Patents by Inventor Samuel S. Mao
Samuel S. Mao 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: 9881999Abstract: One-dimensional nanostructures having uniform diameters of less than approximately 200 nm. These inventive nanostructures, which we refer to as “nanowires”, include single-crystalline homostructures as well as heterostructures of at least two single-crystalline materials having different chemical compositions. Because single-crystalline materials are used to form the heterostructure, the resultant heterostructure will be single-crystalline as well. The nanowire heterostructures are generally based on a semiconducting wire wherein the doping and composition are controlled in either the longitudinal or radial directions, or in both directions, to yield a wire that comprises different materials. Examples of resulting nanowire heterostructures include a longitudinal heterostructure nanowire (LOHN) and a coaxial heterostructure nanowire (COHN).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Arun Majumdar, Ali Shakouri, Timothy D. Sands, Peidong Yang, Samuel S. Mao, Richard E. Russo, Henning Feick, Eicke R. Weber, Hannes Kind, Michael Huang, Haoquan Yan, Yiying Wu, Rong Fan
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Patent number: 9284857Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to an Organic Flash Cycle (OFC). In one aspect, a modified OFC system includes a pump, a heat exchanger, a flash evaporator, a high pressure turbine, a throttling valve, a mixer, a low pressure turbine, and a condenser. The heat exchanger is coupled to an outlet of the pump. The flash evaporator is coupled to an outlet of the heat exchanger. The high pressure turbine is coupled to a vapor outlet of the flash evaporator. The throttling valve is coupled to a liquid outlet of the flash evaporator. The mixer is coupled to an outlet of the throttling valve and to an outlet of the high pressure turbine. The low pressure turbine is coupled to an outlet of the mixer. The condenser is coupled to an outlet of the low pressure turbine and to an inlet of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Inventors: Tony Ho, Samuel S. Mao, Ralph Greif
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Publication number: 20150190785Abstract: The present invention includes a nanostructure, a method of making thereof, and a method of photocatalysis. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase in contact with the crystalline phase. Each of the crystalline and amorphous phases has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes a nanoparticle comprising a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase. The amorphous phase is in a selected amount. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes crystalline titanium dioxide and amorphous titanium dioxide in contact with the crystalline titanium dioxide. Each of the crystalline and amorphous titanium dioxide has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Xiaobo Chen
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Patent number: 9028958Abstract: An embodiment of a superhydrophilic nanostructure includes nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are formed into porous clusters. The porous clusters are formed into aggregate clusters. An embodiment of an article of manufacture includes the superhydrophilic nanostructure on a substrate. An embodiment of a method of fabricating a superhydrophilic nanostructure includes applying a solution that includes nanoparticles to a substrate. The substrate is heated to form aggregate clusters of porous clusters of the nanoparticles.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Vasileia Zormpa, Xiaobo Chen
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Patent number: 9018122Abstract: The present invention includes a nanostructure, a method of making thereof, and a method of photocatalysis. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase in contact with the crystalline phase. Each of the crystalline and amorphous phases has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes a nanoparticle comprising a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase. The amorphous phase is in a selected amount. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes crystalline titanium dioxide and amorphous titanium dioxide in contact with the crystalline titanium dioxide. Each of the crystalline and amorphous titanium dioxide has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Xiaobo Chen
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Publication number: 20140202850Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to photoelectrodes. In one aspect, a photoelectrode may include a substrate including an electrically conductive surface and at least one nanostructure in electrical contact with the surface of the substrate. The nanostructure may include an impurity. The impurity may impart a light-absorbing characteristic to the nanostructure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Coleman X. Kronawitter, Samuel S. Mao
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Publication number: 20130341929Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to an Organic Flash Cycle (OFC). In one aspect, a modified OFC system includes a pump, a heat exchanger, a flash evaporator, a high pressure turbine, a throttling valve, a mixer, a low pressure turbine, and a condenser. The heat exchanger is coupled to an outlet of the pump. The flash evaporator is coupled to an outlet of the heat exchanger. The high pressure turbine is coupled to a vapor outlet of the flash evaporator. The throttling valve is coupled to a liquid outlet of the flash evaporator. The mixer is coupled to an outlet of the throttling valve and to an outlet of the high pressure turbine. The low pressure turbine is coupled to an outlet of the mixer. The condenser is coupled to an outlet of the low pressure turbine and to an inlet of the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Tony Ho, Samuel S. Mao, Ralph Greif
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Patent number: 8604441Abstract: Room temperature operating solid state hand held neutron detectors integrate one or more relatively thin layers of a high neutron interaction cross-section element or materials with semiconductor detectors. The high neutron interaction cross-section element (e.g., Gd, B or Li) or materials comprising at least one high neutron interaction cross-section element can be in the form of unstructured layers or micro- or nano-structured arrays. Such architecture provides high efficiency neutron detector devices by capturing substantially more carriers produced from high energy ?-particles or ?-photons generated by neutron interaction.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Dale L. Perry
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Patent number: 8580130Abstract: Laser-assisted apparatus and methods for performing nanoscale material processing, including nanodeposition of materials, can be controlled very precisely to yield both simple and complex structures with sizes less than 100 nm. Optical or thermal energy in the near field of a photon (laser) pulse is used to fabricate submicron and nanometer structures on a substrate. A wide variety of laser material processing techniques can be adapted for use including, subtractive (e.g., ablation, machining or chemical etching), additive (e.g., chemical vapor deposition, selective self-assembly), and modification (e.g., phase transformation, doping) processes. Additionally, the apparatus can be integrated into imaging instruments, such as SEM and TEM, to allow for real-time imaging of the material processing.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Costas P. Grigoropoulos, David J. Hwang, Andrew M. Minor
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Patent number: 8477551Abstract: Optical memory comprising: a semiconductor wire, a first electrode, a second electrode, a light source, a means for producing a first voltage at the first electrode, a means for producing a second voltage at the second electrode, and a means for determining the presence of an electrical voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode exceeding a predefined voltage. The first voltage, preferably less than 0 volts, different from said second voltage. The semiconductor wire is optically transparent and has a bandgap less than the energy produced by the light source. The light source is optically connected to the semiconductor wire. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically insulated from each other and said semiconductor wire.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Yanfeng Zhang
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Patent number: 8324651Abstract: A cathode that contain nanostructures that extend into the organic layer of an OLED has been described. The cathode can have an array of nanotubes or a layer of nanoclusters extending out from its surface. In another arrangement, the cathode is patterned and etched to form protruding nanostructures using a standard lithographic process. Various methods for fabricating these structures are provided, all of which are compatible with large-scale manufacturing. OLEDs made with these novel electrodes have greatly enhanced electron injection, have good environmental stability.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: The Regents of The University of CaliforniaInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Gao Liu, Stephen G. Johnson
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Publication number: 20120128963Abstract: An embodiment of a superhydrophilic nanostructure includes nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are formed into porous clusters. The porous clusters are formed into aggregate clusters. An embodiment of an article of manufacture includes the superhydrophilic nanostructure on a substrate. An embodiment of a method of fabricating a superhydrophilic nanostructure includes applying a solution that includes nanoparticles to a substrate. The substrate is heated to form aggregate clusters of porous clusters of the nanoparticles.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Vasileia Zormpa, Xiaobo Chen
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Publication number: 20120118723Abstract: The present invention includes a nanostructure, a method of making thereof, and a method of photocatalysis. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase in contact with the crystalline phase. Each of the crystalline and amorphous phases has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes a nanoparticle comprising a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase. The amorphous phase is in a selected amount. In another embodiment, the nanostructure includes crystalline titanium dioxide and amorphous titanium dioxide in contact with the crystalline titanium dioxide. Each of the crystalline and amorphous titanium dioxide has at least one dimension on a nanometer scale.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Xiaobo Chen
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Publication number: 20110168976Abstract: Structured LED devices and component structures with improved efficiency and reduced defects are enabled by the use of micro- or nano-structured features that reduce lattice strain and improve p-doping in inorganic LEDs, and facilitate carrier injection and recombination of OLEDs. The nanostructures can also confine current flow and provide internal light guiding to enhance efficiency and thereby improve device performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventor: Samuel S. Mao
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Publication number: 20110163242Abstract: Room temperature operating solid state hand held neutron detectors integrate one or more relatively thin layers of a high neutron interaction cross-section element or materials with semiconductor detectors. The high neutron interaction cross-section element (e.g., Gd, B or Li) or materials comprising at least one high neutron interaction cross-section element can be in the form of unstructured layers or micro- or nano-structured arrays. Such architecture provides high efficiency neutron detector devices by capturing substantially more carriers produced from high energy ?-particles or ?-photons generated by neutron interaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2009Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Dale L. Perry
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Patent number: 7960037Abstract: A thin film device and compound having an anode, a cathode, and at least one light emitting layer between the anode and cathode, the at least one light emitting layer having at least one carbon nanotube and a conductive polymer.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Gao Liu, Stephen Johnson, John B. Kerr, Andrew M. Minor, Samuel S. Mao
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Publication number: 20100320171Abstract: Laser-assisted apparatus and methods for performing nanoscale material processing, including nanodeposition of materials, can be controlled very precisely to yield both simple and complex structures with sizes less than 100 nm. Optical or thermal energy in the near field of a photon (laser) pulse is used to fabricate submicron and nanometer structures on a substrate. A wide variety of laser material processing techniques can be adapted for use including, subtractive (e.g., ablation, machining or chemical etching), additive (e.g., chemical vapor deposition, selective self-assembly), and modification (e.g., phase transformation, doping) processes. Additionally, the apparatus can be integrated into imaging instruments, such as SEM and TEM, to allow for real-time imaging of the material processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Costas P. Grigoropoulos, David Hwang, Andrew M. Minor
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Patent number: 7834264Abstract: One-dimensional nanostructures having uniform diameters of less than approximately 200 nm. These inventive nanostructures, which we refer to as “nanowires”, include single-crystalline homostructures as well as heterostructures of at least two single-crystalline materials having different chemical compositions. Because single-crystalline materials are used to form the heterostructure, the resultant heterostructure will be single-crystalline as well. The nanowire heterostructures are generally based on a semiconducting wire wherein the doping and composition are controlled in either the longitudinal or radial directions, or in both directions, to yield a wire that comprises different materials. Examples of resulting nanowire heterostructures include a longitudinal heterostructure nanowire (LOHN) and a coaxial heterostructure nanowire (COHN).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Arun Majumdar, Ali Shakouri, Timothy D. Sands, Peidong Yang, Samuel S. Mao, Richard E. Russo, Henning Feick, Eicke R. Weber, Hannes Kind, Michael Huang, Haoquan Yan, Yiying Wu, Rong Fan
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Publication number: 20100247424Abstract: Materials based on nanoporous inorganic network materials and associated devices and methods for solid state storage of hydrogen and other gases are capable of greater storage capacity with improved availability of stored gases. Coated active oxide networks such as TiO2 and SiO2 aerogels as network materials are coated with selected inorganic catalytic materials and/or high gas storage capacity materials. A variety of coated nanoporous inorganic network materials are disclosed with material formulas X—Y; X being an inorganic coating, including one or more of nanoparticles, layered structure materials and intercalated materials; and Y being the inorganic nanoparticle network. At least one of the network and the coating comprises a catalyst for enhanced sorption of a gas to be stored, such as hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Samuel S. Mao, Xiaobo Chen, Arlon Hunt
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Publication number: 20100175745Abstract: Photovoltaic devices are driven by intense photoemission of “hot” electrons from a suitable nanostructured metal. The metal should be an electron source with surface plasmon resonance within the visible and near-visible spectrum range (near IR to near UV (about 300 to 1000 nm)). Suitable metals include silver, gold, copper and alloys of silver, gold and copper with each other. Silver is particularly preferred for its advantageous opto-electronic properties in the near UV and visible spectrum range, relatively low cost, and simplicity of processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Robert Kostecki, Samuel S. Mao