Abstract: New devices having horizontally-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making same are described. A discrete electro-mechanical device includes a structure having an electrically-conductive trace. A defined patch of nanotube fabric is disposed in spaced relation to the trace; and the defined patch of nanotube fabric is electromechanically deflectable between a first and second state. In the first state, the nanotube article is in spaced relation relative to the trace, and in the second state the nanotube article is in contact with the trace. A low resistance signal path is in electrical communication with the defined patch of nanofabric. Under certain embodiments, the structure includes a defined gap into which the electrically conductive trace is disposed. The defined gap has a defined width, and the defined patch of nanotube fabric spans the gap and has a longitudinal extent that is slightly longer than the defined width of the gap.

Abstract: A digital inverter formed by three carbon nanotubes (CNTs) extending vertically from a substrate, one CNT functioning as first source (S1) and having a first logic signal applied to it, another CNT functioning as second source (S2) and having a second logic signal applied to it, a third CNT functioning as gate (G), and disposed between the two sources (S1, S2). A drain (D) contact is associated with the gate (G). A logic signal applied to the gate (G) causes one or the other of the sources (S1, S2) to deflect, contacting the drain (D) and transferring its logic signal thereto—such as logic “0” on the gate resulting in logic “1” (from one of the sources) being transferred to the drain (D), and logic “1” on the gate resulting in logic “0” (from the other of the sources) being transferred to the drain (D).

Abstract: A resonator fabrication method is provided. A method includes providing a plurality of electrode patterns disposed apart from each other on a substrate using a nano-imprint technique; and forming an extended electrode pattern connected to a plurality of electrode patterns, and forming a nano structure laid across an extended electrode patterns. Therefore, a nano-electromechanical system (NEMS) resonator is easily fabricated at a nanometer level.

Abstract: A nanoelectromechanical (NEM) device and a method of making same employ a laterally extending nanowire. The nanowire is grown in place from a vertical side of a vertically extending support block that is provided on a horizontal surface of a substrate. The nanowire is spaced from the horizontal surface. The NEM device includes a component that is provided to influence the nanowire.

Abstract: A memory device that performs writing and reading operations using a mechanical movement of a nanowire, and a method of manufacturing the memory device are provided. The memory device includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate electrode, each of which is formed on an insulating substrate. A nanowire capacitor is formed on the source electrode. The nanowire capacitor includes a first nanowire vertically grown from the source electrode, a dielectric layer formed on the outer surface of the first nanowire, and a floating electrode formed on the outer surface of the dielectric layer. A second nanowire is vertically grown on the drain electrode. The drain electrode is arranged between the source electrode and the gate electrode. The second nanowire is elastically deformed and contacts the nanowire capacitor when a drain voltage is applied to the drain electrode, and polarity of the drain voltage is opposite to polarity of a source voltage that is applied to the source electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides an article comprising, a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores. The articles are useful as delivery vehicles for encapsulated agents such as therapeutic agents, polynucleotides, polypeptides and the like.

Abstract: An optical antenna collects, modifies and emits energy at light wavelengths. Linear conductors sized to correspond to the light wavelengths are used. Nonlinear junctions of small dimension are used to rectify an alternating waveform induced upon the conductors by the lightwave electromagnetic energy. The optical antenna and junctions are effective to produce harmonic energy at light wavelengths. The linear conductors may be comprised of carbon nanotubes that are attached to a substrate material, which may then be connected to an electrical port.

Abstract: This invention provides free-standing structures, functionalized free-standing structures and functional devices that are flexible, including nano- and micromachined flexible fabrics comprising woven networks and mesh networks. The present invention provides processing methods for making and functionalizing flexible free-standing structures having a wide range of integrated materials, devices and device components. The methods of the present invention are capable of providing large area functional electronic, optoelectronic, fluidic, and electromechanical devices and device arrays which exhibit good device performance in stretched, bent and/or deformed configurations.

Abstract: Nanoelectromechanical systems utilizing nanometer-scale assemblies are provided that convert thermal energy into another form of energy that can be used to perform useful work at macroscopic level. Nanometer-scale beams are provided that reduce the velocity of working substance molecules that collide with this nanometer-scale beam by converting some of the kinetic energy of a colliding molecule into kinetic energy of the nanometer-scale beam. In embodiments that operate without a working substance, the thermal vibrations of the beam itself create the necessary beam motion. Automatic switches may be added to realize a regulator such that the nanometer-scale beams only deliver voltages that exceed a particular amount. The output energy of millions of these devices may be efficiently summed together.

Abstract: Nanocrystal indium oxynitride (InON) thin films are used as a functional layer for optical high-pass filters or devices. The filters or devices function in ultraviolet to near infrared regions by the sputtering conditions. The thin film is deposited with radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The 99.999% purity of metal Indium (In) was used as a target in the sputtering process. The two mass flow controllers were use to control the flow rate of ultra high purity nitrogen and oxygen (as the reactive gases) to sputter the target onto the substrates without heating. The InON thin film was deposited on glass or plastic substrates so prepared can provide optical filters without any post-process requirement.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes beam portions and piezoelectric portions. Each of the beam portions is formed to extend in a first direction with one end fixed at a substrate by use of a supporting member and warped by residual stress with the supporting member set as a starting point. Each of the piezoelectric portions is connected to the other end of the corresponding beam portion and formed to extend in a second direction intersecting with the first direction and moves parallel to the substrate in a first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction by application of bias voltage.

Abstract: An object is to provide an electromechanical filter which can define a vibration mode so that a vibrator can be excited only in a desired vibration mode, that is, a filter which can suppress any vibration mode other than a desired vibration mode. The electromechanical filter includes a first member for inputting a signal, a second member disposed at a predetermined distance from the first member so as to surround the first member and to be excited due to an electrostatic force caused by the signal input from the first member, and a third member disposed at a predetermined distance from the second member so as to surround the second member and to detect vibration of the second member. The second member is designed to receive an attractive force from the first member and the third member so as to be bound and regulated as to a vibration direction.

Abstract: Nanowire articles and methods of making the same are disclosed. A conductive article includes a plurality of inter-contacting nanowire segments that define a plurality of conductive pathways along the article. The nanowire segments may be semiconducting nanowires, metallic nanowires, nanotubes, single walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, or nanowires entangled with nanotubes. The various segments may have different lengths and may include segments having a length shorter than the length of the article. A strapping material may be positioned to contact a portion of the plurality of nanowire segments. The strapping material may be patterned to create the shape of a frame with an opening that exposes an area of the nanowire fabric. Such a strapping layer may also be used for making electrical contact to the nanowire fabric especially for electrical stitching to lower the overall resistance of the fabric.

Abstract: An electromechanical switching device employs a first nanoscale pillar shuttling charge between opposed charged electrodes. Motion of the first pillar is coupled to a second set of pillars providing controlled charge transfer between a second isolated set of electrodes. Standard logic elements may be constructed using this switching device.

Abstract: The resolution and the signal-to-noise ration of known force sensors as e.g. capacitive force sensors decrease when scaling them down. To solve this problem there is a solution presented by the usage of a nanostructure as e.g. a carbon nanotube, which is mechanically deformed by a force to be measured. The proposed force sensors comprises a support with two arms carrying the carbon nanotube. The main advantage of this nanoscale force sensor is a very high sensitivity as the conductance of carbon nanotubes changes several orders of magnitude when a mechanical deformation arises.

Abstract: A microelectronic switch having a substrate layer, an electrically conductive switching layer formed on the substrate layer, an electrically conductive cavity layer formed on the switching layer, an electrically conductive cap layer formed on the cavity layer, the cap layer forming a first electrode and a second electrode that are physically and electrically separated one from another, and which both at least partially overlie the switching layer, and a cavity disposed between the switching layer and the second electrode, where the switching is layer is flexible to make electrical contact with the second electrode by flexing through the cavity upon selective application of an electrical bias.

Abstract: Physical neural network systems and methods are disclosed. A physical neural network can be configured utilizing molecular technology, wherein said physical neural network comprises a plurality of molecular conductors, which form neural network connections thereof. A training mechanism can be provided for training said physical neural network to accomplish a particular neural network task based on a neural network training rule. The neural network connections are formed between pre-synaptic and post-synaptic components of said physical neural network. The neural network generally includes dynamic and modifiable connections for adaptive signal processing. The neural network training mechanism can be based, for example, on the Anti-Hebbian and Hebbian (AHAH) rule and/or other plasticity rules.

Abstract: A nano-scale compliant mechanism includes a coupler and a plurality of nanotubes disposed for nano-scale motion relative to a grounded component. The nanotubes are fastened at one end to the coupler and at the other end to ground, to guide motion of the coupler relative to the ground. Particular embodiments include a plurality of parallel carbon nanotubes. An exemplary embodiment exhibits first and second regions of mechanical behavior; a first region governed by bulk elastic deformation of the nanotubes and a second region governed by compliant, hinge-like bending of the buckled nanotubes.

Abstract: A high-capacity magnetic memory capable of writing and reading a magnetic record in/from a magnetic recording film according to a perpendicular magnetic recording system at a high speed in a purely-electrically random access manner. In the magnetic memory, a writing-magnetic-field generating means 62 and a writing word line 43 are disposed relative to a perpendicular magnetic recording film 50, and a reading/writing bit-line conductor 41, a magnetoresistive-effect element 20 and a reading word lead conductor 42 are laminated in order on a probe substrate opposed to the perpendicular magnetic recording film 50. A magnetic probe 30 composed of a carbon nanotube containing a soft magnetic material is disposed relative to the magnetoresistive-effect element 20 in a standing manner, and electrically connected to the reading/writing bit-line conductor.

Abstract: Vertical field effect transistors having a channel region defined by at least one semiconducting nanotube and methods for fabricating such vertical field effect transistors by chemical vapor deposition using a spacer-defined channel. Each nanotube is grown by chemical vapor deposition catalyzed by a catalyst pad positioned at the base of a high-aspect-ratio passage defined between a spacer and a gate electrode. Each nanotube grows in the passage with a vertical orientation constrained by the confining presence of the spacer. A gap may be provided in the base of the spacer remote from the mouth of the passage. Reactants flowing through the gap to the catalyst pad participate in nanotube growth.

Abstract: Methods for producing micromachined layered devices having a membrane layer and a first and second layer on both sides of the membrane layer are disclosed. The method includes applying a membrane layer to a substrate, opening a window in the substrate so as to enable the addition of layers from both sides of the membrane layer while the substrate is made into a frame that supports the membrane layer during processing, adding at least one layer on each side of the membrane either simultaneously or on one side at a time, and removing the device from the substrate frame.

Abstract: New devices having horizontally-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making same are described. A discrete electro-mechanical device includes a structure having an electrically-conductive trace. A defined patch of nanotube fabric is disposed in spaced relation to the trace; and the defined patch of nanotube fabric is electromechanically deflectable between a first and second state. In the first state, the nanotube article is in spaced relation relative to the trace, and in the second state the nanotube article is in contact with the trace. A low resistance signal path is in electrical communication with the defined patch of nanofabric. Under certain embodiments, the structure includes a defined gap into which the electrically conductive trace is disposed. The defined gap has a defined width, and the defined patch of nanotube fabric spans the gap and has a longitudinal extent that is slightly longer than the defined width of the gap.

Abstract: Electromechanical circuits, such as memory cells, and methods for making same are disclosed. The circuits include a structure having electrically conductive traces and supports extending from a surface of the substrate, and nanotube ribbons suspended by the supports that cross the electrically conductive traces, wherein each ribbon comprises one or more nanotubes. The electro-mechanical circuit elements are made by providing a structure having electrically conductive traces and supports, in which the supports extend from a surface of the substrate. A layer of nanotubes is provided over the supports, and portions of the layer of nanotubes are selectively removed to form ribbons of nanotubes that cross the electrically conductive traces. Each ribbon includes one or more nanotubes.

Abstract: Field effect devices having a drain controlled via a nanotube switching element. Under one embodiment, a field effect device includes a source region and a drain region of a first semiconductor type and a channel region disposed therebetween of a second semiconductor type. The source region is connected to a corresponding terminal. A gate structure is disposed over the channel region and connected to a corresponding terminal. A nanotube switching element is responsive to a first control terminal and a second control terminal and is electrically positioned in series between the drain region and a terminal corresponding to the drain region. The nanotube switching element is electromechanically operable to one of an open and closed state to thereby open or close an electrical communication path between the drain region and its corresponding terminal.

Abstract: An optical antenna collects, modifies and emits energy at light wavelengths. Linear conductors sized to correspond to the light wavelengths are used. Nonlinear junctions of small dimension are used to rectify an alternating waveform induced upon the conductors by the lightwave electromagnetic energy. The optical antenna and junctions are effective to produce harmonic energy at light wavelengths. The linear conductors may be comprised of carbon nanotubes that are attached to a substrate material, which may then be connected to an electrical port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a telescoped multiwall nanotube. Such a telescoped multiwall nanotube may find use as a linear or rotational bearing in microelectromechanical systems or may find use as a constant force nanospring. In the method of the invention, a multiwall nanotube is affixed to a solid, conducting substrate at one end. The tip of the free end of the multiwall nanotube is then removed, revealing the intact end of the inner wall. A nanomanipulator is then attached to the intact end, and the intact, core segments of the multiwall nanotube are partially extracted, thereby telescoping out a segment of nanotube.

Abstract: The invention provides a nanolithographic protosubstrate adapted for nanolithographic formation of nanostructures on the protosubstrate comprising: a substrate having a top surface exposed for nanolithographic formation of nanostructures, wherein the top surface comprises: electrically insulating surface regions; and at least one discreet electrode topology surrounded by the electrically insulating surface regions, wherein the electrode topology is adapted with electrical interconnections for electrically coupling the electrode topology to an external device.

Abstract: This application relates to a micro-fastening system and, more particularly, to a mechanical micro-fastening system employing a plurality of mating nanoscale fastening elements (16, 18) and a method of manufacturing a micro-fastening system. The mating nanoscale fastening elements (16, 18) are formed by functionalizing nanotubes having an ordered array of hexagons with pentagons and heptagons at particular heterojunctions.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a first substrate, one or more microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) coupled to the first substrate, a second substrate coupled with the first substrate, and one or more passive components coupled to the second substrate. A method may include aligning a first substrate having one or more MEMS coupled thereto and a second substrate having one or more passive components coupled thereto, and coupling the aligned substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece which has a resin substrate, rotors, and wheel trains, and relates to a wheel train apparatus which has a resin substrate, bearing members, gear wheel, and the like. The invention is constituted by a timepiece comprising; a gear wheel, and a substrate which supports a shaft of a rotor and/or a shaft of the gear wheel, the substrate being formed from a filled resin. Alternatively the invention is constituted by a wheel train apparatus comprising: a gear wheel; a substrate which supports one shaft section of the gear wheel, and a bridge which rotatably supports an other shaft section of the gear wheel, the substrate and the bridge being formed from a filled resin.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) filter includes a substrate, first and second dielectric layers formed on first and second portions of the substrate, a ground plane formed on a third portion of said substrate, a carbon nanotube array, and first and second electrodes. The third portion of the substrate includes, at least in part, the area between the first and second portions thereof. The carbon nanotube array is formed on a portion of said ground plane between the first and second dielectric layers. The first and second electrodes are formed on the first and second dielectric layers, such that an RF signal may be input to and output from the carbon nanotube array via the first and second signal guides. A third electrode is disposed over the carbon nanotube array and is used to voltage bias the array.

Abstract: A new process and structure for microcomponent interconnection utilizing a post-assembly activated junction compound. In one embodiment, first and second microcomponents having respective first and second contact areas are provided. A junction compound is formed on one of the first and second contact areas, and the first and second contact areas are positioned adjacent each other on opposing sides of the junction compound. The junction compound is then activated to couple the first and second microcomponents.

Abstract: A method of moving a carbon nanotube which is attached by one end thereof, to a junction on a substrate. The method comprises applying a charge to the carbon nanotube, and providing a repelling force to an adjacent structure from the carbon nanotube to which the charge has been applied.