North Carolina State University

Harvard College

Christopher B Gorman

George M Whitesides

Amit Kumar

Younan Xia

Enoch Kim

James L Wilbur

Milan Mrksich

Karl Kimon Berggren

Hans Biebuyck

Rebecca Jane Jackman

Mara G Prentiss

Daniel L Feldheim

Ryan R Fuierer

Richard Lloyd Carroll

Grace Credo

The present invention discloses gradients and methods of forming gradients. The gradients can form a component of a molecular machine, such as those disclosed herein. The molecular machines of the present invention can perform a range of tasks including nanoparticle heterostructure assembly, derivatization of a nanoparticle and synthesis of biomolecules, to name just a few applications.

Gradient fabrication to direct transport on a surface

Improved methods of forming a patterned self-assembled monolayer on a surface and derivative articles are provided. According to one method, an elastomeric stamp is deformed during and/or prior to using the stamp to print a self-assembled molecular monolayer on a surface. According to another method, during monolayer printing the surface is contacted with a liquid that is immiscible with the molecular monolayer-forming species to effect controlled reactive spreading of the monolayer on the surface. Methods of printing self-assembled molecular monolayers on nonplanar surfaces and derivative articles are provided, as are methods of etching surfaces patterned with self-assembled monolayers, including methods of etching silicon. Optical elements including flexible diffraction gratings, mirrors, and lenses are provided, as are methods for forming optical devices and other articles using lithographic molding. A method for controlling the shape of a liquid on the surface of an article is provided, involving applying the liquid to a self-assembled monolayer on the surface, and controlling the electrical potential of the surface.

Methods of etching articles via microcontact printing

A negative differential resistance (NDR) device, and methods of making and using the NDR device. The NDR device includes a substrate comprising a conductor material or a semi-conductor material and a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) that includes a first electroactive moiety and a spacer moiety disposed on the substrate that defines a barrier between the electroactive moiety and the substrate, wherein the NDR device exhibits negative differential resistance in the presence of a varying applied voltage. Also provided are NDR in multilayers in which the peak to valley ratio of the NDR response can be controlled by the number of layers; modulation of NDR using binding groups to one of the electrical contacts or to the electroactive moiety itself; and NDR devices that display multiple peaks in the current-voltage curve that contain electroactive moieties that have multiple low potential electrochemical oxidations and/or reductions.

Use of electroactive monolayers in generating negative differential resistance behaviors and devices employing the same

Improved method of forming a patterned self-assembled monolayer on a surface and derivative articles are provided. According to one method, an elastomeric stamp is deformed during and/or prior to using the stamp to print a self-assembled molecular monolayer on a surface. According to another method, during monolayer printing the surface is contacted with a liquid that is immiscible with the molecular monolayer-forming species to effect controlled reactive spreading of the monolayer on the surface. Methods of printing self-assembled molecular monolayers on nonplanar surfaces and derivative articles are provided, as are methods of etching surfaces patterned with self-assembled monolayers, including methods of etching silicon. Optical elements including flexible diffraction gratings, mirrors, and lenses are provided, as are methods for forming optical devices and other articles using lithographic molding. A method for controlling the shape of a liquid on the surface of an article is provided, involving applying the liquid to a self-assembled monolayer on the surface, and controlling the electrical potential of the surface.

Microcontact printing on surfaces and derivative articles

Growing community of inventors

Cary, NC, United States of America

Christopher B Gorman