Nanotube resonator devices
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsKenneth J. Jensen, Alexander K. Zettl, Jeffrey A. Weldon
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims6
A method of processing incoming electromagnetic signals having a sine wave carrier signal, comprising:
- (a) providing a single linear nanostructure having a proximal end and a distal end;
- (b) attaching the proximal end of the linear nanostructure to a negative electrode;
- (c) positioning a counter positive electrode near to the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- (d) applying a voltage between the negative electrode and the positive counter electrode to cause a field emission current flow from the distal end of the linear nanostructure;
- (e) adjusting the voltage until the linear nanostructure begins to vibrate in response to an electromagnetic signal;
- and
- (f) filtering the incoming electromagnetic signal to remove the sine wave carrier signal.
A method of sensing a gas species, comprising:
- (a) providing:
- (i) a single 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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.