Nano technologies -Process to Manufacture Impurity
Doped Nanoparticles
Introduction
Impurity doped nanoparticles have
applications in photonic circuits, lasers, displays
and general electronics. Current methods of transforming
microparticles into nanoparticles have limitations such
as changes in the concentration and composition of certain
components of the glass used.
Invention Description
This technology implements laser ablation
to produce nanoparticles with useful properties. Specifically,
laser ablation involves using a laser to transform glass
microparticles into nanoparticles. Once created, the
nanoparticles are in suspension and must be collected
and separated before use. Additionally, it should be
noted that this technology can be used to produce impurity
doped (semiconductor) nanoparticles.
Benefits
Initial components of the glass
are preserved and retain reactivity
Nanoparticles produced are sinterable
and have controllable composition change
Features
Laser ablation energy can be changed
High energy methods are employed
Involves an inert carrier gas
Market Potential/Applications
This process can be used in various
applications including the making of glass particles,
photonic circuits, waveguides, and optical amplifiers.
Additionally, impurity doped semiconductor nanoparticles
have applications in general electronics, electronically
excited lasers, optical detectors, displays, and spintronics.
UT Researcher
Michael F. Becker, Ph. D., Dept. of
Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University
of Texas at Austin
John W. Keto, Ph. D., Department of Physics, The University
of Texas at Austin
Desiderio Kovar, Ph. D., Department of Mechanical Engineering,
The University of Texas at Austin
