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US 2010/0271003 A1Published application
Nanotube Resonator Devices
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsKenneth J. Jensen, Alexander K. Zettl, Jeffrey A. Weldon
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Abstract
A fully-functional radio receiver fabricated from a single nanotube is being disclosed. Simultaneously, a single nanotube can perform the functions of all major components of a radio: antenna, tunable band-pass filter, amplifier, and demodulator. A DC voltage source, as supplied by a battery, can power the radio. Using carrier waves in the commercially relevant 40-400 MHz range and both frequency and amplitude modulation techniques, successful music and voice reception has been demonstrated. Also disclosed are a radio transmitter and a mass sensor using a nanotube resonator device.
Claims23
A nanotube resonator device comprising:
- (a) a nanotube, of a predetermined length for vibration at a resonant frequency, fixed at one end and connected to a first, negative electrode, having its second end in proximity to a second, positive electrode, and being free to vibrate along its length;
- (b) a source of voltage to create a bias voltage across the nanotube to create a field emission current between the second end of the electrode and the positive electrode;
- and
- (c) a transducer for sensing changes in the field emission current brought about by changes in resonance vibrations of the nanotube in response to an electromagnetic signal impinging on the nanotube near the resonant frequency.
1 more element
A method for converting an electromagnetic signal to an electrical signal, comprising:
- (a) providing a linear nanostructure having a proximal end and a distal end;
- (b) attaching the proximal end of the linear nanostructure to an electrode;
- (c) positioning a counter electrode near to the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- (d) applying a voltage between the electrode and the counter electrode, thereby enabling a field emission current to flow from the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- (e) adapting a linear nanostructure to have a resonant frequency coincident with the frequency of a desired electromagnetic signal;
- (f) supplying the desired electromagnetic signal, thereby causing the linear nanostructure to vibrate;
- and
- (g) collecting the field emission current at the counter electrode while the linear nanostructure vibrates;
- thereby converting the electromagnetic radio transmission to the electrical signal.
6 more elements
A method of processing incoming electromagnetic signals, comprising:
- (a) providing a linear nanostructure having a proximal end and a distal end;
- (b) attaching the proximal end of the linear nanostructure to an electrode;
- (c) positioning a counter electrode near to the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- (d) applying a voltage between the electrode and the counter electrode;
- and
- (e) adjusting the voltage until the linear nanostructure begins to vibrate in response to an electromagnetic signal.
3 more elements
A method of making a radio, comprising:
- (a) supplying a linear nanostructure with a proximal end and a distal end;
- (b) attaching the proximal end of the linear nanostructure to an electrode;
- (c) positioning a counter electrode near the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- (d) connecting a voltage source to the electrode and the counter electrode;
- and
- (e) shortening the linear nanostructure until the linear nanostructure has a resonant frequency coincident with the frequency of a desired electromagnetic signal.
3 more elements
A method of measuring mass of atoms or molecules, comprising:
- (a) providing:
- (i) a linear nanostructure having a proximal end and a distal end;
- (ii) an electrode attached to the proximal end of the linear nanostructure;
- (iii) a counter electrode positioned near to the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- and
- (iv) a voltage source connected to the electrode and the counter electrode, thereby providing a concentration of charge at the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- wherein the linear nanostructure is configured to have a resonant frequency coincident with a desired electromagnetic signal frequency;
- (b) measuring a first resonance frequency of the linear nanostructure;
- (c) exposing the linear nanostructure to the atoms or molecules of interest;
- (d) measuring a second resonance frequency of the linear nanostructure after the exposing step;
- (e) comparing the first resonance frequency and the second resonance frequency and determining a frequency shift;
- and
- (f) inferring the mass of the atoms or molecules of interest from the frequency shift.
10 more elements
A method of sensing a gas species, comprising:
- (a) providing:
- (i) a linear nanostructure having a proximal end and a distal end;
- (ii) an electrode attached to the proximal end of the linear nanostructure;
- (iii) a counter electrode positioned near to the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- and
- (iv) a voltage source connected to the electrode and the counter electrode, thereby providing a concentration of charge at the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- wherein the linear nanostructure is configured to have a resonant frequency coincident with a desired electromagnetic signal frequency;
- (b) measuring a first resonance frequency of the linear nanostructure;
- (c) measuring a first field emission current between the distal end of the linear nanostructure and the counter electrode;
- (d) exposing the linear nanostructure to the gas species;
- (e) measuring a second resonance frequency of the linear nanostructure after the exposing step;
- (f) measuring a second field emission current between the distal end of the linear nanostructure and the counter electrode;
- (g) comparing the first resonance frequency and the second resonance frequency and determining a frequency shift;
- (h) comparing the first field emission current and the second field emission current and determining the magnitude of the current change;
- (i) inferring the mass of the gas species from the frequency shift;
- and
- (j) identifying the gas species from the mass and the current change.
14 more elements
A nanoscale device, comprising:
- (a) a linear nanostructure having a proximal end and a distal end;
- (b) an electrode attached to the proximal end of the linear nanostructure;
- (c) a counter electrode positioned near to the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- and
- (d) a voltage source connected to the electrode and the counter electrode, thereby providing a concentration of charge at the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- wherein the linear nanostructure is configured to have a resonant frequency coincident with a desired electromagnetic signal frequency.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.