Abstract: The present invention provides probes functionalized with nanoparticles, methods for binding nanoparticles to the probes and the use of such probes in nanometer scale imaging techniques. More specifically, the present invention provides a tip device having at least a portion thereof with an outer surface bound to at least one sub-layer of a material comprising nanoparticles, the nanoparticles acting as donors, acceptors, modifiers, quenchers and/or enhancers with respect to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Novel nanoparticles-entrapping spherical composites, composed of a metal oxide or semi-metal oxide and a hydrophobic polymer, are disclosed. The spherical composites are characterized by well-defined spherical shape, a narrow size distribution and high compatibility with various types of nanoparticles. Further disclosed are processes for preparing the nanoparticles-entrapping spherical composites and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical method and device for the determination of an analyte in an assayed sample. The method and device of the invention are based on the use of semiconductor nanoparticles that carry a recognition agent. The detection is based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the semiconductor nanoparticle donors, which are excited with electromagnetic radiation, and acceptors in the form of dye-labeled or semiconductor nanoparticle-labeled agents, that are immobilized to the recognition agent in the presence of the analyte and under assay conditions. The method and device of the present invention are especially useful in the determination of DNA or RNA analytes, DNA polymerase or telomerase analytes, cancer cells through telomerase activity and single-base mutations. In such cases the recognition agent is a single-stranded oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nanostructure composed of at least one elongated structure element, an elongated structure element of said nanostructure bearing a different zone made of metal, metal alloy, conductive polymer or semiconductor and selectively grown onto at least one of the end portions of the elongated structure element. The present invention further provides a selective method for forming in a liquid medium, such nanostructures.

Abstract: A method and optical device produced by such method are presented. The method consists of processing a structure formed by a nanocrystals solution on a surface of a substrate, to thereby produce a film of said nanocrystals on said surface, and create within an interface between said film and said surface, a region capable of operating as an active region of the optical device. Preferably, the film is created by applying electromagnetic radiation, such as laser radiation, to said structure.

Abstract: The invention comprises a composite material comprising a host material in which are incorporated semiconductor nanocrystals. The host material is light-transmissive and/or light-emissive and is electrical chargetransporting thus permitting electrical charge transport to the core of the nanocrystals. The semiconductor nanocrystals emit and/or absorb light in the near infrared spectral range. The nanocrystals cause the composite material to emit/absorb energy in the near infrared (NIR) spectral range, and/or to have a modified dielectric constant, compared to the host material. The invention further comprises electro-optical devices composed of this composite material and a method of producing them. Specifically described are light emitting diodes that emit light in the NIR and photodetectors that absorb light in the same region.

Abstract: The present invention provides probes functionalized with nanoparticles, methods for binding nanoparticles to the probes and the use of such probes in nanometer scale imaging techniques. More specifically, the present invention provides a tip device having at least a portion thereof with an outer surface bound to at least one sub-layer of a material comprising nanoparticles, the nanoparticles acting as donors, acceptors, modifiers, quenchers and/or enhancers with respect to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nanostructure composed of at least one elongated structure element, an elongated structure element of said nanostructure bearing an electrically conductive zone selectively grown onto the elongated structure element. The present invention further provides a selective method for forming in a liquid medium, such nanostructures.

Abstract: The invention comprises a composite material comprising a host material in which are incorporated semiconductor nanocrystals. The host material is light-transmissive and/or light-emissive and is electrical chargetransporting thus permitting electrical charge transport to the core of the nanocrystals. The semiconductor nanocrystals emit and/or absorb light in the near infrared spectral range. The nanocrystals cause the composite material to emit/absorb energy in the near infrared (NIR) spectral range, and/or to have a modified dielectric constant, compared to the host material. The invention further comprises electro-optical devices composed of this composite material and a method of producing them. Specifically described are light emitting diodes that emit light in the NIR and photodetectors that absorb light in the same region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for the production of inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals having a rod-like shape. More specifically the present invention provides a method of synthesizing rod shaped Group III-V semiconductor nanocrystals. The method comprises: reacting, in a high-boiling point organic solvent, a two-source precursor solution comprising at least one metal source and at least one nonmetal source, or a single-source precursor solution, with a metal catalyst or an agent capable of producing said metal catalyst, said high-boiling point organic solvent having a temperature above 200° C., thereby forming a reaction product comprising semiconductor nanocrystals of various shape; cooling the reaction product, and subsequently exposing said cooled reaction product to at least one centrifugal step so as to obtain semiconductor nanocrystals having substantially rod-like shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for the production of inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals having a rod-like shape. More specifically the present invention provides a method of synthesizing rod shaped Group III-V semiconductor nanocrystals. The method comprises: reacting, in a high-boiling point organic solvent, a two-source precursor solution comprising at least one metal source and at least one nonmetal source, or a single-source precursor solution, with a metal catalyst or an agent capable of producing said metal catalyst, said high-boiling point organic solvent having a temperature above 200° C., thereby forming a reaction product comprising semiconductor nanocrystals of various shape; cooling the reaction product, and subsequently exposing said cooled reaction product to at least one centrifugal step so as to obtain semiconductor nanocrystals having substantially rod-like shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to new semiconductor composite nanocrystal materials having desirable luminescent properties, specifically high quantum yields and good photochemical stability with specific, desirable emittance wavelengths, preferably in the near infrared. This invention further relates to various applications in optical, electrical, electro-optical and laser devices, particularly in the field of telecommunication, of these new semiconductor composite nancrystal materials.