Abstract: A monolithic semiconductor photovoltaic solar cell comprising a plurality of subcells disposed in series on an electrically conductive substrate. At least one subcell of the plurality of subcells includes an epitaxially grown self-assembled quantum dot material. The subcells are electrically connected via tunnel junctions. Each of the subcells has an effective bandgap energy. The subcells are disposed in order of increasing effective bangap energy, with the subcell having the lowest effective bandgap energy being closest to the substrate. In certain cases, each subcell is designed to absorb a substantially same amount of solar photons.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus has a light source for emitting a first light in a forward direction. A wavelength-converting layer is spaced apart from the light source and disposed in a path of the first light. The wavelength-converting layer is configured to absorb at least a portion of the first light and emit a second light. A reflective layer is configured to be reflective of at least the second light, and the wavelength-converting layer is disposed between the reflective layer and the light source.

Abstract: A new class of nucleic acid substrates for AP endonucleases and members of the glycosylase/lyase family of enzymes is described. Representatives of each family, the enzymes Nfo and fpg, respectively, cleave nucleic acid backbones at positions in which a base has been replaced by a linker to which a variety of label moieties may be attached. The use of these synthetic substrates embedded within oligonucleotides is of utility in a number of applications.

Abstract: A particle comprising a quantum dot encapsulated by an amphiphilic polymer. These particles are suitable for use in biological and biomedical research and may emit fluorescence and may be water-soluble and biocompatible. The encapsulated quantum dot may be introduced into a living system without any substantial toxic or immunological effects.

Abstract: Highly uniform silica nanoparticles can be formed into stable dispersions with a desirable small secondary particle size. The silican particles can be surface modified to form the dispersions. The silica nanoparticles can be doped to change the particle properties and/or to provide dopant for subsequent transfer to other materials. The dispersions can be printed as an ink for appropriate applications. The dispersions can be used to selectively dope semiconductor materials such as for the formation of photovoltaic cells or for the formation of printed electronic circuits.

Abstract: In a photon pair generating apparatus for generating a pair of correlated photons by hyper-parametric scattering, a light-shaping section irradiates an optical resonator with two beams of light of equal wavelength from different directions, and the optical resonator is configured to emit two correlated photons of different wavelengths in one direction as a pair of correlated photons. This makes it possible to provide a photon pair generating apparatus capable of achieving generation of a pair of correlated photons by a simpler configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a compound semiconductor nanoparticle that exhibits circularly polarized luminescence characteristics. CdS prepared inside a core of ferritin, which is a cage-like protein, exhibits a high circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). A wavelength of the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) can be controlled by laser irradiation, thereby enabling utilization of the compound semiconductor nanoparticle in the field of bionanotechnology, for example, in creating a WORM (Write-Once Read-Many times) memory. As the cage-like protein, which is a protein with a cavity formed therein, a protein belonging to the ferritin protein family, such as apoferritin, or a recombinant thereof can be used.

Abstract: A method of generating pathogen detecting liposomes includes a step of providing molecular beacons with fluorescing components. The molecular beacons include either strands of RNA or DNA and the fluorescing components include an emitter and a quencher. The method further uses nanodroplet technology to encapsulate the molecular beacons within a lipid membrane. Subsequently, receptors are assembled in association with the membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for infrared (IR) detection. Organic layers can be utilized to produce a phototransistor for the detection of IR radiation. The wavelength range of the IR detector can be modified by incorporating materials sensitive to photons of different wavelengths. Quantum dots of materials sensitive to photons of different wavelengths than the host organic material of the absorbing layer of the phototransistor can be incorporated into the absorbing layer so as to enhance the absorption of photons having wavelengths associated with the material of the quantum dots. A photoconductor structure can be used instead of a phototransistor. The photoconductor can incorporate PbSe or PbS quantum dots. The photoconductor can incorporate organic materials and part of an OLED structure. A detected IR image can be displayed to a user. Organic materials can be used to create an organic light-emitting device.

Abstract: Colloidal-processed Si particle devices, device fabrication, and device uses have been presented. The generic device includes a substrate, a first electrode overlying the substrate, a second electrode overlying the substrate, laterally adjacent the first electrode, and separated from the first electrode by a spacing. A colloidal-processed Si particle layer overlies the first electrode, the second electrode, and the spacing between the electrodes. The Si particle layer includes a first plurality of nano-sized Si particles and a second plurality of micro-sized Si particles.

Abstract: Novel biofunctionalized quantum dots include a mercaptoalkanoic acid linked to the surface of a nanocrystalline core and a biofunctional group linked to the surface. Biofunctionalized quantum dots are made by a novel synthesis method. Biofunctionalized quantum dots can be used in imaging or therapy applications.

Abstract: A gain medium may be arranged to provide energy to a surface state.

Abstract: Embodiments herein report compositions, systems and methods for making and using plasmid vectors and nanotube complexes. In certain embodiments, compositions, systems and methods herein include making plasmid vectors having aptamer inserts. In some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be used to rapidly generate large quantities of plasmid vectors having aptamer inserts directed to a particular target agent. Other aspects concern plasmid constructs associated with organic semiconductors. Yet other aspects concern complexes of nanotubes associated with dsDNA aptamers and tracking molecules.

Abstract: A sensing system includes a nanowire, a passivation layer established on at least a portion of the nanowire, and a barrier layer established on the passivation layer.

Abstract: A quantum dot (22) is formed on a GaAs substrate (20). In the quantum dot (22), a single electron exists. A cap layer (26) is formed on a surrounding area of the quantum dot (22), and a barrier layer (28) is formed thereon. A quantum dot (30) for detection is formed on the barrier layer (28). Then, a cap layer (34) covering the quantum dot (30) and the like is formed.

Abstract: Optical and optoelectronic devices and methods of making same. Under one aspect, an optical device includes an integrated circuit an array of conductive regions; and an optically sensitive material over at least a portion of the integrated circuit and in electrical communication with at least one conductive region of the array of conductive regions. Under another aspect, a method of forming a nanocrystalline film includes fabricating a plurality of nanocrystals having a plurality of first ligands attached to their outer surfaces; exchanging the first ligands for second ligands of different chemical composition than the first ligands; forming a film of the ligand-exchanged nanocrystals; removing the second ligands; and fusing the cores of adjacent nanocrystals in the film to form an electrical network of fused nanocrystals.

Abstract: A method of making ultra-small chitosan nanoparticles having a size range of approximately 10-20 nm, includes preparing a first microemulsion containing effective amounts of cyclohexane, n-hexanol, chitosan polymer and a nonionic surfactant. A second microemulsion is prepared containing effective amounts of cyclohexane, n-hexanol, tartaric acid, EDC, n-hydroxysuccinimide, and a nonionic surfactant. The method continues by reacting the first and second microemulsions for a time sufficient to form the ultra-small chitosan nanoparticles and recovering the nanoparticles from the reacted microemulsion. The chitosan polymer may be crosslinked and may also be tagged with a fluorescent compound, a radio-opaque compound, a paramagnetic ion, a ligand specific for a predetermined biologic target, a drug, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorescent labeling agent containing quantum dots, which exhibits little fluctuation in luminous properties in accordance with the environment where the fluorescent labeling agent is stored and therefore has high environmental stability, and which has high luminous intensity. Specifically disclosed is a fluorescent labeling agent containing quantum dots, which comprises: (1) a fluorescent labeling agent core part which comprises at least three quantum dots per a fluorescent labeling agent and a protective material; and (2) an organic surface-coating layer which coats the fluorescent labeling agent core part, wherein the fluorescent labeling agent core part has an average particle diameter of 10 to 50 nm.

Abstract: Nanodevice and method for in vivo monitoring and release of drugs are provided. The disclosed nanodevice is characterized in having a drug-loaded nanosphere that is capable of releasing the encapsulated drugs upon magnetically stimulation. The nanodevice may also be used as a contrast agent for in vivo imaging and monitoring the concentration and distribution of the released drugs and/or active compounds injected separately into a target site of a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated film which includes a plasmonic layer including a pattern configured to support plasmon waves. The plasmonic layer is configured to receive as input light energy of an incident light including at least one photon having a first wavelength and an at least one photon of light received from one or more layers in optical communication with the plasmonic layer and to re-emit as output a guided light to the one or more layers in optical communication with the plasmonic layer. The integrated film also includes a wavelength conversion layer optically coupled to the plasmonic layer. The wavelength conversion layer is configured to receive as input the at least one photon having a first wavelength and to provide as output at least one photon having a second wavelength different than the first wave length.

Abstract: The invention relates to stretch measurements of nucleic acids and correlating those measurements to the extent of double- and single-stranded content of a nucleic acid of interest, and to compositions, systems, and devices related thereto. In preferred embodiments, one performs the stretch or elasticity measurements under conditions such that one can determine a nucleic acid sequence or the presence of an oligonucleotide in a sample.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for thermal-to-electric conversion involving relatively hot and cold juxtaposed surfaces separated by a small vacuum gap wherein the cold surface provides an array of single charge carrier converter elements along the surface and the hot surface transfers excitation energy to the opposing cold surface across the gap through Coulomb electrostatic coupling interaction.

Abstract: Polymers for coating nanoparticles (e.g., colloid nanoparticles and quantum dots) and methods associated therewith are provided. Such polymers may be derived from amino acids comprising suitable functional groups for associating the polymer to the nanoparticle. For example, in some embodiments, the polymer includes a polypeptide backbone (e.g., polyaspartic acid) with amino acid side groups (e.g., cysteine and/or methionine). Such a polymer can enable strong binding of the polymer to the nanoparticle surface via its multiple thiol groups, which can lead to excellent colloidal stability. Moreover, the carboxylic acid and amine functional groups of the polymer can facilitate attachment of binding partners (e.g., antibodies) to the polymer, which can allow the polymer-coated nanoparticle to be used in a variety of applications including protein detection and cell labeling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods for delivery systems of agents, including therapeutic compounds, pharmaceutical agents, drugs, detection agents, nucleic acid sequences and biological factors. In general, the nanotherapeutic compositions of the present invention comprise a platform comprising a colloidal metal, a targeting ligand such a tumor necrosis factor, a stealth agent such as polyethylene glycol, and one or more diagnostic or therapeutic agents for delivery. The invention also comprises methods and compositions for making such nanotherapeutic compositions and for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Provided is an aluminum (Al) doped charge trap layer, a non-volatile memory device and methods of fabricating the same. The charge trap layer may include a plurality of silicon nano dots that trap charges and a silicon oxide layer that covers the silicon nano dots, wherein the charge trap layer is doped with aluminum (Al). The non-volatile memory device may include a substrate including a source and a drain on separate regions of the substrate, a tunneling film on the substrate contacting the source and the drain, the charge trap layer according to example embodiments, a blocking film on the charge trap layer, and a gate electrode on the blocking film.

Abstract: An apparatus for covertly marking a target includes a housing sized and configured to simulate a portable electronic device; a reservoir positioned in the housing for holding a quantity of miniature markers; and a dispersing mechanism positioned in or on the housing for dispersing the markers onto the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of unique markers in the identification and tracking of objects. The present invention provides large numbers of unique markings for application to items as part of a marking system. The present invention provides a new approach to laboratory analysis and a means of rapid in-field identification of goods using a hand-held scanner. It provides data that can be used as a means of product tracking, identification of counterfeit product and to prove ownership of stolen goods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a core-alloyed shell semiconductor nanocrystal comprising: (i) a core of a semiconductor material having a selected band gap energy; (ii) a core-overcoating shell consisting of one or more layers comprised of an alloy of the said semiconductor of (i) and a second semiconductor; (iii) and an outer organic ligand layer, provided that the core semiconductor material is not HgTe. In certain embodiments, the core semiconductor material is PbSe and the alloy shell semiconductor material has the PbSexS1-x structure; or the core semiconductor material is CdTe and the alloy shell semiconductor material has either the CdTexSe1-x or CdTexS1-x structure.

Abstract: A device representing a reflector, for example, an evanescent reflector or a multilayer interference reflector with at least one reflectivity stopband is disclosed. A medium with means of generating optical gain is introduced into the layer or several layers of the reflector. The optical gain spectrum preferably overlaps with the spectral range of the reflectivity stopband. This device can be attached to air, semiconductor or dielectric material or multilayer structures and provide a tool for preferential amplification of the optical waves propagating at larger angles with respect to the interface with the evanescent or the multilayer interference reflector. Thus angle selective amplification or generation of light is possible. Several evanescent or interference reflectors can be used to serve the goal of preferable amplification the said optical waves.

Abstract: A large number of properties of nanostructures depend on their size, shape and many other parameters. As the size of a nanostructure decreases, there is a rapid change in many properties. When the nanostructure is completely destroyed, those properties essentially disappear. Systems based on changes in properties of nanostructures due to the destruction of nanostructures are proposed. The systems can be used for monitoring the total exposure to organic, inorganic, organometallic and biological compounds and agents using analytical methods.

Abstract: An optical device is provided having a solid state nonlinear material with a nanostructured extent, in at least one dimension, that is less than about 10 nm or that is at a temperature of less than about 77 K. An electronic band gap, EGap, of the material is at least about twice as large as an energy of a photon with a wavelength, ?, equal to an operational wavelength of the device. The material is characterized by a switching figure of merit, ?, having a value that is at least about 2?. A dielectric structure is around at least one dimension of the nonlinear material in a geometric arrangement having a characteristic photonic band gap that at least partially overlaps the electronic band gap of the material. At least one waveguide is disposed at the dielectric structure in sufficient proximity with the material for coupling light to the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods of use comprising a targeting composition comprising a solid substrate, an antibody composition, and optionally a chemotherapeutic agent.

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 present invention relates to photovoltaic cells comprising group IV-VI semiconductor nanocrystals as photoactive components. In particular, these nanocrystals are of core-shell or core-alloyed shell configuration, each comprising a core of a first group IV-VI semiconductor material having a selected band gap energy, and either a core-overcoating shell consisting of a second group IV-VI semiconductor material or a core-overcoating alloyed shell consisting of an alloy of said first group IV-VI semiconductor material and a second group IV-VI semiconductor material, respectively.

Abstract: A method of uniformly transferring luminescent quantum dots onto a substrate, comprising: a) preparing a colloidal suspension of luminescent quantum dots in a hydrophobic solvent, wherein the density of the hydrophobic solvent is from 0.67 g/cm3 to 0.96 g/cm3; b) dispensing the suspension onto a convex aqueous surface; c) allowing the hydrophobic solvent to evaporate; d) contacting the film of luminescent quantum dots with a hydrophobic stamp; and e) depositing the film of luminescent quantum dots onto a substrate with the hydrophobic stamp is described herein. Further described is a method of preparing quantum dot based light emitting diodes.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device contains (1) first and second electrodes, at least one of which is transparent to radiation; (2) a hole conducting layer containing first nanoparticles wherein the hole conducting layer is in contact with said first electrode; (3) an electron conducting layer containing second nanoparticles where the electron conducting layer is in contact with the hole conducting layer and the second electrode; and optionally (4) a voltage source capable of providing positive and negative voltage, where the positive pole of the voltage source is connected to the first electrode and the negative pole is connected to the second electrode. In some embodiments, the electroluminescent device also includes an electron-hole combination layer between the hole and electron conducting layers.

Abstract: A composition and method for fabricating and tuning a dopant based core-shell semiconductor having a quantum dot core with an excitation band-gap are provided. A quantum dot core composed of an alloy of cadmium sulfide (CdS) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) as semi-conductor materials include a dopant of manganese (Mn) added to the core and an outer shell of zinc sulfide (ZnS). The dopant based core/shell quantum dot semiconductor of the present invention allows the fine tuning of an excitation band-gap, covering a wide range (from 2.4 eV to ˜4 eV). When doped with Mn, these alloy Qdots emit bright yellow/orange light. Tuning of the excitation band is accomplished by changing the alloy composition of the core. Based on photophysical studies a new core/shell/shell model is provided, in place of the traditional core/shell model. Due to the interfacial diffusion of the cations from the core and shell an intermediate alloy layer is formed providing an inner shell; this inner shell layer is the real host of the dopant ions.

Abstract: Optical and optoelectronic devices and methods of making same. Under one aspect, an optical device includes an integrated circuit an array of conductive regions; and an optically sensitive material over at least a portion of the integrated circuit and in electrical communication with at least one conductive region of the array of conductive regions. Under another aspect, a method of forming a nanocrystalline film includes fabricating a plurality of nanocrystals having a plurality of first ligands attached to their outer surfaces; exchanging the first ligands for second ligands of different chemical composition than the first ligands; forming a film of the ligand-exchanged nanocrystals; removing the second ligands; and fusing the cores of adjacent nanocrystals in the film to form an electrical network of fused nanocrystals.

Abstract: Solar cells and methods for manufacturing solar cells and/or components or layers thereof are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a multi-bandgap quantum dot layer for use in a solar cell may include providing a first precursor compound, providing a second precursor compound, and combining a portion of the first precursor compound with a portion of the second precursor compound to form a multi-bandgap quantum dot layer that includes a plurality of quantum dots that differ in bandgap.

Abstract: This invention provides novel targeted antimicrobial compositions. In various embodiments chimeric moieties are provided comprising an antimicrobial peptide attached to a peptide targeting moiety that binds a bacterial strain or species.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is described using a sub-wavelength grating (SWG) structure that has a very broad reflection spectrum and very high reflectivity. The grating comprises segments of high and low refractive index materials with an index differential between the high and low index materials. By way of example, a SWG reflective structure is disposed over a low index cavity region and above another reflective layer (either SWG or DBR). In one embodiment, the SWG structure is movable, such as according to MEMS techniques, in relation to the opposing reflector to provide wavelength selective tuning. The SWG-VCSEL design is scalable to form the optical cavities for a range of SWG-VCSELs at different wavelengths, and wavelength ranges.

Abstract: Provided are nanofunctional silica particles having excellent functionality and quality, and capable of being mass-produced at low costs. According to the present invention, there are provided nanofunctional silica particles including a coating layer containing one or more silica compounds selected from the group consisting of mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS), mercaptopropyl triethoxysilane (MPES), mercaptopropyl methyldimethoxysilane (MPDMS), trimethoxy[2-(7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]-hept-3-yl)ethyl]silane (EpoPS), thiocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane (TCPS), acryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (ACPS), and aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APS); and functional particles in the coating layer, and being used in imaging, assay, diagnosis, treatment or the like, medicine or bioresearch.

Abstract: A dual-interaction ligand for rendering otherwise hydrophobic nanoparticles water soluble or suspendable has a hydrophilic base with a plurality of hydrophilic segments extending from a core of the base, where at least one segment or the core contains a hydrophobic groups capable of forming van der Waal interaction between hydrophobic groups of the dual-interaction ligand and other hydrophobic ligands, and at least one complexing functionality to complex a metal atom or ion of a nanoparticle. The dual-interaction ligands can be combined with hydrophobic nanoparticles, where the dual-interaction ligands can displace some or all of the hydrophobic ligands of the hydrophobic nanoparticles, to form a nanoparticle-dual interaction ligand complex that can be dissolved or dispersed readily in an aqueous solution. The dual interaction ligand can be functionalized to attach an antibody or other biomolecules such that the nanoparticle dual-interaction ligands complexes can contain biomolecules.

Abstract: Articles and methods for manufacturing security articles include ultraviolet absorptive materials disposed above and below an emissive security taggant that prevent excitation of the taggant itself at certain shorter ultraviolet wavelengths, rendering the article secure from detection by normal or conventional means.

Abstract: The invention provides a new class of photoconductive materials and devices, and methods for obtaining high internal photoconductive gain. The devices include a semiconductor or material with an electronic band gap provided in a confined geometry and which exhibits multi-exciton generation (MEG) when illuminated with photons with energies above the threshold for MEG. Due to carrier-carrier Coulombic interactions, multi-excitons within the confined material efficiently recombine via Auger recombination, in which a carrier from one exciton is excited to a higher energy level relative to the band edge. Carriers excited by Auger recombination are subsequently trapped by trap states that capture carriers excited high above the band edge more efficiently than carriers near the band edge. Carriers trapped by the trap states allow for the collection and recirculation of untrapped carriers of opposite charge when used as a photoconductive device, producing high internal photoconductive gain.

Abstract: The present invention provides drug delivery systems comprising FcRn binding partners (e.g., FcRn binding partner, Fc fragment) associated with a particle or an agent to be delivered. Inventive drug delivery systems allow for binding to the FcRn receptor and transcytosis into and/or through a cell or cell layer. Inventive systems are useful for delivering therapeutic agents across the endothelium of blood vessels or the epithelium of an organ.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance systems, devices, methods, and compositions are provided. A nuclear magnetic resonance imaging composition includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of ferromagnetic microstructures configured to generate a time-invariant magnetic field within at least a portion of one or more internal surface-defined voids. In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of ferromagnetic microstructures includes one or more targeting moieties attached thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the identification of autoreactive T cell populations from individuals having autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and EAE. Peptoids recognized by autoreactive T cells can be used to identify various types of autoimmune disease, and can also be used to target therapies against such populations.

Abstract: A light detecting system is disclosed. The system comprises an arrangement of quantum dots forming an optically active region, a channel region and a charge carrier extractor between the active region and the channel region. The charge carrier extractor is characterized by a set of gradually decreasing energy levels between a characteristic excited energy level of the active region and a characteristic conductance energy level of the channel region.