Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Commons^™

The Legitimation Of Novel Technologies: The Case Of Nanotechnology, Anastasia E. Thyroff

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Nanotechnology is the control, manipulation, and application of matter on an atomic and molecular level. The technology is complex and confusing to consumers, and its long-term safety and effect on the human body, as well as the environment, are unknown. However, for the past decade, nanotechnology has been used to develop consumer products and food with novel and attractive attributes.

Since nanotechnology is still not well known, it is not legitimized; that is, it has not been deemed safe and accepted by society. However, the market for nanotechnology is in the legitimation process. It will take an entire network of …

Fluorescence Characterization Of Quantum Dots For Use As Biomarkers, Logan M. Grimes

Materials Engineering

Fluorescence profiles of quantum dots (QDs) were characterized to select the ideal QDs for encapsulation in phospholipids for use as biomarkers to selectively adhere to cancer cells. QDs were synthesized and extracted 0, 30, 60, and 90 seconds after precursor compounds were mixed. These extractions were isolated by extraction time. Portions from each vial were coated in a zinc sulfide shelling procedure, leaving at least half of the QD solution unshelled. These samples were characterized over four days to monitor fluctuations in fluorescence. This was done utilizing an Ocean Optics spectrometer in conjunction with Spectra Suite software. The central wavelength, …

Application Of Quantum Dots Onto Glass Wafers As A Feasibility Test For The Spectral Down Conversion Of Uv Light For Solar Cells, Anthony Fong

Materials Engineering

Quantum dots have the ability to convert high energy photons into multiple lower energy photons. Down conversion of such high energy photons from sources such as UV light can be beneficial for applications on solar cells which waste much of the energy in the form of thermalization. To test this theory, a solar cell was hooked up to an Amprobe Solar Analyzer and tests were run to compare power output with and without the presence of quantum dots. Additionally, quantum dots were spin coated onto a glass wafer to determine its adhesion ability. Spectrometer readings were taken of the wafer …

Neoadjuvant Therapy For Ovarian Cancer Using Bioglycogentm Nanoparticles Sbir Grant Proposal, Alexander E. Talamo

Nanoscale Science & Engineering (discontinued with class year 2014)

Project Summary Technical Abstract This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project, presented by Talamo Inc., is to test an ovarian cancer therapeutic delivery system, comprised of a nanoscale biocompatible vesicle that carries a bioactive small interfering RNA molecule (siRNA), in vivio in mice. The siRNA has shown to reduce the expression of an enzyme (Sod2) that is highly expressed in multiple ovarian cancer types. The reduced expression of Sod2 will allow the tumor to become increasingly susceptible to chemotherapy agents, while simultaneously diminishing tumor progression. Research has proved that the nanoscale vesicle is non-toxic and in combination with siRNA …

Nanopillar Array With A Λ/11 Diameter Fabricated By A Kind Of Visible Cw Laser Direct Lithography System, Chen Zhang, K. Wang, J. Bai, S. Wang, W. Zhao, F. Yang, C. Gu, Guiren Wang

Faculty Publications

Nanoscale functional structures are indispensable elements in many fields of modern science. In this paper, nanopillar array with a pillar diameter far smaller than Abbe's diffraction limit is realized by a new kind of continuous wave (CW) laser direct lithography technology. With atomic force microscopy technology, the average diameter of nanopillars on thin OIR906 photoresist film is about 65 nm and the smallest diameter is 48 nm, which is about 1/11 of the incident laser wavelength. Also, the influences of coma and astigmatism effects to the shape and size of nanopillar are numerically simulated by utilizing vector integral. As far …

Refractive Index Chemical Sensing With Noble Metal Nanoparticles, Phillip Blake

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Chemical sensing is a key component in modern society, especially in engineering applications. Because of their widespread impact, improvements to chemical sensors are a significant area of research. One class of sensors, plasmonic sensors, is being heavily researched because of their ability to detect low levels of analyte in near real time without destroying the analyte. This work studies a new class of plasmonic sensor that utilizes diffractive coupling to improve sensor performance. Specifically, this work outlines the first study of diffractive coupling sensors with typical nanoparticle shapes. Sensitivity of this new class of sensor is directly compared to typical …

Ultrastable Synergistic Tetravalent Rna Nanoparticles For Targeting To Cancers, Farzin Haque, Dan Shu, Yi Shu, Luda S. Shlyakhtenko, Piotr G. Rychahou, B. Mark Evers, Peixuan Guo

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

One of the advantages of nanotechnology is the feasibility to construct therapeutic particles carrying multiple therapeutics with defined structure and stoichiometry. The field of RNA nanotechnology is emerging. However, controlled assembly of stable RNA nanoparticles with multiple functionalities which retain their original role is challenging due to refolding after fusion. Herein, we report the construction of thermodynamically stable X-shaped RNA nanoparticles to carry four therapeutic RNA motifs by self-assembly of reengineered small RNA fragments. We proved that each arm of the four helices in the X-motif can harbor one siRNA, ribozyme, or aptamer without affecting the folding of the central …

Characterization And Manipulation Of Nanorods Via An Applied Magnetic Field, Summer Wu '13

Student Publications & Research

A remote system capable of controlling the motion of magnetic nanorods was created. Two different systems, electromagnets and magnetic stirrers, were used to create continuously changing magnetic fields thus applying a constant torque to make nanorods rotate as “nano stirbars”. The system was tested on three different types of synthesized nanorods: multi-segmented Ni/Au, pure Ni, and pure Au nanorods. Ni and Au were chosen due to the combination of the magnetic properties of Ni and the biocompatible properties of Au. Variables such as length, shape, and geometries of the nanorods were characterized by a scanning electron microscope and an atomic …

Generality In Nanotechnologies And Its Relationship To Economic Performance, Fernando Gomez Baquero

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

In the history if economic analysis there is perhaps no more important question than the one of how economic development is achieved. For more than a century, economists have explored the role of technology in economic growth but there is still much to be learned about the effect that technologies, in particular emerging ones, have on economic growth and productivity. The objective of this research is to understand the relationship between nanotechnologies and economic growth and productivity, using the theory of General Purpose Technology (GPT)-driven economic growth. To do so, the Generality Index (calculated from patent data) was used to …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Cdse-Zns Core-Shell Quantum Dots For Increased Quantum Yield, Joshua James Angell

Master's Theses

Quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystals that have tunable emission through changes in their size. Producing bright, efficient quantum dots with stable fluorescence is important for using them in applications in lighting, photovoltaics, and biological imaging. This study aimed to optimize the process for coating CdSe quantum dots (which are colloidally suspended in octadecene) with a ZnS shell through the pyrolysis of organometallic precursors to increase their fluorescence and stability. This process was optimized by determining the ZnS shell thickness between 0.53 and 5.47 monolayers and the Zn:S ratio in the precursor solution between 0.23:1 and 1.6:1 that maximized the relative …

Using Nanotechnology To Detect Nerve Agents, Mark N. Goltz, Dong-Shik Kim, Leeann Racz

Faculty Publications

Nanotechnology has opened a wide range of opportunities having potential impacts in areas as diverse as medicine and consumer products. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Toledo UT, Air Force Institute of Technology AFIT scientists are exploring the possibility of using a nanoscale organic matrix to detect organophosphate OP nerve agents. Current techniques for detecting OP compounds are expensive and time consuming. Developing a nanoscale organic matrix sensor would allow for direct, real-time sensing under field conditions. This article describes the science behind such a sensor and its possible applications. High-performance sensors are needed to protect Soldiers and …

Artificial And Natural Nucleic Acid Self Assembling Systems, Marcus Wood

Wayne State University Dissertations

Nucleic acids are good candidates for nanomachine construction. They participate in all the processes of life, and so can function as structural building blocks and dynamic catalysts. However, to use nucleic acids as nanomachines, a better understanding of their material properties, how to design structures using them, and their dynamics is needed. We have tried to address these issues, in a small way, with nucleic acid force field development, an attempt at nanostructural design and synthesis using DNA, and a study of the RNA/protein regulatory dynamics of the tryptophan regulatory attenuation protein.

Cost-Effective Imprint Template Fabrication For Step And Flash Imprint Lithography, Adam Marc Munder

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) is studying imprint template fabrication with the 100kV Vistec VB300 Gaussian E-Beam writer. The major goal is to develop and advance imprint template fabrication technology using low cost quartz wafers for proof-of-concept demonstrations.

Energy Band Engineering Using Polarization Induced Interface Charges In Mocvd Grown Iii-Nitride Heterojunction Devices, Neeraj Tripathi

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Characteristics of III-nitride based heterojunction devices are greatly influenced by the presence of high density of polarization induced interface charges. Research undertaken in the current doctoral thesis demonstrates the effect of presence of one, three and six sheets of polarization induced charges in three different III-nitride based devices, namely in a photocathode, a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) and a hyperspectral detector structure. Through a systematic set of experiments and theoretical modeling an in-depth study of the interaction between multiple sheets of polarization induced charges and their impact on energy band profile was undertaken. Various device designs were studied and …

Small-Scale Solutions To Grand Challenges In Thermal Management, Suresh V. Garimella

Birck and NCN Publications

Research needs in the field of thermal management of microelectronics and microsystems are identified, followed by a brief discussion of recent advances in solution approaches. These include novel solutions that rely on two-phase flow at the microscale, micropumps, droplet actuation on structured surfaces, passive transport in wick structures, ion-driven and piezoelectrically driven airflow, nanostructured thermal materials, and novel diagnostic tools.

Dynamic Solidification In Nanoconfined Water Films, Peter M. Hoffmann, Shah H. Khan, George Matei, Shivprasad Patil

Publications

Mechanical properties of nanoconfined water layers are still poorly understood and continue to create controversy, despite their importance for biology and nanotechnology. We report on dynamic nanomechanical measurements of water films compressed to a few single molecular layers. We show that the mechanical properties of nanoconfined water layers change significantly with their dynamic state. In particular, we observed a sharp transition from viscous to elastic response even at extremely slow compression rates, indicating that mechanical relaxation times increase dramatically once water is compressed to less than 3–4 molecular layers.

Artificial Intelligence: Soon To Be The World’S Greatest Intelligence, Or Just A Wild Dream?, Edward R. Kollett

Academic Symposium of Undergraduate Scholarship

The purpose of the paper was to examine the field of artificial intelligence. In particular, the paper focused on what has been accomplished towards the goal of making a machine that can think like a human, and the hardships that researchers in the field has faced. It also touched upon the potential outcomes of success. Why is this paper important? As computers become more powerful, the common conception is that they are becoming more intelligent. As computers become more integrated with society and more connected with each other, people again believe they are becoming smarter. Therefore, it is important that …

Microscopic And Spectroscopic Studies Of Thermally Enhanced Electrospun Pmma Micro- And Nanofibers, Sean Pelfrey, Travis Cantu, Michael R. Papantonakis, Duane L. Simonson, R. Andrew Mcgill, Javier Macossay-Torres

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Chemistry)

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been incorporated into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) through electrospinning. The resulting micro- and nanofibers have been characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which confirmed fiber formation and demonstrated a core-sheath structure of the PMMA fibers. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to obtain the thermal properties of the materials, indicating an enhancement in the thermal properties of the composite fibers. In addition, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to investigate the interactions of PMMA micro- and nanofibers with CNFs, demonstrating the preferred sites of intermolecular interactions between the polymer matrix and the filler.

Controlled Synthesis Of High Quality Carbon Nanotubes And Their Applications In Transparent Conductive Films, Enkeleda Dervishi

Theses and Dissertations

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have exceptional electrical, mechanical and electronic properties which make them attractive for numerous applications. Catalytic chemical vapor deposition (cCVD) is one of the most promising methods for large-scale production of high-quality CNTs at a relatively low cost. Synthesis conditions such as catalyst composition, reaction temperature, hydrocarbon type and flow rate, have an enormous influence on the morphological properties of nanotubes. This research presents a thorough study of the parametric conditions affecting the growth properties of single-wall and multi-wall carbon nanotubes. High quality single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were synthesized on different catalytic systems, using the inductive radio frequency …

A Systematic Study Of Atomic Layer Deposition Of Platinum Nano-Scale Metallization Films And Their Application To Electrical Contacts In Porous Alumina Templates, Ngoc H. Tran

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

ln this thesis a comprehensive analysis is presented on nano-scale thin films of platinum deposited with Angstrom resolution by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology utilizing the Cambridge Nanotech Savannah 100 ALD system. Physical characterizations of film thickness, film morphology, and surface roughness of the deposited platinum were all performed before and after rapid thermal annealing (RTA) and as a function of forming gas annealing (FGA). Noble metal thin films of platinum were deposited on four inch wafers of p-type boron doped &100& oriented silicon (Si) substrates. The ALD film thickness was measured with a novel method utilizing the linear dependence …

Vertical Carbon Nanotube Devices With Nanoscale Lengths Controlled Without Lithography, Aaron D. Franklin, Robert A. Sayer, Timothy D. Sands, David B. Janes, Timothy S. Fisher

PRISM: NNSA Center for Prediction of Reliability, Integrity and Survivability of Microsystems

Vertical single-walled carbon nanotubes (vSWCNTs) are synthesized within highly ordered porous anodic alumina (PAA) templates supported on Si substrates. A process for obtaining thin-film PAA with long-range ordered nanopores is presented in this paper. Each nanopore contains at most one v-SWCNT that is supported by a dielectric and addressed by electrochemically formed Pd nanowire source contacts and evaporated Pd drain contacts. Characteristics of these completely vertical, two-terminal nanotube devices are presented. Control of the v-SWCNT length is demonstrated using a straightforward etching process with lengths of less than 100 nm achieved without the need for complex/expensive lithography. This effective nanoscale …

Metamaterial Devices For The Terahertz Band, Gabriel Paul Kniffin

Center for Electron Microscopy and Nanofabrication Publications and Presentations

Terahertz (THz) and metamaterials are both hot topics in electromagnetics research. The THz band (0.1-10 THz) lies in the ‘gap’ between microwave and far infrared regions. Research is currently underway to characterize how these waves interact with matter, with potential applications including security screening, medical imaging, and non-destructive evaluation. Metamaterials are artificial materials containing sub-wavelength structures whose material properties, μ and ǫ can be ‘tuned’ to desired specifications, including simultaneously negative values, resulting in exotic properties such as a negative refractive index. Current metamaterials research includes the design of devices that operate at THz frequencies, filling a niche left wide …

Structural Identification Of Cubic Iron-Oxide Nanocrystal Mixtures: X-Ray Powder Diffraction Versus Quasi-Kinematic Transmission Electron Microscopy, Peter Moeck

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Two novel (and proprietary) strategies for the structural identification of a nanocrystal from either a single high-resolution (HR) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image or a single precession electron diffraction pattern are proposed and their advantages discussed in comparison to structural fingerprinting from powder X-ray diffraction patterns. Simulations for cubic magnetite and maghemite nanocrystals are used as examples.

Physiochemical Indicators Of Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Toxicity, Alan Casey

Doctoral

Numerous toxicity studies have been conducted to date both in vivo and in vitro on refined and raw Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT). Differences in SWCNT toxicity and biocompatibility have been observed between these studies, and whilst these discrepancies have been attributed to factors such as varying percentages of remnant catalytic particles, differences in dispersion methods etc. the mechanisms underlying these inconsistencies have not been investigated. This study used standard spectroscopic and cellular techniques to elucidate the origins of these inconsistencies and also to estimate the validity of toxicological data evaluated form standard cytotoxic endpoints. Spectroscopic studies were conducted in …

Transmission Electron Goniometry And Its Relation To Electron Tomography For Materials Science Apoplications, Peter Moeck, P. Fraundorf

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Aspects of transmission electron goniometry are discussed. Combined with high resolution phase contrast transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atomic resolution scanning TEM (STEM) in the atomic number contrast (Z-STEM) or the phase contrast bright field mode, transmission electron goniometry offers the opportunity to develop dedicated methods for the crystallographic characterization of nanocrystals in three dimensions. The relationship between transmission electron goniometry and electron tomography for materials science applications is briefly discussed. Internet based java applets that facilitate the application of transmission electron goniometry for cubic crystals with calibrated tilt-rotation and double-tilt specimen holders/goniometers are mentioned. The so called cubic-minimalistic tilt …

Progress Towards Terahertz Acoustic Phonon Generation In Doping Superlattices, Thomas E. Wilson

Physics Faculty Research

Progress is described in experiments to generate coherent terahertz acoustic phonons in silicon doping superlattices by the resonant absorption of nanosecond-pulsed far-infrared laser radiation. Future experiments are proposed that would use the superlattice as a transducer in a terahertz cryogenic acoustic reflection microscope with sub-nanometer resolution.

Making Sense Of Nanocrystal Lattice Fringes, P. Fraundorf, Wentao Qin, Peter Moeck, Eric Mandell

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The orientation dependence of thin-crystal lattice fringes can be gracefully quantified using fringe-visibility maps, a direct-space analog of Kikuchi maps [Nishikawa and Kikuchi, Nature (London) 121, 1019 (1928)]. As in navigation of reciprocal space with the aid of Kikuchi lines, fringe-visibility maps facilitate acquisition of crystallographic information from lattice images. In particular, these maps can help researchers to determine the three-dimensional lattice of individual nanocrystals, to 'fringe-fingerprint' collections of randomly oriented particles, and to measure local specimen thickness with only a modest tilt. Since the number of fringes in an image increases with maximum spatial-frequency squared, these strategies (with help …

Nanofatigue Studies Of Ultrathin Hard Carbon Overcoats Used In Magnetic Storage Devices, Xiaodong Li, Bharat Bhushan

Faculty Publications

A technique to perform nanofatigue experiments was developed. This technique utilizes a depth-sensing nanoindenter with harmonic force. The nanofatigue behavior of 20 nm thick amorphous carbon coatings was studied. The contact stiffness was monitored continuously throughout the test. The abrupt decrease in the contact stiffness indicates fatigue damage has occurred. The critical load amplitude, below which no fatigue damage occurs, was identified. It was found that the filtered cathodic arc coating exhibits longer fatigue life than a direct ion beam coating. Failure mechanisms of the coatings during fatigue are also discussed in conjunction with the hardness,elastic modulus, and fracture toughness, …