Abstract: A method of making dielectric ceramics containing mixed metal oxides is provided. The method comprises the steps of at least partially coating a metal oxide powder with a metal hydroxide or metal oxide, compacting the coated powder with one or more additional metal compounds or metal compound precursors, and directly sintering the compact in a single step. The method of the invention may be used to avoid occurrence of significant quantities of one or more undesired but thermodynamically or kinetically favored side products. The method of the invention may also be used to synthesize perovskites, in particular lead-magnesium-niobium (PMN), lead-magnesium-niobium-lead-titanium (PMN-PT) perovskites, or lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

Abstract: A method of making dielectric ceramics containing mixed metal oxides is provided. The method comprises the steps of at least partially coating a metal oxide powder with a metal hydroxide or metal oxide, compacting the coated powder with one or more additional metal compounds or metal compound precursors, and directly sintering the compact in a single step. The method of the invention may be used to avoid occurrence of significant quantities of one or more undesired but thermodynamically or kinetically favored side products. The method of the invention may also be used to synthesize perovskites, in particular lead-magnesium-niobium (PMN), lead-magnesium-niobium-lead-titanium (PMN-PT) perovskites, or lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

Abstract: A label-free biochemical assay, in which label-free interrogation of a target-receptor layer is performed while the target-receptor layer is subjected to a relatively strong flow of an analyte-containing fluid. The volumetric flow rate for the assay is selected based on calibration data corresponding to the target substance, which advantageously results in fewer and/or smaller false-positive signals corresponding to non-target substances compared to those produced with the fluid being stationary. In various embodiments, the label-free interrogation method can be electro-mechanical and/or optical.

Abstract: A PEFS (Piezoelectric Finger Sensor) acts as an “electronic finger” capable of accurately and non-destructively measuring both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus of tissues with gentle touches to the surface. The PEFS measures both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus variations in tissue generating a less than one-millimeter spatial resolution up to a depth of several centimeters. This offers great potential for in-vivo early detection of diseases. A portable hand-held device is also disclosed. The PEF offers superior sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a sensor system including at least one sensor and target specific receptors bound substrates for purposes of enhancing detection sensitivity. Optionally, the sensor system may include quantum dots for independently verifying the presence of a target molecule or compound. The sensor system may be particularly beneficial in the field of medical diagnostics, bio-defense, food safety, water safety and general chemical detection.

Abstract: A method to produce low-temperature sinterable powders which are then subsequently used to fabricate freestanding piezoelectric films with very large electric-field-enhanced piezoelectric response is provided. The ?d31 coefficient for PMN-PT layers can be as high as 2000 pm/V, larger than that of commercial single crystalline PMN-PT bulk materials, at 10 kV/cm (or 20 V over the 20-micron film thickness). In contrast to single crystals, the polycrystalline freestanding films are easy to fabricate and can be made into any size. The films are also easily miniaturized. The method can be applied to nearly any piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvesting device (PEHD) comprising a driving element, conducting element, piezoelectric layer and non-piezoelectric layer capable of converting ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from PMN-PT or PZT having a thickness of about 1-150 ?m. The PEHD may be used to generate about 1 W. The harvested energy may be stored and used to power microelectronic devices and rechargeable battery technologies.

Abstract: A piezoelectric microcantilever for sensing compounds or molecules. The piezoelectric microcantilever, may include at least one electrode, an insulation layer, a receptor, an immobilization layer, a non-piezoelectric layer and a piezoelectric layer The sensor is capable of self actuation and detection. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from a highly piezoelectric thin lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate film, a highly piezoelectric thin zirconate titanate film, a highly piezoelectric lead-free film. Methods of using the sensors and flow cells and arrays including the sensors are also described.

Abstract: A novel, economical electrical insulation method for the production of ultra-thin insulation layers using a solution coating method. Thin hydrophobic self-assembled bi-functional layers of less than 10 nm thick were deposited by a simple solution method and demonstrated to electrically insulate micro-/nano-devices for in-water detection applications. The insulation layer includes a hydrophobic group which repels water and permits superb insulation properties of the ultra-thin layers. The insulation layer has the additional advantages that it binds to a metal or metal oxide surface and to sensing receptors by covalent bonding using standard silane chemistry.

Abstract: A simple, economical sol-gel method was invented to produce thick and dense lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films that exhibit the stoichiometric chemical composition and unprecedented electrical and dielectric properties. The PZT films are the foundation of many microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) for micro/nano sensors and actuators applications.

Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel phase-shift detector capable of interfacing with an array of sensors. The detector is light-weight, portable and capable of fitting within the palm of a hand. The detector may be used in conjunction with a variety of diagnostic, biosensor and chemical sensor applications.

Abstract: A novel quantum dot capable of near infrared emissions at wavelengths of 750-1100 is made by forming solid solutions of metal sulfide, metal selenide or metal sulfide selenide by incorporating a suitable amount of an additional metallic element or elements to provide an emission wavelength in the range of 750 nm to 1100 nm. The quantum dots may be enabled for bioconjugation and may be used in a method for tissue imaging and analyte detection.

Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.

Abstract: A PEFS (Piezoelectric Finger Sensor) acts as an “electronic finger” capable of accurately and non-destructively measuring both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus of tissues with gentle touches to the surface. The PEFS measures both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus variations in tissue generating a less than one-millimeter spatial resolution up to a depth of several centimeters. This offers great potential for in-vivo early detection of diseases. A portable hand-held device is also disclosed. The PEF offers superior sensitivity.

Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble ZnS QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous ZnS QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. The aqueous ZnS QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, non-toxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties.

Abstract: A PEFS (Piezoelectric Finger Sensor) acts as an “electronic finger” capable of accurately and non-destructively measuring both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus of tissues with gentle touches to the surface. The PEFS measures both the Young's compression modulus and shear modulus variations in tissue generating a less than one-millimeter spatial resolution up to a depth of several centimeters. This offers great potential for in-vivo early detection of diseases. A portable hand-held device is also disclosed. The PEF offers superior sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention is direct to a piezoelectric microcantilever for static contact and dynamic noncontact atomic force microscopy which may be carried out in solution. The piezoelectric microcantilever, which includes a piezoelectric layer and a non-piezoelectric layer is capable of self actuation and detection. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from a lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3)0.65—(PbTiO3)0.35(PMN0.65-PT0.35)(PMN-PT), zirconate titanate (PZT)/SiO2 or from any lead-free piezoelectric materials such as doped sodium-potassium niobate-lithium niobate. The piezoelectric layers of the microcantilevers may have dielectric constants of from 1600-3000 and thicknesses below 10 ?m. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating microcantilever sensors and methods for atomic force microscopy employing the microcantilevers.

Abstract: A piezoelectric cantilever with a non-piezoelectric, or piezoelectric tip useful as mass and viscosity sensors. The change in the cantilever mass can be accurately quantified by monitoring a resonance frequency shift of the cantilever. For bio-detection, antibodies or other specific receptors of target antigens may be immobilized on the cantilever surface, preferably on the non-piezoelectric tip. For chemical detection, high surface-area selective absorbent materials are coated on the cantilever tip. Binding of the target antigens or analytes to the cantilever surface increases the cantilever mass. Detection of target antigens or analytes is achieved by monitoring the cantilever's resonance frequency and determining the resonance frequency shift that is due to the mass of the adsorbed target antigens on the cantilever surface. The use of a piezoelectric unimorph cantilever allows both electrical actuation and electrical sensing.

Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.