Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120268736 | CONFIGURABLE GRATING BASED ON COLLAPSING NANO-FINGERS - A configurable grating based on collapsing nano-fingers includes a substrate; and a plurality of bendable nano-fingers supported on the substrate. The nano-fingers may be formed in a regular first array and the nano-fingers may be formed in a spacing that, upon closing at their tops, forms a second array to act as an optical grating or a diagnostic tool. A method of fabricating a configurable optical grating based on collapsing nano-fingers is also disclosed, as well as a method of determining an open or closed state for a plurality of nano-fingers. | 10-25-2012 |
20130021605 | APPARATUS HAVING NANO-FINGERS OF DIFFFERENT PHSYICAL CHARACTERISTICS - An apparatus includes a substrate and a plurality of nano-fingers attached at respective first ends to the substrate and freely movable along their lengths, in which a first set of the plurality of nano-fingers comprises a first physical characteristic, wherein a second set of the plurality of nano-fingers comprises a second physical characteristic, and wherein the first physical characteristic differs from the second physical characteristic. | 01-24-2013 |
20130070241 | ASYMMETRICAL-NANOFINGER DEVICE FOR SURFACE-ENHANCED LUMINESCENSE - An asymmetrical-nanofinger device for surface-enhanced luminescence. The device includes a substrate, and a plurality of nanofingers coupled with the substrate. The plurality of nanofingers includes a primary nanofinger having a primary active-material cap, and a secondary nanofinger having a secondary active-material cap. An average diameter of the primary active-material cap is substantially greater than an average diameter of the secondary active-material cap. The primary nanofinger and secondary nanofinger of the plurality of nanofingers are to self-arrange into a close-packed configuration with an analyte molecule disposed between the primary active-material cap and the secondary active-material cap. A method for fabricating the asymmetrical-nanofinger device, and an optical apparatus including an optical component that includes the asymmetrical-nanofinger device are also provided. | 03-21-2013 |
20130094020 | PROBE HAVING NANO-FINGERS - A probe for use in a sensing application includes an elongate body having a first end and a free end, wherein the first end is to be attached to a support. The probe also includes a plurality of nano-fingers having respective bases and tips, wherein each of the plurality of nano-fingers is attached to the free end and is composed of a flexible material, and wherein the plurality of nano-fingers are collapsed toward each other such that the tips of the plurality of nano-fingers are substantially in contact with each other. | 04-18-2013 |
20130100436 | MOLECULAR FILTERS - Molecular filters are disclosed herein. An example of the molecular filter includes a rolled substrate having an interior surface and opposed ends that are substantially orthogonal to the interior surface. The rolled substrate defines a layer and a fluid flow path extending from one of the opposed ends to another of the opposed ends. A template is positioned on the interior surface of the rolled substrate. The template includes a matrix, and molecule template locations formed in the matrix. | 04-25-2013 |
20130107250 | FREE-STANDING STRUCTURES FOR MOLECULAR ANALYSIS | 05-02-2013 |
20130194570 | APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING SPECTROSCOPY - An apparatus for performing spectroscopy includes an optical waveguide comprising a fluidic channel to receive a fluid sample, in which the optical waveguide is to propagate lightwaves at a set of frequencies. The apparatus also includes a wavelength selective device coupled to the optical waveguide, in which the wavelength selective device comprises a predetermined bandwidth and is to capture frequencies of light within the predetermined bandwidth. The apparatus further includes a detector coupled to the wavelength selective device to generate signals that identify the frequencies captured by the wavelength selective device. | 08-01-2013 |
20130196449 | ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN DEVICES FOR SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - An electrically driven device for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy includes a substrate, a Raman signal-amplifying structure positioned on the substrate, and an analyte receptor attached to a structure chosen from i) the Raman signal-amplifying structure, or ii) the substrate near the Raman signal-amplifying structure, or iii) combinations of i and ii. The analyte receptor has a selective binding affinity for an analyte. Conductive elements are positioned relative to one another and to the analyte receptor such that the conductive elements together produce an electric field in the vicinity of the analyte receptor when a voltage bias is applied between the conductive elements. | 08-01-2013 |
20130278928 | SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY CALIBRATION CURVE GENERATING SYSTEMS - A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy calibration curve generating system includes a SERS sensor, which includes a substrate and a plurality of sensing members formed on the substrate. Each of the sensing members includes a plurality of SERS signal amplifying structures. An inkjet dispensing device is to dispense different concentrations of a solution including a known analyte of interest onto the respective sensing members to form a concentration dependent array. A Raman spectrometer is to interrogate the concentration dependent array. A processor is operatively connected to each of the inkjet dispensing device and the Raman spectrometer. Computer-readable instructions are embedded on a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium and are executable by the processor. The computer-readable instructions are to automatically generate an intensity profile as a function of concentration for the concentration dependent array. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278929 | RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - Apparatus, methods, and hollow metal waveguides to perform surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a hollow metal waveguide to direct Raman photons from an intermediate location within a volume of the hollow metal waveguide toward a distal end of the hollow metal waveguide, and a mirror to direct incident light from a light source to the intermediate location within the volume of the hollow metal waveguide and to direct at least some of the Raman photons toward the distal end. | 10-24-2013 |
20140024131 | HYBRID NANOSTRUCTURES FOR MOLECULAR ANALYSIS - A hybrid nanostructure for molecular analysis is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of nanofingers wherein each nanofinger is coated with a metal coating, is attached at one end to a substrate, and is freely bendable along its length such that the second ends of each nanofinger are capable of movement toward each other to form a cavity. The structure further includes a nanoparticle trapped in the cavity. An array of hybrid nanostructures and a method for fabricating the hybrid nanostructures are also disclosed. | 01-23-2014 |
20140028995 | INTEGRATED SENSORS - Examples of integrated sensors are disclosed herein. An example of an integrated sensor includes a flexible substrate, and an array of spaced apart sensing members formed on a surface of the flexible substrate. Each of the spaced apart sensing members includes a plurality of polygon assemblies. The polygon assemblies are arranged in a controlled pattern on the surface of the flexible substrate such that each of the plurality of polygon assemblies is a predetermined distance from each other of the plurality of polygon assemblies, and each of the plurality of polygon assemblies including collapsible signal amplifying structures controllably positioned in a predetermined geometric shape. | 01-30-2014 |
20140029002 | ADJUSTABLE INTERSURFACE SPACING FOR SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - A sensor for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensor includes surfaces and an actuator to adjust an intersurface spacing between the surfaces to contain an analyte and allow the analyte to be released from containment. | 01-30-2014 |
20140036262 | ELECTRONIC AND PLASMONIC ENHANCEMENT FOR SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - An apparatus for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy includes a substrate, a nanostructure and a plasmonic material. The nanostructure and the plasmonic material are integrated together to provide electronic and plasmonic enhancement to a Raman signal produced by electromagnetic radiation scattering from an analyte. | 02-06-2014 |
20140036263 | APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING SPECTROSCOPY HAVING A POROUS MEMBRANE - According to an example, an apparatus for performing spectroscopy includes a structure having an opening. The apparatus also includes a plurality of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) elements positioned within the structure and a porous membrane covering the opening and the plurality of SERS elements. The porous membrane is to allow a predetermined analyte to reach the SERS elements while substantially preventing other analytes from reaching the SERS elements. | 02-06-2014 |
20140125976 | SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY SENSOR, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SENSING - A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensor, system and method employ nanorods and independent nanoparticles that interact. The sensor includes at least two spaced apart nanorods attached at first ends to a substrate and an independent nanoparticle. Second ends of the nanorods are movable into close proximity to one another and include a Raman active surface. The nanoparticle has a functionalized surface that includes a Raman signal generator. An interaction between the nanoparticle and the nanorod second ends in close proximity is detectable. The system includes the SERS sensor, an illumination source and a Raman signal detector. The method includes illuminating the interaction of the nanoparticle and the nanorods with an analyte, and detecting an effect on a Raman signal caused by the analyte. | 05-08-2014 |
20140198314 | MOLECULAR SENSING DEVICE - A molecular sensing device includes a substrate; a well i) formed in a material that is positioned on a surface of the substrate or ii) formed in a surface of the substrate; a signal amplifying structure positioned in the wed; and an immersion fluid deposited into the well and surrounding the signal amplifying structure. | 07-17-2014 |
20140209463 | TRAVELING WAVE DIELECTROPHORESIS SENSING DEVICE - The present disclosure is drawn to traveling wave dielectrophoresis sensing devices and associated methods. In an example, a traveling wave dielectrophoresis sensing device can comprise an array of electromagnetic field enhancing nanostructures attached to the substrate, the electromagnetic field enhancing nanostructures including a metal; a plurality of conductive element electrically associated with the electromagnetic field enhancing nanostructures; and a controller for applying alternating and out of phase potential to the plurality of conductive elements to form traveling wave dielectrophoretic forces within the array. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209837 | FORMING 3-D NANO-PARTICLE ASSEMBLIES - According to an example, methods for forming three-dimensional (3-D) nano-particle assemblies include depositing SES elements onto respective tips of nano-fingers, in which the nano-fingers are arranged in sufficiently close proximities to each other to enable the tips of groups of adjacent ones of the nano-fingers to come into sufficiently close proximities to each other to enable the SES elements on the tips to be bonded together when the nano-fingers are partially collapsed. The methods also include causing the nano-fingers to partially collapse toward adjacent ones of the nano-fingers to cause a plurality of SES elements on respective groups of the nano-fingers to be in relatively close proximities to each other and form respective clusters of SES elements, introducing additional particles that are to attach onto the clusters of SES elements, and causing the clusters of SES elements to detach from the nano-fingers. | 07-31-2014 |
20140211196 | ELECTRIC FIELD GENERATING APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING SPECTROSCOPY - According to an example, an apparatus for performing spectroscopy includes a substrate on which a plurality of surface-enhanced spectroscopy (SES) elements are positioned substantially along a first plane. The apparatus also includes a first electrode positioned adjacent to the plurality of SES elements substantially along the first plane and a second electrode positioned adjacent to the plurality of SES elements substantially along the first plane and on a side of the plurality of SES elements that is opposite the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are to generate an electric field around the plurality of SES elements when voltages are applied through the first electrode and the second electrode. | 07-31-2014 |
20140211199 | MULTIPLE CONCURRENT SPECTRAL ANALYSES - According to an example, apparatuses for performing multiple concurrent spectral analyses on a sample under test include an optical system to concurrently direct a plurality of light beams onto analytes at multiple locations on the sample under test, in which the plurality of light beams cause light in either or both of a Raman spectra and a non-Raman spectra to be emitted from the analytes at the multiple locations of the sample under test. The apparatuses also include a detector to concurrently acquire a plurality of spectral measurements of the light emitted from the analytes at the multiple locations of the sample under test. Example methods of performing spectral analysis include use of the apparatuses. | 07-31-2014 |
20140211206 | APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING MATERIAL TO BE SPECTRALLY ANALYZED - According to an example, an apparatus for collecting a material to be spectrally analyzed includes a body having a first end and a second end, in which the body is elongated along a first axis from the first end to the second end. The body also includes a hole having an opening formed in an external surface of the body at a location between the first end and the second end and extending at least partially through the body at an angle with respect to the first axis. The body further includes a plurality of surface-enhanced spectroscopy (SES) elements positioned inside the body. | 07-31-2014 |
20140212867 | DEVICE FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING CELLULAR GROWTH - The present disclosure is drawn to a device for monitoring and controlling live cells and associated methods. In an example, the device can include a plurality of elongated nanostructures affixed to a substrate. The elongated nanostructures can each have an attachment end and a free end opposite the attachment end. The free end includes a metal and the attachment end is affixed to the substrate. The device can further include a functionalization layer that is coated on the free end of at least a portion of the plurality of elongated nanostructures. The functionalization layer can be formulated to retain live cells, and the device can be configured to be used in conjunction with a detector, such as a Raman spectrometer, in order to monitor growth of live cells. | 07-31-2014 |
20140218727 | APPARATUS FOR USE IN A SENSING APPLICATION HAVING A DESTRUCTIBLE COVER - An apparatus for use in a sensing application includes a body having a cavity containing an opening. The apparatus also includes a plurality of nano-fingers positioned in the cavity and a destructible cover covering the opening in the cavity to protect the plurality of nano-fingers, wherein the destructible cover is to be destroyed to enable access to the plurality of nano-fingers. | 08-07-2014 |
20140268128 | Self-Exciting Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy - Self-exciting surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) employs an integral optical excitation source to provide an excitation signal to provide self-excitation of a SERS structure. The SERS structure includes a plurality of nanofingers having SERS-enhancing nanoparticles disposed adjacent to the nanofingers. | 09-18-2014 |
20140347661 | APPARATUS FOR FILTERING SPECIES - An apparatus for filtering species in a fluid includes a body having a first side and a second side, a first set of nano-fingers positioned on the body near the first side, a second set of nano-fingers positioned on the body closer to the second side than the first set of nano-fingers, wherein the nano-fingers in the second set of nano-fingers are arranged on the body at a relatively more densely than the nano-fingers in the first set of nano-fingers, and a cover positioned over the first set of nano-fingers and the second set of nano-fingers to form a channel with the body within which the first and second sets of nano-fingers are positioned. | 11-27-2014 |
20140370493 | METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING CELLULAR GROWTH - The present disclosure is drawn to a device for monitoring and controlling live cells and associated methods. In an example, the device can include a plurality of elongated nanostructures affixed to a substrate. The elongated nanostructures can each have an attachment end and a free end opposite the attachment end. The free end includes a metal and the attachment end is affixed to the substrate. The device can further include a functionalization layer that is coated on the free end of at least a portion of the plurality of elongated nanostructures. The functionalization layer can be formulated to retain live cells, and the device can be configured to be used in conjunction with a detector, such as a Raman spectrometer, in order to monitor growth of live cells. | 12-18-2014 |
20140375990 | DOUBLE-GRATING SURFACE-ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - A double-grating surface-enhanced Raman spectrometer. The spectrometer includes a substrate; a plurality of nanofingers carried by the substrate, the nanofingers arranged to define a first optical grating; a light source oriented to project a beam of light toward the first optical grating; a second optical grating oriented to receive a beam of light scattered from the first optical grating; and a detector oriented to receive a beam of light scattered from the second optical grating. | 12-25-2014 |
20150065390 | INTEGRATED SENSORS - Examples of integrated sensors are disclosed herein. An example of an integrated sensor includes a substrate and a sensing member formed on a surface of the substrate. The sensing member includes collapsible signal amplifying structures and an area surrounding the collapsible signal amplifying structures that enables self-positioning of droplets exposed thereto toward the collapsible signal amplifying structures. | 03-05-2015 |