Patents by Inventor Michael L. Roukes
Michael L. Roukes 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).
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Patent number: 11921141Abstract: A graphene-based broadband radiation sensor and methods for operation thereof are disclosed. The radiation sensor includes an electrical signal path for carrying electrical signals and one or more resonance structures connected to the electrical signal path. Each resonance structure includes a resonator having a resonant frequency. Each resonance structure also includes a graphene junction connected in series with the resonator, the graphene junction including a graphene layer and having an impedance that is dependent on a temperature of the graphene layer. Each resonance structure further includes a heating element that is thermally coupled to the graphene layer and is configured to receive an incident photon, where the temperature of the graphene layer increases in response to the heating element receiving the incident photon.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Raj M. Katti, Harpreet Singh Arora, Keith C. Schwab, Michael L Roukes, Stevan Nadj-Perge
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Patent number: 11624715Abstract: A NEMS readout system includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors including a resonator with frequency characteristics different from the resonator of each other sensor of the plurality of sensors. A readout signal indicative of a plurality of output signals is collected from the sensor array. Each output signal of the plurality of output signals corresponding to one of the plurality of sensors. An analysis of the plurality of output signals is performed to identify a plurality of resonant frequencies and to detect a frequency shift associated with at least one of the plurality of resonant frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Michael L. Roukes, Chung Wah Fon, Ewa Rej
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Patent number: 11621671Abstract: A nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) oscillator network and methods for its operation are disclosed. The NEMS oscillator network includes one or more network inputs configured to receive one or more input signals. The NEMS oscillator network also includes a plurality of NEMS oscillators coupled to the one or more network inputs. Each of the plurality of NEMS oscillators includes a NEMS resonator and produces a radio frequency (RF) output signal that oscillates at a particular frequency and a particular phase. The NEMS oscillator network further includes a plurality of connections that interconnect the plurality of NEMS oscillators. The NEMS oscillator network further includes one or more network outputs coupled to the plurality of NEMS oscillators and configured to output one or more output signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Michael L. Roukes, Matthew H. Matheny, Chung Wah Fon
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Publication number: 20220094303Abstract: A nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) oscillator network and methods for its operation are disclosed. The NEMS oscillator network includes one or more network inputs configured to receive one or more input signals. The NEMS oscillator network also includes a plurality of NEMS oscillators coupled to the one or more network inputs. Each of the plurality of NEMS oscillators includes a NEMS resonator and produces a radio frequency (RF) output signal that oscillates at a particular frequency and a particular phase. The NEMS oscillator network further includes a plurality of connections that interconnect the plurality of NEMS oscillators. The NEMS oscillator network further includes one or more network outputs coupled to the plurality of NEMS oscillators and configured to output one or more output signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Michael L. Roukes, Matthew H. Matheny, Chung Wah Fon
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Publication number: 20220050064Abstract: A NEMS readout system includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors including a resonator with frequency characteristics different from the resonator of each other sensor of the plurality of sensors. A readout signal indicative of a plurality of output signals is collected from the sensor array. Each output signal of the plurality of output signals corresponding to one of the plurality of sensors. An analysis of the plurality of output signals is performed to identify a plurality of resonant frequencies and to detect a frequency shift associated with at least one of the plurality of resonant frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Michael L. Roukes, Chung Wah Fon, Ewa Rej
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Patent number: 11218115Abstract: A nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) oscillator network and methods for its operation are disclosed. The NEMS oscillator network includes one or more network inputs configured to receive one or more input signals. The NEMS oscillator network also includes a plurality of NEMS oscillators coupled to the one or more network inputs. Each of the plurality of NEMS oscillators includes a NEMS resonator and produces a radio frequency (RF) output signal that oscillates at a particular frequency and a particular phase. The NEMS oscillator network further includes a plurality of connections that interconnect the plurality of NEMS oscillators. The NEMS oscillator network further includes one or more network outputs coupled to the plurality of NEMS oscillators and configured to output one or more output signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Michael L. Roukes, Matthew H. Matheny, Chung Wah Fon
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Patent number: 11187663Abstract: A NEMS readout system includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors including a resonator with frequency characteristics different from the resonator of each other sensor of the plurality of sensors. A readout signal indicative of a plurality of output signals is collected from the sensor array. Each output signal of the plurality of output signals corresponding to one of the plurality of sensors. An analysis of the plurality of output signals is performed to identify a plurality of resonant frequencies and to detect a frequency shift associated with at least one of the plurality of resonant frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Michael L. Roukes, Chung Wah Fon, Ewa Rej
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Publication number: 20210311101Abstract: A graphene-based broadband radiation sensor and methods for operation thereof are disclosed. The radiation sensor includes an electrical signal path for carrying electrical signals and one or more resonance structures connected to the electrical signal path. Each resonance structure includes a resonator having a resonant frequency. Each resonance structure also includes a graphene junction connected in series with the resonator, the graphene junction including a graphene layer and having an impedance that is dependent on a temperature of the graphene layer. Each resonance structure further includes a heating element that is thermally coupled to the graphene layer and is configured to receive an incident photon, where the temperature of the graphene layer increases in response to the heating element receiving the incident photon.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Raj M. Katti, Harpreet Singh Arora, Keith C. Schwab, Michael L. Roukes, Stevan Nadj-Perge
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Publication number: 20200350862Abstract: A nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) oscillator network and methods for its operation are disclosed. The NEMS oscillator network includes one or more network inputs configured to receive one or more input signals. The NEMS oscillator network also includes a plurality of NEMS oscillators coupled to the one or more network inputs. Each of the plurality of NEMS oscillators includes a NEMS resonator and produces a radio frequency (RF) output signal that oscillates at a particular frequency and a particular phase. The NEMS oscillator network further includes a plurality of connections that interconnect the plurality of NEMS oscillators. The NEMS oscillator network further includes one or more network outputs coupled to the plurality of NEMS oscillators and configured to output one or more output signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Michael L. Roukes, Matthew H. Matheny, Chung Wah Fon
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Publication number: 20200256809Abstract: A NEMS readout system includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors including a resonator with frequency characteristics different from the resonator of each other sensor of the plurality of sensors. A readout signal indicative of a plurality of output signals is collected from the sensor array. Each output signal of the plurality of output signals corresponding to one of the plurality of sensors. An analysis of the plurality of output signals is performed to identify a plurality of resonant frequencies and to detect a frequency shift associated with at least one of the plurality of resonant frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Michael L. Roukes, Chung Wah Fon, Ewa Rej
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Patent number: 10638933Abstract: Method and apparatus for illuminating and imaging tissue is provided. In one version, the method includes illuminating a volume of a tissue with photons from a three-dimensional array of optical emitters inserted into the tissue. In another version, the method includes detecting photons from a volume of a tissue using a three-dimensional array of optical detectors inserted into the tissue. A probe device for illuminating tissue and/or detecting photons emitted from tissue includes elongated microsized probes containing optical emitters and optical detectors in a three dimensional array.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventor: Michael L. Roukes
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Patent number: 10471273Abstract: A neural probe for light stimulation of a tissue is provided. The probe includes a base that has light supplying circuitry, and one or more elongated microsized shanks extending from the base. Each shank has a longitudinal axis and includes one or more waveguides extending along the shank's length, with the waveguides being optically connected to the light supplying circuitry. In addition, each of the waveguides is optically connected to a diffraction grating coupler that emits a light beam from the shank when light passes from the base through the waveguide and to the diffraction grating coupler. The emitted light beam has a propagation direction at a set angle relative to an axis that is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the shank. A method for stimulating a tissue using the neural probe is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Eran Segev, Laurent Moreaux, Trevor M. Fowler, Andrei Faraon, Michael L. Roukes
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Patent number: 10381206Abstract: A hybrid mass spectrometer comprising: an ion source for generating ions from a sample, a first mass spectral system comprising a nanoelectromechanical mass spectral (NEMS-MS) system, a second mass spectral system including at least one mass analyzer adapted to separate the charged particles according to their mass-to-charge ratios, and an integration zone coupling the first and second mass spectral systems, the integration zone including at least one directional device for controllably routing the ions to a selected one or both of the first and second mass spectral systems for analysis thereby. The second system can be an orbital electrostatic trap system. The ion beam can be electrically directed to one or the other system by ion optics. A chip with resonators can be used with cooling. Uses include analysis of large mass complexes found in biological systems, native single molecule analysis, and size and shape analysis.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignees: California Institute of Technology, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbHInventors: Michael L. Roukes, Alexander A. Makarov
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Patent number: 10216698Abstract: A device for analyzing a fluid, including a layer including a plurality of sensors of MEMS and/or NEMS type, a layer including a mechanism controlling the sensor and for processing information transmitted by the sensors, the control and processing mechanism being electrically connected to the detectors, and a layer positioned on the layer including the sensors on a side of a face including the sensors including a mechanism spatially and temporally distributing the fluid on the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignees: Commissariat Ă l 'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Thomas Ernst, Philippe Andreucci, Eric Colinet, Laurent Duraffourg, Edward B. Myers, Michael L. Roukes
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Patent number: 10168292Abstract: An article comprising: an array of calorimeter devices, wherein the device comprises: at least one fluidic enclosure disposed on a microfluidic chip, wherein the fluidic enclosure is substantially gas impermeable; at least one first chamber and at least one second chamber, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are disposed within and enclosed by the fluidic enclosure, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are not vacuum encapsulated; at least two microfluidic channels connected to the first chamber and at least two microfluidic channels connected to the second chamber; and at least one thermal sensor disposed between the chip and the first and second chambers, wherein the thermal sensor is adapted to measure a temperature differential between the first and second chambers. Examples include DSC and TSA devices. Biological binding and melting experiments can be done with high sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Chung Wah Fon, Michael L. Roukes
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Publication number: 20180005809Abstract: A hybrid mass spectrometer comprising: an ion source for generating ions from a sample, a first mass spectral system comprising a nanoelectromechanical mass spectral (NEMS-MS) system, a second mass spectral system including at least one mass analyzer adapted to separate the charged particles according to their mass-to-charge ratios, and an integration zone coupling the first and second mass spectral systems, the integration zone including at least one directional device for controllably routing the ions to a selected one or both of the first and second mass spectral systems for analysis thereby. The second system can be an orbital electrostatic trap system. The ion beam can be electrically directed to one or the other system by ion optics. A chip with resonators can be used with cooling. Uses include analysis of large mass complexes found in biological systems, native single molecule analysis, and size and shape analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2016Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Michael L. ROUKES, Alexander A. MAKAROV
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Patent number: 9841408Abstract: A system for analyzing a gas mixture, including at least one chromatography column, a mechanism injecting the mixture into the column, and a mechanism detecting compound(s) forming the gas mixture, the detection mechanism including at least one detector of nanosensor type of an outlet of the column and a detector of nanosensor type in the column, capable of detecting passage of the compounds. It is then possible to determine the velocity of each of the compounds within the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignees: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES, CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Pierre Puget, Edward B. Myers, Michael L. Roukes
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Publication number: 20170347888Abstract: Method and apparatus for illuminating and imaging tissue is provided. In one version, the method includes illuminating a volume of a tissue with photons from a three-dimensional array of optical emitters inserted into the tissue. In another version, the method includes detecting photons from a volume of a tissue using a three-dimensional array of optical detectors inserted into the tissue. A probe device for illuminating tissue and/or detecting photons emitted from tissue includes elongated microsized probes containing optical emitters and optical detectors in a three dimensional array.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: Michael L. Roukes
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Patent number: 9660654Abstract: Synchronization of oscillators based on anharmonic nanoelectromechanical resonators. Experimental implimentation allows for unprecedented observation and control of parameters governing the dynamics of synchronization. Close quantitative agreement is found between experimental data and theory describing reactively coupled Duffing resonators with fully saturated feedback gain. In the synchonized state, a significant reduction in the phase noise of the oscillators is demonstrated, which is key for applications such as sensors and clocks. Oscillator networks constructed from nanomechanical resonators form an important laboratory to commercialize and study synchronization—given their high-quality factors, small footprint, and ease of co-integration with modern electronic signal processing technologies. Networks can be made including one-, two-, and three-dimensional networks. Triangular and square lattices can be made.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Matthew Matheny, Michael L. Roukes, Michael C. Cross, Luis Guillermo Villanueva Torrijo, Rassul Karabalin
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Publication number: 20170106204Abstract: A neural probe for light stimulation of a tissue is provided. The probe includes a base that has light supplying circuitry, and one or more elongated microsized shanks extending from the base. Each shank has a longitudinal axis and includes one or more waveguides extending along the shank's length, with the waveguides being optically connected to the light supplying circuitry. In addition, each of the waveguides is optically connected to a diffraction grating coupler that emits a light beam from the shank when light passes from the base through the waveguide and to the diffraction grating coupler. The emitted light beam has a propagation direction at a set angle relative to an axis that is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the shank. A method for stimulating a tissue using the neural probe is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Eran Segev, Laurent Moreaux, Trevor M. Fowler, Andrei Faraon, Michael L. Roukes