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

Contact:

University os texas,
Austin, USA
Website : www.otc.utexas.edu