Abstract: Methods and devices for high speed detection of terahertz radiation are provided. A photoacoustic transducer receives a pulse of terahertz (THz) radiation. The transducer may comprise a solid, liquid, or semi-solid material. For example, the transducer may be a composite material having a polymer and radiation absorbing particles. The photoacoustic transducer produces an acoustic wave (e.g., an ultrasound wave) in response to receiving the pulse of THz radiation. An acoustic sensor receives the acoustic wave produced by the photoacoustic transducer and thus provides detection of the THz wave.

Abstract: Methods of micro- and nano-patterning substrates to form transparent conductive electrode structures or polarizers by continuous near-field optical nanolithography methods using a roll-type photomask or phase-shift mask are provided. In such methods, a near-field optical nanolithography technique uses a phase-shift or photo-mask roller that comprises a rigid patterned externally exposed surface that transfers a pattern to an underlying substrate. The roller device may have an internally disposed radiation source that generates radiation that passes through the rigid patterned surface to the substrate during the patterning process. Sub-wavelength resolution is achieved using near-field exposure of photoresist material through the cylindrical rigid phase-mask, allowing dynamic and high throughput continuous patterning.

Abstract: A plasmonic optical spectrum filtering device is provided that filters electromagnetic waves by optical resonance, for example, by selective conversion between the free-space waves and spatially confined modes in plasmonic nano-resonators. Frequency-selective transmission and reflection spectra are engineered and can be used as spectrum filters for display and imaging applications. A thin film stack color filter is further disclosed, which can be designed to either function as a transmission color filter with efficiency twice that of conventional colorant based color filter; or as a reflective color filter for display devices (e.g., used in an energy harvesting reflective display). In other variations, a novel reflective colored display is viewable under direct sunlight, and can simultaneously harvest both incident light and generate electrical power. Methods of making such plasmonic optical spectrum filtering devices are also provided.

Abstract: Optical spectrum filtering devices displaying minimal angle dependence or angle insensitivity are provided. The filter comprises a localized plasmonic nanoresonator assembly having a metal material layer defining at least one nanogroove and a dielectric material disposed adjacent to the metal material layer. The dielectric material is disposed within the nanogroove(s). The localized plasmonic nanoresonator assembly is configured to funnel and absorb a portion of an electromagnetic spectrum in the at least one nanogroove via localized plasmonic resonance to generate a filtered output having a predetermined range of wavelengths that displays angle insensitivity. Thus, flexible, high efficiency angle independent color filters having very small diffraction limits are provided that are particularly suitable for use as pixels for various display devices or for use in anti-counterfeiting and cryptography applications.

Abstract: Nanoscale grating structure can be utilized in many practical applications in optics, flat-panel displays and bio-sensors. A Dynamic Nano-Inscribing (Dynamic Nano-Inscribing) technique is disclosed for directly creating large-area, truly continuous nano-grating patterns in a variety of metal or polymer materials with feature size down to sub-50 nm and at very high speed (10 cm/sec). Dynamic Nano-Inscribing is carried out under either ambient temperature or with a brief heating time on the order of ten microseconds, which minimizes damage on UV or thermo-sensitive functional materials.

Abstract: A high-frequency light-generated focused ultrasound (LGFU) device is provided. The device has a source of light energy, such as a laser, and an optoacoustic lens comprising a concave composite layer with a plurality of light absorbing particles that absorbs laser energy, e.g., carbon nanotubes, and a polymeric material that rapidly expands upon exposure to heat, e.g., polydimethylsiloxane. The laser energy is directed to the optoacoustic lens and thus can generate high-frequency (e.g., ?10 MHz) and high-amplitude pressure output (e.g., ?10 MPa) focused ultrasound. The disclosure also provides methods of making such new arcuate optoacoustic lenses, as well as methods for generating and using the high-frequency and high-amplitude ultrasound, including for surgery, like lithotripsy and ablation.

Abstract: A method of nanopatterning includes the steps of providing the resist film (12) and forming the pattern in the resist film (12). The resist film (12) includes an organosilicone compound having at least two vinyl groups, an organosilicone crosslinker different from the organosilicone compound, a catalyst, and a catalyst inhibitor. The cured resist film (12) includes the reaction product of the organosilicone compound having at least two vinyl groups and the organosilicone crosslinker different from the organosilicone compound, in the presence of the catalyst and the catalyst inhibitor. The article (10) includes a substrate (14), and the cured resist film (12) is disposed on the substrate (14). Due to the presence of the catalyst inhibitor in the resist film (12), the resist film (12) may be manipulated for hours at room temperature without curing. At the same time, the resist film (12) cures in a sufficiently short period of time to be commercially valuable.

Abstract: A plasmonic optical spectrum filtering device is provided that filters electromagnetic waves by optical resonance, for example, by selective conversion between the free-space waves and spatially confined modes in plasmonic nano-resonators. Frequency-selective transmission and reflection spectra are engineered and can be used as spectrum filters for display and imaging applications. A thin film stack color filter is further disclosed, which can be designed to either function as a transmission color filter with efficiency twice that of conventional colorant based color filter; or as a reflective color filter for display devices (e.g., used in an energy harvesting reflective display). In other variations, a novel reflective colored display is viewable under direct sunlight, and can simultaneously harvest both incident light and generate electrical power. Methods of making such plasmonic optical spectrum filtering devices are also provided.

Abstract: A plasmonic optical spectrum filtering device is provided that filters electromagnetic waves by optical resonance, for example, by selective conversion between the free-space waves and spatially confined modes in plasmonic nano-resonators. Frequency-selective transmission and reflection spectra are engineered and can be used as spectrum filters for display and imaging applications. A thin film stack color filter is further disclosed, which can be designed to either function as a transmission color filter with efficiency twice that of conventional colorant based color filter; or as a reflective color filter for display devices (e.g., used in an energy harvesting reflective display). In other variations, a novel reflective colored display is viewable under direct sunlight, and can simultaneously harvest both incident light and generate electrical power. Methods of making such plasmonic optical spectrum filtering devices are also provided.

Abstract: A simple and practical method that can reduce the feature size of a patterned structure bearing surface hydroxyl groups is described. The patterned structure can be obtained by any patterning technologies, such as photo-lithography, e-beam lithography, nano-imprinting lithography. The method includes: (1) initially converting the hydroxyl or silanol-rich surface into an amine-rich surface with the treatment of an amine agent, preferably a cyclic compound; (2) coating an epoxy material on the top of the patterned structure; (3) forming an extra layer when applied heat via a surface-initiated polymerization; (4) applying an amine coupling agent to regenerate the amine-rich surface; (5) coating an epoxy material on the top of the patterned structure to form the next layer; (6) repeating step 4 and 5 to form multiple layers; This method allows the fabrication of feature sizes of various patterns and contact holes that are difficult to reach by conventional lithographic methods.

Abstract: A photonic crystal-metallic (PCM) structure receives an input light signal from a light source. The PCM structure includes a metal structure and a photonic crystal structure disposed adjacent the metal structure. The photonic crystal structure is configured to receive the input light signal such that the input light signal excites surface plasmons of the metallic structure and such that the input light signal is internally reflected within the photonic crystal structure.

Abstract: Methods of making a photovoltaic device with an organic liquid precursor having electron donor, electron acceptor, and liquid carrier are provided. The liquid precursor is applied to an electrode. A gas permeable layer/stamp contacts and applies pressure to the organic liquid precursor removing liquid carrier to form a solid active material with uniform interpenetrating network domains of electron donor/acceptor materials. A two-step process is also contemplated. A liquid precursor with either electron donor or acceptor is applied to an electrode, contacted under pressure with a first stamp having a nanoscale pattern, thus forming a solid with a patterned surface. Then, a second liquid precursor with the other of the electron donor or acceptor is applied to the patterned surface, contacted with a second stamp under pressure to form the active material. A transparent conducting electrode with material nanograting can be formed. The methods also include continuous processing, like roll-to-roll manufacturing.

Abstract: An optical spectrum filtering device, e.g., color filter, having reduced angle dependence is provided that comprises an interference filter assembly comprising a high refractive index dielectric material, such as a Fabry-Perot based resonator structure. The filter assembly is capable of transmitting a portion of an electromagnetic spectrum into the dielectric material to generate a filtered output with a predetermined range of wavelengths that displays minimal angle dependence, when viewed from a range of incidence angles ranging from normal (0°) to 90°. Methods of making minimal angle dependent optical spectrum filters and reducing angle dependence for such devices are also provided.

Abstract: Radiation-curable silsesquioxane resin materials are employed for micro- and nanolithography. The resin materials can include a radiation-curable silsesquioxane resin and a photo-initiator having low viscosity. The low viscosity of the liquid system allows imprinting with low pressure and low temperature; e.g. room temperature. The resist's dry etching resistance is increased and the cured film is more easily separated from the mask. Due to its high modulus after cure, the material allows the fabrication of micro- and nano-features having high aspect ratios while providing a high throughput. Various pattern sizes, for example, ranging from tens of microns to as small as a few nanometers, may be achieved with the UV-curable material system.

Abstract: Nanoscale grating structure can be utilized in many practical applications in optics, flat-panel displays and bio-sensors. A Dynamic Nano-Inscribing (Dynamic Nano-Inscribing) technique is disclosed for directly creating large-area, truly continuous nano-grating patterns in a variety of metal or polymer materials with feature size down to sub-50 nm and at very high speed (10 cm/sec). Dynamic Nano-Inscribing is carried out under either ambient temperature or with a brief heating time on the order of ten microseconds, which minimizes damage on UV or thermo-sensitive functional materials.

Abstract: A plasmonic optical spectrum filtering device is provided that filters electromagnetic waves by optical resonance, for example, by selective conversion between the free-space waves and spatially confined modes in plasmonic nano-resonators. Frequency-selective transmission and reflection spectra are engineered and can be used as spectrum filters for display and imaging applications. A thin film stack color filter is further disclosed, which can be designed to either function as a transmission color filter with efficiency twice that of conventional colorant based color filter; or as a reflective color filter for display devices (e.g., used in an energy harvesting reflective display). In other variations, a novel reflective colored display is viewable under direct sunlight, and can simultaneously harvest both incident light and generate electrical power. Methods of making such plasmonic optical spectrum filtering devices are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a nano-patterning process to fabricate nanostructures. A roller type mold is used to continuously imprint nanostructures onto a flexible web or a rigid substrate. The process includes a coating and an imprinting module, which rotate the web synchronously. Liquid resist materials are used for imprinting and the patterns are set by thermal or UV curing. The process is used to produce bilayer metal wire-grid polarizers, organic solar cells, and organic light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A material composition, which is used as a liquid resist, includes a first component comprising a monomer portion and at least one cationically polymerizable functional group, and a crosslinker reactive with the first component and comprising at least three cationically polymerizable functional groups. The material composition also includes a cationic photoinitiator. Upon exposure to UV light, the material composition crosslinks via cure to form a cured resist film that is the reaction product of the first component, the crosslinker, and the cationic photoinitiator. An article includes a substrate layer and a resist layer formed on the substrate layer from the material composition.

Abstract: Radiation-curable silsesquioxane resin materials are employed for micro- and nanolithography. The resin materials can include a radiation-curable silsesquioxane resin and a photo-initiator having low viscosity. The low viscosity of the liquid system allows imprinting with low pressure and low temperature; e.g. room temperature. The resist's dry etching resistance is increased and the cured film is more easily separated from the mask. Due to its high modulus after cure, the material allows the fabrication of micro- and nano-features having high aspect ratios while providing a high throughput. Various pattern sizes, for example, ranging from tens of microns to as small as a few nanometers, may be achieved with the UV-curable material system.

Abstract: A polymer waveguide resonator device for high-frequency ultrasound detection having a optical resonator coupled to a straight optical waveguide which serves as input and output ports. Acoustic waves irradiating the waveguide induce strain modifying the waveguide cross-section or other design property. As a consequence, the effective refractive index of optical waves propagating along the ring is modified. The sharp wavelength dependence of the high Q-factor resonator enhances the optical response to acoustic strain. High sensitivity is demonstrated experimentally in detecting broadband ultrasound pulses from a 10 MHz transducer.