Patents by Inventor Paul Alivisatos

Paul Alivisatos 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: 6864626
    Abstract: A multicolor electronic display is based on an array of luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals. Nanocrystals which emit light of different colors are grouped into pixels. The nanocrystals are optically pumped to produce a multicolor display. Different sized nanocrystals are used to produce the different colors. A variety of pixel addressing systems can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Michael C. Schlamp, A. Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 6855202
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Erik C. Scher, Liberato Manna
  • Patent number: 6727065
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound and probe are described. The compound is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy. Also described are processes for respectively: making the semiconductor nanocrystal compound; making the semiconductor nanocrystal probe; and treating materials with the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 6699723
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. Subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in the probe, causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Jr., Paul Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20030226498
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides for thin films and methods of making comprising inorganic semiconductor-nanocrystals dispersed in semiconducting-polymers in high loading amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Janke J. Dittmer, Wendy U. Huynh, Delia Milliron
  • Publication number: 20030145779
    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: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Erik C. Scher, Liberato Manna
  • Publication number: 20030136943
    Abstract: Semiconductor liquid crystal compositions and methods for making such compositions are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a liquid crystal composition including a solvent and semiconductor particles in the solvent. The solvent and the semiconductor particles are in an effective amount in the liquid crystal composition to form a liquid crystal phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Regents of University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Liang-shi Li
  • Publication number: 20030113709
    Abstract: Methods for determining metabolic properties of living cells through the uptake of semiconductor nanocrystals by cells. Generally the methods require a layer of neutral or hydrophilic semiconductor nanocrystals and a layer of cells seeded onto a culture surface and changes in the layer of semiconductor nanocrystals are detected. The observed changes made to the layer of semiconductor nanocrystals can be correlated to such metabolic properties as metastatic potential, cell motility or migration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Carolyn A. Larabell, Wolfgang J. Parak, Mark Le Gros, Rosanne Boudreau
  • Publication number: 20030100130
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in the probe causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20030099968
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described which is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to the one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more of these semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 6440213
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making surfactant capped nanocrystals of transition metal oxides. The process comprises reacting a metal cupferron complex of the formula M Cup, wherein M is a transition metal, and Cup is a cupferron, with a coordinating surfactant, the reaction being conducted at a temperature ranging from about 250 to about 300 C., for a period of time sufficient to complete the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A Paul Alivisatos, Joerg Rockenberger
  • Patent number: 6423551
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. Subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in he probe, causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Jr., Paul Alivisatos
  • Publication number: 20020072234
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described which is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to the one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more of these semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 6306736
    Abstract: A process for the formation of shaped Group III-V semiconductor nanocrystals comprises contacting the semiconductor nanocrystal precursors with a liquid media comprising a binary mixture of phosphorus-containing organic surfactants capable of promoting the growth of either spherical semiconductor nanocrystals or rod-like semiconductor nanocrystals, whereby the shape of the semiconductor nanocrystals formed in said binary mixture of surfactants is controlled by adjusting the ratio of the surfactants in the binary mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Xiaogang Peng, Liberato Manna
  • Patent number: 6225198
    Abstract: A process for the formation of shaped Group II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals comprises contacting the semiconductor nanocrystal precursors with a liquid media comprising a binary mixture of phosphorus-containing organic surfactants capable of promoting the growth of either spherical semiconductor nanocrystals or rod-like semiconductor nanocrystals, whereby the shape of the semiconductor nanocrystals formed in said binary mixture of surfactants is controlled by adjusting the ratio of the surfactants in the binary mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Xiaogang Peng, Liberato Manna
  • Patent number: 6207392
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described which is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to the one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more of these semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 5990479
    Abstract: A luminescent semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described which is capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation (luminescing) in a narrow wavelength band and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation--when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source (of narrow or broad bandwidth) or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affinity molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Jr., Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 5751018
    Abstract: Methods are described for attaching semiconductor nanocrystals to solid inorganic surfaces, using self-assembled bifunctional organic monolayers as bridge compounds. Two different techniques are presented. One relies on the formation of self-assembled monolayers on these surfaces. When exposed to solutions of nanocrystals, these bridge compounds bind the crystals and anchor them to the surface. The second technique attaches nanocrystals already coated with bridge compounds to the surfaces. Analyses indicate the presence of quantum confined clusters on the surfaces at the nanolayer level. These materials allow electron spectroscopies to be completed on condensed phase clusters, and represent a first step towards synthesis of an organized assembly of clusters. These new products are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of CAlifornia
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Vicki L. Colvin
  • Patent number: 5537000
    Abstract: An electroluminescent device is described, as well as a method of making same, wherein the device is characterized by a semiconductor nanocrystal electron transport layer capable of emitting visible light in response to a voltage applied to the device. The wavelength of the light emitted by the device may be changed by changing either the size or the type of semiconductor nanocrystals used in forming the electron transport layer. In a preferred embodiment the device is further characterized by the capability of emitting visible light of varying wavelengths in response to changes in the voltage applied to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: The Regents, University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Vickie Colvin
  • Patent number: 5505928
    Abstract: Nanometer-scale crystals of III-V semiconductors are disclosed, They are prepared by reacting a group III metal source with a group V anion source in a liquid phase at elevated temperature in the presence of a crystallite growth terminator such as pyridine or quinoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: The Regents of University of California
    Inventors: A. Paul Alivisatos, Michael A. Olshavsky