nanoREV.

The University of California’s nanotechnology patents

Last week I noted that the University of California was the third leading patent holder for U.S. nanotech patents. I thought it would be interesting to take a closer look at some of the data regarding the University of California’s nanotech activity. Based on their website each school in the U. of California system is associated with multiple research centers devoted to nanotechnology research and an overview of the granted nanotech. patents assigned to the University of California indicates about 60% are directed to quantum dot or nanoparticle materials and about 25% are directed to carbon nanotubes materials or processes. Not surprisingly, most of the patents are materials or manufacturing based rather then application based. However, some of the patents are co-owned with companies such as Nanotronics (see U.S. patent 6,652,808 which teaches methods of using DNA to self-assemble electronic and optoelectronic devices). Some of the other more interesting key nanotech. patents from the University of California include:

U.S. Patent 6,057,637 which appears fundamental to carbon or boron nitride nanotube composites used in flat panel displays and other devices.

U.S. Patent 6,835,952 which appears fundamental to a carbon nanotube hetrojunction which may be important to future nanotube based electronics.

U.S. Patent 6,855,202 which appears fundamental to branched nanocrystal structures useful in increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic cells and sensor devices.

U.S. Patent 6,900,920 which appears fundamental to the use of quantum dots and/or wells for optical signal delays useful to communication applications.

U.S. Patent 6,927,069 which appears fundamental to the use of quantum dots used as biotags.

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