Abstract: A method to improve the external light efficiency of light emitting diodes, the method comprising etching an external surface of an n-type layer of the light emitting diode to form surface texturing, the surface texturing reducing internal light reflection to increase light output. A corresponding light emitting diode is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing a multiplexed diagnostic assay, such as for two or more different targets in a sample, is described. One embodiment comprised contacting the sample with two or more specific binding moieties that bind specifically to two or more different targets. The two or more specific binding moieties are conjugated to different haptens, and at least one of the haptens is an oxazole, a pyrazole, a thiazole, a nitroaryl compound other than dinitrophenyl, a benzofurazan, a triterpene, a urea, a thiourea, a rotenoid, a coumarin, a cyclolignan, a heterobiaryl, an azo aryl, or a benzodiazepine. The sample is contacted with two or more different anti-hapten antibodies that can be detected separately. The two or more different anti-hapten antibodies may be conjugated to different detectable labels.

Abstract: A nanofibrillar structure for cell culture and tissue engineering is disclosed. The nanofibrillar structure can be used in a variety of applications including methods for proliferating and/or differentiating cells and manufacturing a tissue. Also disclosed is an improved nanofiber comprising a lipid, lipophilic molecule, or chemically modified surface. The nanofibers can be used in a variety of applications including the formation of nanofibrillar structures for cell culture and tissue engineering.

Abstract: A high-efficiency solar cell device of the present invention comprising an active layer composed of a p-i-n form polymer-quantum dot composite having a consolidated core/shell structure which is formed by heating a coating layer of a solution of an organic-inorganic mixture of a p-type organic polymer, an n-type organic compound, and a semiconductor quantum dot dissolved in an organic solvent is capable of overcoming the shortcoming of the conventional solar cell devices having a multi-layered thin film structure.

Abstract: A method of making a colloidal solution of ternary semiconductor nanocrystals, includes providing binary semiconductor cores; forming first shells on the binary semiconductor cores containing one of the components of the binary semiconductor cores and another component which when combined with the binary semiconductor will form a ternary semiconductor, thereby providing core/shell nanocrystals; and annealing the core/shell nanocrystals to form ternary semiconductor nanocrystals containing a gradient in alloy composition.

Abstract: Photonic crystal cavities and related devices and methods are described. The described cavities can be used as lasers, photovoltaic sources, and single photon sources. The cavities can be both optically and electrically pumped. A fabrication process of the cavities is also described.

Abstract: The infrared photodetector includes a contact layer formed over a semiconductor substrate 10, a quantum dot stack 24 formed on the contact layer 12 and including intermediate layers 22 and quantum dots 20 which are alternately stacked, and a contact layer 26 formed on the quantum dot stack 24. One of the plurality of intermediate layers, which is in contact with the contact layer, has an n-type impurity doped region 16 formed on a side nearer the interface with the contact layer 12.

Abstract: Nanoparticles include or consist essentially of (i) a core that itself includes or consists essentially of a first material, and (ii) a layer including or consisting essentially of a second material. In various embodiments, one of the first and second materials is a semiconductor material incorporating ions from group 13 and group 15 of the periodic table, and the other of the first and second materials is a metal oxide material incorporating metal ions selected from any one of groups 1 to 12, 14 and 15 of the periodic table. In other embodiments, one of the first and second materials is a semiconductor material, and the other of the first and second materials is an oxide of a metal selected from any one of groups 3 to 10 of the periodic table. Methods for preparing such nanoparticles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention involves concentration-gradients alloyed quantum dots that have shell modifications and ligands that lower the barrier for electronic quantum dot activation, and electronic and photonic applications of such quantum dots. The present invention also describes emissive layers using such quantum dots in electronic applications.

Abstract: Compositions comprising nanoparticles, such as silver or gold nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and apoptotic agents are described. The nanoparticles can significantly enhance the cancer chemotherapeutic effects of the apoptotic agents. In particular, a highly increased anti-tumor activity has been demonstrated for the combination of etoposide and CNTs against HeLa cells compared to the administration of either etoposide alone or nanoparticles alone. Data provided by flow cytometry, Caspase 3 and other methods, suggest a strong interaction between the nanoparticles and the cellular structure, which can result in the improved effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents. These findings provide potential new cancer therapies by carefully selecting the right combination of cytostatic drugs and nanostructural materials which synergistically provide significantly greater curative rates.

Abstract: Saxitoxin analogue compounds, compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of synthesis of saxitoxin analogues, methods of imaging, methods of treatment, including methods of treating pain, are provided. Saxitoxin (STX), gonyautoxin (GTX), and zetekitoxin, and variant STX compounds bind to sodium channels and are effective to reduce or block flow of sodium ions through such channels. Such channel block affects nerve and muscle action, and may be effective to reduce or block pain sensations, relax muscles, reduce muscle spasm, and reduce wrinkles. STX analogue binding to sodium channels may also be useful to locate, image, or mark sodium channels, and so be useful in studying sodium channels and sodium channel disorders, and in the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from sodium channel disorders. In embodiments, the variant STX compounds include conjugates having increased serum half-life as compared to STX when administered to a subject.

Abstract: A quantum dot-based light sheet or film is disclosed. In certain embodiments, a quantum dot-based light sheet includes one or more films or layers comprising quantum dots (QD) disposed on at least a portion of a surface of a waveguide and one or more with LEDs optically coupled to the waveguide. The film or layer can be continuous or discontinuous. The film or layer can optionally further include a host material in which the quantum dots are dispersed. A solid state light-device including a quantum-dot based sheet or film or optical component disclosed herein is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultraviolet fluorescent material having high light emission efficiency, wherein the peak wavelength of ultraviolet light to be emitted can be controlled by having a quantum dot structure wherein a fine crystal of zinc oxide having an average diameter of 1-10 nm serves as a core, and the surface of the zinc oxide fine crystal is covered with at least one of LiGaO2, LiAlO2, NaGaO2 and NaAlO2, which has a crystal structure similar to that of the zinc oxide and low lattice mismatch and hardly suffers from structural defects, or a solid solution thereof.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a chalcogenide nanoparticle is provided. The method comprises reacting a metal component with an elemental chalcogen precursor in the presence of an organic solvent. The chalcogenide nanoparticles include ternary, binary and/or multinary chalcogenide nanoparticles and the metal component comprises metal halides or elemental metal precursors. The alkylamine solvent has a normal boiling temperature of above about 220° C. and an average particle size of from about 5 nm to about 1000 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting the activity of an ion channel in a cell. The methods comprise providing a loading buffer solution to a cell that has an ion channel. The loading buffer comprises at least one thallium indicator (e.g., an environmentally sensitive, luminescent dye) and a physiological concentration of chloride ions. The methods further comprise providing a stimulus buffer to the cell, wherein the stimulus buffer comprises thallium (e.g., thallium ions). Providing the stimulus buffer causes thallium influx into the cell through the ion channel. After providing the stimulus buffer, the luminescence (e.g., fluorescence) of the dye in the cell is detected. The luminescence of the dye can change in the presence or absence of thallium. The methods may be used to measure influx or efflux of thallium through an ion channel.

Abstract: A phase-conjugating resonator that includes a semiconductor laser diode apparatus that comprises a phase-conjugating array of retro-reflecting hexagon apertured hexahedral shaped corner-cube prisms, an electrically and/or optically pumped gain-region, a distributed bragg reflecting mirror-stack, a gaussian mode providing hemispherical shaped laser-emission-output metalized mirror. Wherein, optical phase conjugation is used to neutralize the phase perturbating contribution of spontaneous-emission, acoustic phonons, quantum-noise, gain-saturation, diffraction, and other intracavity aberrations and distortions that typically destabilize any stimulated-emission made to undergo amplifying oscillation within the inventions phase-conjugating resonator. Resulting in stablized high-power laser-emission-output into a single low-order fundamental transverse cavity mode and reversal of intra-cavity chirp that provides for high-speed internal modulation capable of transmitting data at around 20-Gigabits/ps.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to compositions including hydrogels and photoluminescent nanostructures are described. The compositions can undergo a change in a physical, chemical, dielectric, or other property upon exposure to an altering stimulus. Changes in one or more properties of the hydrogel may impart a change in the photoluminescence of the nanostructures embedded in the hydrogel.

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: Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide systems, devices, and methods for tuning resonant wavelengths of an optical resonator. Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide systems, devices, and methods for tuning dispersion properties of photonic crystal waveguides. In some embodiments, methods for tuning a resonant wavelength of an optical resonator are provided, the methods including: providing an optical resonator having a surface; determining an initial resonant wavelength emitted by the optical resonator in response to an electromagnetic radiation input; determining a number of layers of dielectric material based on a difference between the initial resonant wavelength and a target resonant wavelength and a predetermined tuning characteristic; and applying the determined number of layers of dielectric material to the surface of the optical resonator to tune the initial resonant wavelength to a tuned resonant wavelength.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the compounds shown below and methods of their synthesis. The value m is a positive integer. R comprises an alkyl chain or an alkoxy chain. Each X comprises a metal binding group. Each E is a methoxy group or comprises a biomolecule reactive group or a residue thereof. E optionally comprises a protecting group. The value n is a positive integer. The value p is zero or one. Y is OCH3, OH, NH2, or COOH.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to negative index material crossbars that can be electronically controlled and dynamically reconfigured to exhibit a variety of electromagnetic properties. In one aspect, a negative index material crossbar comprises a first layer of non-crossing nanowires, and a second layer of approximately parallel nanowires that overlay the nanowires in the first layer. Resonant elements at nanowire intersections, and a gain material incorporated in the crossbar such that transmitted electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in a wavelength band of interest is enhanced when the crossbar is flood pumped with pump electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A quantum nanodot camera, comprising: a quantum nanodot camera sensor including: at least one visible pixel sensor configured to capture scenes including actors and/or objects in a visible band; and at least one IR pixel sensor configured to capture motions of at least one quantum nanodot (QD) marker tuned to emit a narrowband IR signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas sensing device comprising a nanoparticle layer (1) and a quantum dot layer (3) separated from each other by a gas absorption layer (2) which has a thickness which changes upon absorption of a gas. The nanoparticle layer (1) is provided for generating a surface plasmon resonance within a plasmon resonance frequency range upon illumination with light within a light frequency range; the quantum dot layer (3) has an absorption spectrum overlapping with said plasmon resonance frequency range of said nanoparticle layer (1) and shows photoluminescence in a photoluminescence emission frequency range upon absorption of energy within its absorption spectrum. The present invention further relates to a method for fabricating such a gas sensing device and to a method of using such a gas sensing device.

Abstract: A quantum dot laser diode and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The quantum dot laser diode includes: a first clad layer formed on an InP substrate; a first lattice-matched layer formed on the first clad layer; an active layer formed on the first lattice-matched layer, and including at least one quantum dot layer formed of an InAlAs quantum dot or an InGaPAs quantum dot which is grown by an alternate growth method; a second lattice-matched layer formed on the active layer; a second clad layer formed on the second lattice-matched layer, and an ohmic contact layer formed on the second clad layer.

Abstract: A method of multiple protein biomarker detection, comprising providing at quantum dot-antibody conjugates that have an affinity for at least two different protein biomarkers; contacting the conjugates with a sample from a subject; allowing the proteins to bridge the antibodies, forming protein biomarker/quantum dot-antibody conjugate agglomerates; detecting the presence of the biomarkers by excitation of the agglomerates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an EL device that contains a quantum-dots-containing layer in which quantum dots hardly coagulate even under high-temperature conditions, e.g., at a temperature of 90° C. or more, that has a good performance even if heat treatment was carried at a high temperature in its production process, that can retain its emission characteristics for a prolonged period of time, and that has high durability. An electroluminescent device comprises a pair of electrodes, and an electroluminescent layer containing at least a luminescent layer, situated between the electrodes. The luminescent layer contains quantum dots whose surfaces are protected by one or more protective materials. At least one of the protective materials has a glass transition temperature and a melting point of 90° C. or more.

Abstract: A cavity free, broadband approach for engineering photon emitter interactions via sub-wavelength confinement of optical fields near metallic nanostructures. When a single CdSe quantum dot (QD) is optically excited in close proximity to a silver nanowire (NW), emission from the QD couples directly to guided surface plasmons in the NW, causing the wire's ends to light up. Nonclassical photon correlations between the emission from the QD and the ends of the NW demonstrate that the latter stems from the generation of single, quantized plasmons. Results from a large number of devices show that the efficient coupling is accompanied by more than 2.5-fold enhancement of the QD spontaneous emission, in a good agreement with theoretical predictions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing surface stabilized nanometer-sized particles includes the steps of mixing reactants, a surface-stabilizing surfactant, and a high boiling point liquid to form a mixture, continuously passing the mixture through an ultrasonic spray nozzle to form a mist of droplets of the mixture, injecting the mist directly into a furnace to cause a reaction between species of the mixture, and collecting the nanometer-sized products. The ultrasonic nozzle is positioned directly at one end of the heating furnace, preferably the top end, for travel of the droplets through the furnace. The continuous liquid-flow process, along with certain operating parameters, eliminates the need for dilution of the high boiling point liquid with a low boiling point solvent as in the prior art, significantly increases the yield, improves the quality of the product, and makes the process scalable.

Abstract: Improved energy storage is provided by exploiting two physical effects in combination. The first effect can be referred to as the All-Electron Battery (AEB) effect, and relates to the use of inclusions embedded in a dielectric structure between two electrodes of a capacitor. Electrons can tunnel through the dielectric between the electrodes and the inclusions, thereby increasing the charge storage density relative to a conventional capacitor. The second effect can be referred to as an area enhancement effect, and relates to the use of micro-structuring or nano-structuring on one or both of the electrodes to provide an enhanced interface area relative to the electrode geometrical area. Area enhancement is advantageous for reducing the self-discharge rate of the device.

Abstract: Nucleotide triphosphate probes containing a molecular and/or atomic tag on a ? and/or ? phosphate group and/or a base moiety having a detectable property are disclosed, and kits and method for using the tagged nucleotides in sequencing reactions and various assay. Also, phosphate and polyphosphate molecular fidelity altering agents are disclosed.

Abstract: A silicon quantum dot fluorescent lamp is made via providing a high voltage source between a cathode assembly and an anode assembly. The cathode assembly is made by providing a first substrate, coating a buffer layer on the first substrate, coating a catalytic layer on the buffer layer and providing a plurality of nanometer discharging elements on the catalytic layer. The anode assembly is made via providing a second substrate, coating a silicon quantum dot fluorescent film on the second substrate with and coating a metal film on the silicon quantum dot fluorescent film.

Abstract: Disclosed are a carbon nano-tube (CNT) light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. Specifically, the CNT light emitting device comprises: a CNT thin film formed using a CNT dispersed solution; a n-doping polymer formed on one end of the CNT thin film; a p-doping polymer formed on the other end of the CNT thin film; and a light emitting part between the n-doping polymer and the p-doping polymer. In addition, the method of manufacturing a CNT light emitting device comprises steps of: mixing CNTs with a dispersing agent or dispersing solvent to prepare a CNT dispersed solution; forming a CNT thin film using the CNT dispersed solution; coating a n-doping polymer on one end of the CNT thin film; and coating a p-doping polymer on the other end of the CNT thin film.

Abstract: A transient index stack having an intermediate transient index layer, for use in an imaging device or a display device, that reduces reflection between layers having different refractive indexes by making a gradual transition from one refractive index to another. Other embodiments include a pixel array in an imaging or display device, an imager system having improved optical characteristics for reception of light by photosensors and a display system having improved optical characteristics for transmission of light by photoemitters. Enhanced reception of light is achieved by reducing reflection between a photolayer, for example, a photosensor or photoemitter, and surrounding media by introducing an intermediate layer with a transient refractive index between the photolayer and surrounding media such that more photons reach the photolayer. The surrounding media can include a protective layer of optically transparent media.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object capable of emitting light. The apparatus comprises a light detector comprising at least two optical sensors capable of determining the intensity of the light; and a computer processing output signal generated by the optical sensors and comparing a result of the processing with a known result corresponding to a known type to determine whether the object belongs to the known type.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for functionalizing nanoparticles that enables them to undergo reversible aggregation/deaggregation. The aggregation properties of this new system are reversible and readily monitored by optical absorbance measurements with the possibility of electrical and/or magnetic monitoring as well. The outer portion of the coating material is functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) entities that facilitate biocompatibility and stability both in solution and in the solid state. Also provided are nanoparticles functionalized with rationally designed free radical initiators to effect tailored polymer growth from the surface. These systems may be used for a broad variety of applications, including biosensing with real-time feedback.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions operable for releasing nitric oxide under photochemical conditions. The compositions include a titanium dioxide nanomaterial and a nitric oxide-releasing compound deposited on the titanium dioxide nanomaterial that is operable to release nitric oxide under photochemical conditions. Titanium dioxide nanomaterials include, for example, titanium dioxide nanotubes. To facilitate the photochemical release of nitric oxide, some embodiments of the compositions further include a semiconductor that is deposited on the titanium dioxide nanotubes. Both the semiconductor and the nitric oxide-releasing compound may be deposited on the interior surface, exterior surface, or both of the titanium dioxide nanotubes. A polymer may wrap the titanium dioxide nanotubes to protect the nitric oxide-releasing compounds from moisture. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing such compositions and medical devices obtained therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection conjugate composed of a filament fragment, e.g. a cytoskeletal filament such as actin filaments or microtubules, and recognition elements bound to this fragment as well as kits comprising said detection conjugate and methods how to use said detection conjugate as well as the use for the detection of one or more compounds present within a sample, such as a biological sample.

Abstract: A semiconductor optical amplifier includes a semiconductor substrate; an optical waveguide that includes an active layer formed on the semiconductor substrate; and a wavelength selective reflection film that is formed on an end face where signal light is incident on the optical waveguide the wavelength selective reflection film allows transmission of the signal light, and reflects light of any wavelength other than the signal light.

Abstract: Provided is an external cavity laser light source. The light source includes a substrate, an optical waveguide, and a current blocking layer. The optical waveguide includes a passive waveguide layer, a lower clad layer, an active layer, and an upper clad layer that are sequentially stacked on the substrate and is divided into regions including a linear active waveguide region, a bent active waveguide region, a tapered waveguide region, and a window region. The current blocking layer was formed an outside of the active layer to reduce leakage current. The linear and bent active waveguide regions have a buried heterostructure (BH), and the tapered waveguide region and the window region have a buried ridge stripe (BRS) structure. The passive waveguide layer a width substantially equal to a maximal width of the tapered waveguide region at least in the bent active waveguide region, the tapered waveguide region, and the window region.

Abstract: A semiconductor circuit includes a plurality of semiconductor devices, each including a semiconductor islands having at least one electrical dopant atom and located on an insulator layer. Each semiconductor island is encapsulated by dielectric materials including at least one dielectric material portion. Conductive material portions, at least one of which abut two dielectric material portions that abut two distinct semiconductor islands, are located directly on the at least one dielectric material layer. At least one gate conductor is provided which overlies at least two semiconductor islands. Conduction across a dielectric material portion between a semiconductor island and a conductive material portion is effected by quantum tunneling. The conductive material portions and the at least one gate conductor are employed to form a semiconductor circuit having a low leakage current. A design structure for the semiconductor circuit is also provided.

Abstract: A method includes forming a first dielectric layer over a substrate; forming nanoclusters over the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the nanoclusters; annealing the second dielectric layer using nitrous oxide; and after the annealing the second dielectric layer, forming a gate electrode over the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: A sensor based on optical fiber technology is described. The sensor includes an elongate core for propagating light having an excitation wavelength; an interaction region that includes a fluorescent material for excitation by the propagated light to produce fluorescent light; and an interface region defining a boundary between the elongate core and the interaction region. The elongate core of the sensor is adapted to increase an intensity of the propagated light at the interface region to increase the amount of captured fluorescent light in the elongate core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing quantum dot nanoparticles and a method for preparing the same, more specifically, relates to a method for preparing a multifunctional perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion which simultaneously shows the fluorine-based magnetic resonance properties of perfluorocarbon and the optical properties of quantum dot nanoparticles, the method comprising dispersing quantum dot nanoparticles, modified with a fluorine end group, in perfluorocarbon, and then adding an aqueous emulsifier solution containing lipid to the dispersion. The disclosed perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing quantum dot nanoparticles has excellent biocompatibility and simultaneously shows optical properties and magnetic resonance properties, and thus can be used as a contrast agent for multi-mode molecular imaging. Accordingly, the nanoemulsion can be used to study cell and small-animal molecular imaging in various fields, including biological and medical fields.

Abstract: The present invention is a cable having (a) one or more electrical conductors or a core of one or more electrical conductors and (b) each conductor or core being surrounded by a layer of insulation. The insulation layer is prepared from a composition comprising a polyolefin and a 3-dimensional, cage-structured nanoparticle. The preferred polyolefins are polyethylene polymers, and the preferred nanoparticles are polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), polyhedral oligomeric silicates (POS), or polyhedral oligomeric siloxanes.

Abstract: A field-effect transistor is provided and includes source, gate and drain regions, where the gate region controls charge carrier location in the transport channel, the transport channel includes a asymmetric coupled quantum well layer, the asymmetric quantum well layer includes at least two quantum wells separated by a barrier layer having a greater energy gap than the wells, the transport channel is connected to the source region at one end, and the drain regions at the other, the drain regions include at least two contacts electrically isolated from each other, the contacts are connected to at least one quantum well. The drain may include two regions that are configured to form the asymmetric coupled well transport channel. In an embodiment, two sources and two drains are also envisioned.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a modified nano-dot and a fabrication method thereof. The modified nano-dot comprises a surface portion having a functional group and a core portion comprising a polymeric metal oxide, polymeric metalloid oxide or polymeric metal alloy oxide. The mean particle size of the modified nano-dot is 1-100 nm, preferably 1-10 nm. The modified nano-dot capable of modulating a carrier flux can be further applied to the element manufacture in the organic semiconductor industry, optoelectronics industry, and solar cell industry.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems form memory structures, such as flash memory structures from nanoparticles by providing a source of nanoparticles as a conductive layer. The particles are moved by application of a field, such as an electrical field, magnetic field and even electromagnetic radiation. The nanoparticles are deposited onto an insulating surface over a transistor in a first distribution of the nanoparticles. A field is applied to the nanoparticles on the surface that applies a force to the particles, rearranging the nanoparticles on the surface by the force from the field to form a second distribution of nanoparticles on the surface. A protective and enclosing insulating layer is deposited on the nanoparticle second distribution. The addition of a top conductive layer completes a basic flash memory structure.

Abstract: The invention provides coated sensors for detecting the presence of analytes. The sensor comprises one or more fluorescent sources, such as one or more quantum dots or one or more fluorescent dyes, a polymeric matrix, a surface coating, and one or more analyte sensing components. The surface coating may be a conformal polymeric film, permeable to the analyte, which may be deposited via a solventless process such as initiated chemical vapor deposition or photoinitiated chemical vapor deposition. The surface coating may increase the biocompatibility of the sensor, reduce nonspecific protein adsorption, and/or sequester functional sensor components within the sensor. The invention also provides methods for detecting the presence of an analyte with coated sensors of the invention.

Abstract: A nanostructure and method for assembly thereof are disclosed. An exemplary nanostructure includes a photocatalytic nanoparticle; a first tier of metal nanoparticles, each metal nanoparticle of the first tier being linked about the photocatalytic nanoparticle; and a second tier of metal nanoparticles, each metal nanoparticle of the second tier being linked to one of the metal nanoparticles of the first tier and located a distance from the photocatalytic nanoparticle greater than a distance between a metal nanoparticle of the first tier and the photocatalytic nanoparticle.