Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing an applied local tactile pressure are disclosed. The methods can include directing light onto a tactile sensing element that includes a metal nanoparticle layer. The methods can further include receiving at least a portion of the light scattered from the metal nanoparticle layer. The methods can further include determining a local pressure exerted on the tactile sensing element based at least in part on a change in a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectrum of the received portion of the scattered light.

Abstract: Techniques for nano structure fabrication are provided.

Abstract: Techniques for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles are provided. In one embodiment, a method performed under the control of at least one apparatus for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles includes preparing a substrate that defines at least one cavity through a portion thereof, soaking the substrate with a solution, the solution including a multiple number of magnetic nanoparticles, and applying a magnetic field so as to collect at least a portion of the magnetic nanoparticles into the at least one cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of processing a polycrystalline nanoparticle. The method includes exposing a polycrystalline nanoparticle that includes at least two metal oxide crystallites bonded to each other to a chemical composition that includes a catalyst in order to at least partially separate the at least two metal oxide crystallites of the polycrystalline nanoparticle at an interface thereof.

Abstract: An aggregate of mesoporous microparticles that comprises two or more of covalently bound mesoporous microparticles is described. The aggregate of mesoporous microparticles can be used for many applications, including slowing or reversing desertification.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a filter including a plurality of spheres close-packed to form a thin layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a target molecule in a sample are disclosed. The method optionally includes, but is not limited to, contacting the sample with a substrate having a metallic surface and receptors configured to bind to a target molecule, optionally in the presence of one or more metallic nanoparticles also including receptors configured to bind to a target molecule. The method optionally further includes dispersing a dye over the substrate; and applying a magnetic field to the substrate.

Abstract: The filter provided herein includes one or more nanofibers. In some examples of the filter, the nanofibers include one or more nanoparticles, in which the nanoparticles are at least partially surrounded by pockets.

Abstract: Systems and methods of forming photocatalytic nanocapsules and photocatalytic fibers are disclosed. The methods can include encapsulating one or more photocatalytic nanoparticles in a shell including at least one nanopore. The methods can further include forming photocatalytic fibers from a solution having one or more photocatalytic particles in a polycarbosilane melt.

Abstract: Techniques for making nanowires with a desired diameter are provided. The nanowires can be grown from catalytic nanoparticles, wherein the nanowires can have substantially same diameter as the catalytic nanoparticles. Since the size or the diameter of the catalytic nanoparticles can be controlled in production of the nanoparticles, the diameter of the nanowires can be subsequently controlled as well. The catalytic nanoparticles are melted and provided with a gaseous precursor of the nanowires. When supersaturation of the catalytic nanoparticles with the gaseous precursor is reached, the gaseous precursor starts to solidify and form nanowires. The nanowires are separate from each other and not bind with each other to form a plurality of nanowires having the substantially uniform diameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing an applied local tactile pressure are disclosed. The methods can include directing light onto a tactile sensing element that includes a metal nanoparticle layer. The methods can further include receiving at least a portion of the light scattered from the metal nanoparticle layer. The methods can further include determining a local pressure exerted on the tactile sensing element based at least in part on a change in a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectrum of the received portion of the scattered light.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to labeling reagents comprising a plurality of nanoplates attached to dye molecules. The nanoplates may be configured into stacks and/or at least partially surrounded by a surrounding layer. The reagent may then be used to label a target (e.g., structure or environment).

Abstract: A sensor producing apparatus comprised of an extractor for extracting a nano fiber from a solution and a driving device to relatively move the substrate and the extractor, a method for forming a sensor, and a sensor with a nano structure are provided.

Abstract: Techniques for coating a fiber with metal oxide include forming silica in the fiber to fix the metal oxide to the fiber. The coated fiber can be used to facilitate photocatalysis.

Abstract: Methods of making a porous membrane and the applications of the porous membrane are disclosed. One such method includes providing a substrate; and forming a first layer over the substrate. The first layer is formed of a metallic material. The method also includes providing a second layer of oxide particles over the first layer; and pressing the second layer against the first layer such that at least portion of the first layer is inserted into gaps between the oxide particles. The resulting membrane can have various applications, including, but not limited to, a catalyst, in a chemical reaction, a component in an electrical or electronic device, or a filter component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting molecules are disclosed. One such embodiment is an apparatus for detecting molecules. The apparatus includes a substrate having a surface; and an array of features formed over the surface in a grating pattern. Each of the features includes a top surface. The apparatus also includes a plurality of receptors coupled to the top surfaces of the features. Each of the receptors is configured to bind to a target molecule. A sample is provided over the substrate while a light is illuminated onto the apparatus. A light scattered by the apparatus is detected by a spectrometer. The presence and/or concentration of target molecules can be determined, based at least partly on a shift in the spectral peak of the light.

Abstract: Magnetic mesoporous materials as chemical catalyst and methods of making magnetic mesoporous materials as catalyst are provided. The mesoporous materials have mesopores. The mesoporous materials can contain magnetic nanoparticles in wall of the mesoporous material and chemical catalysts in the mesopores. The mesoporous material continaing magnetic nanoparticles and catalysts can be used in a chemical reaction as a catalyst. The mesoporous materials can be removed after the chemical reaction by applying a magnetic field to the chemical reaction medium to isolate the mesoporous materials containing magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Techniques for preparing nanocapsules are provided.

Abstract: Core-shell nanoparticles having a core material and a mesoporous silica shell, and a method for manufacturing the core-shell nanoparticles are provided.

Abstract: A gold nanostructure, comprising a substrate, a dielectric material, one or more of gold nanoparticles is provided together with related devices and methods.