California Institute of Technology

Other

United States of America As Represented by the Administrator of Nasa

Andrew Peter Homyk

Axel Scherer

Sameer Walavalkar

Michael David Henry

Aditya Rajagopal

Thomas Anthony Tombrello, Jr

Seheon Kim

Scott E Fraser

William M Jones

Erika F Garcia

Thai Viet Truong

Karl Y Yee

Gregory Alan Bone

Sameer Sudhir Walavalkar

Devices, systems, and methods for detection of an analyte in a sample are disclosed. In some embodiments, an optical sensor can include a metallic layer and a plurality of dielectric pillars extending through the metallic layer. A plurality of regions of concentrated light can be supported in proximity to the ends of the plurality of dielectric pillars when a surface of the metallic layer is illuminated. Concentrated light within one or more of these regions can interact with an analyte molecule, allowing for detection of the analyte.

Optical sensor for analyte detection

Methods and devices for sequencing nucleic acids are disclosed herein. Devices are also provided herein for measuring DNA with nano-pores sized to allow DNA to pass through the nano-pore. The capacitance can be measured for the DNA molecule passing through the nano-pore. The capacitance measurements can be correlated to determine the sequence of base pairs passing through the nano-pore to sequence the DNA.

Devices and methods for sequencing nucleic acids

The present disclosure describes a method for optically powering transducers and related transducers with a photovoltaic collector. An optical fiber power delivery method and a free space power delivery method are also provided. A fabrication process for making an optically powered transducer is further described, together with an implantable transducer system based on optical power delivery.

Methods for optically powering transducers and related transducers

Methods for fabricating self-aligned heterostructures and semiconductor arrangements using silicon nanowires are described.

Methods for fabricating self-aligning semiconductor hetereostructures using nanowires

Methods for fabricating of high aspect ratio probes and deforming micropillars and nanopillars are described. Use of polymers in deforming nanopillars and micropillars is also described.

Methods for fabricating high aspect ratio probes and deforming high aspect ratio nanopillars and micropillars

The basic structure and functionality of a probe as disclosed herein allows for flexibly incorporating into the probe, various sensing elements for various sensing applications. Two example applications among these various sensing applications include bio-sensing and chemical-sensing applications. For bio-sensing applications the probe, which is fabricated upon a silicon substrate, includes a bio-sensing element such as a nano-pillar transistor, and for chemical-sensing applications the probe includes a sensing element that has a functionalized contact area whereby the sensing element generates a voltage when exposed to one or more chemicals of interest.

Sensor probe for bio-sensing and chemical-sensing applications

Methods for fabricating silicon nanowire chemical sensing devices, devices thus obtained, and methods for utilizing devices for sensing and measuring chemical concentration of selected species in a fluid are described. Devices may comprise a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) structure.

Chemical sensing and/or measuring devices and methods

The present disclosure describes an optically powered transducer with a photovoltaic collector. An optical fiber power delivery method and system and a free space power delivery method are also provided. A fabrication process for making an optically powered transducer is further described, together with an implantable transducer system based on optical power delivery.

Systems and methods for optically powering transducers and related transducers

A field effect nano-pillar transistor has a pillar shaped gate element incorporating a biomimitec portion that provides various advantages over prior art devices. The small size of the nano-pillar transistor allows for advantageous insertion into cellular membranes, and the biomimitec character of the gate element operates as an advantageous interface for sensing small amplitude voltages such as transmembrane cell potentials. The nano-pillar transistor can be used in various embodiments to stimulate cells, to measure cell response, or to perform a combination of both actions.

Growing community of inventors

South Pasadena, CA, United States of America

Andrew Peter Homyk