Freeman, David Heald, Francisco Leon, Chao Liu, Andreas Meisel, Kyu Min, J. Parce, Erik Scher
  • Publication number: 20080020235
    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: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Parce, Jian Chen, Robert Dubrow, William Freeman, Erik Scher, Jeffery Whiteford
  • Patent number: 7267875
    Abstract: Ligand compositions for use in preparing discrete coated nanostructures are provided, as well as the coated nanostructures themselves and devices incorporating same. Methods for post-deposition shell formation on a nanostructure and for reversibly modifying nanostructures are also provided. The ligands and coated nanostructures of the present invention are particularly useful for close packed nanostructure compositions, which can have improved quantum confinement and/or reduced cross-talk between nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Whiteford, Mihai Buretea, William P. Freeman, Andreas Meisel, Kyu S. Min, J. Wallace Parce, Erik Scher
  • Publication number: 20070122101
    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: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicant: NANOSYS, Inc.
    Inventors: Mihai Buretea, Stephen Empedocles, Chunming Niu, Erik Scher
  • Publication number: 20060159916
    Abstract: This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such substrates, as well as methods and uses for such substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Applicant: NANOSYS, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Dubrow, Robert Daniels, J. Parce, Matthew Murphy, Jim Hamilton, Erik Scher, Dave Stumbo, Chunming Niu, Linda Romano, Jay Goldman, Vijendra Sahi, Jeffery Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20060112983
    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: November 10, 2005
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Applicant: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Parce, Calvin Chow, Andreas Meisel, Linh Nguyen, Erik Scher, Jeffery Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20060068154
    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: January 13, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: NANOSYS, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Parce, Jian Chen, Robert Dubrow, William Freeman, Erik Scher, Jeffery Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20060040103
    Abstract: Ligand compositions for use in preparing discrete coated nanostructures are provided, as well as the coated nanostructures themselves and devices incorporating same. Methods for post-deposition shell formation on a nanostructure and for reversibly modifying nanostructures are also provided. The ligands and coated nanostructures of the present invention are particularly useful for close packed nanostructure compositions, which can have improved quantum confinement and/or reduced cross-talk between nanostructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Applicant: NANOSYS, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Whiteford, Rhett Brewer, Mihai Buretea, Jian Chen, Karen Cruden, Xiangfeng Duan, William Freeman, David Heald, Francisco Leon, Chao Liu, Andreas Meisel, Kyu Min, J. Parce, Erik Scher