http://smartech.gatech.edu/handle/1853/14204 The MiRC provides expertise, facilities, infrastructure and teaming environments to enable and facilitate interdisciplinary research in microelectronics, integrated optoelectronics, and microsensors and actuators Search the Channel search http://smartech.gatech.edu/simple-search http://smartech.gatech.edu/handle/1853/24399 Title: Patent Law and Nanotechnology <br/> <br/>Authors: Woods, Eric <br/> <br/>Abstract: From a researcher's perspective, understanding the elements that should be in a patent application and how the patent office evaluates prior art and patentability can be daunting. A basic introduction to the criteria that examiners utilize when evaluating a patent application will be presented, as well as ideas for writing a specification. Inventors have to disclose certain information that is relevant to the patent process, and the details of this requirement and its relationship to patentability will be discussed. An example will be provided from an issued patent in nanotechnology with a brief review of the application and a high-level view of the exchanges between the office and the holder of rights to the patent application. <br/> <br/>Description: Eric Woods, Electrical Engineer in the Microelectronics Research Center presented a lecture at the Nano@Tech Meeting on August 26, 2008 at 12 noon in room 102 of the MiRC building. http://smartech.gatech.edu/handle/1853/24050 Title: Silicon Electrochemical Neurosensor Systems <br/> <br/>Authors: Brown, Richard <br/> <br/>Abstract: Arrays of silicon neurosensors that detect both electrical signals and neurotransmitter levels in human neuron cultures have been fabricated. Neurochemical sensing of dopamine and its metabolites is provided by voltammetry. Five versions of the passive device were fabricated with platinum working electrode areas as small as 4 mm2 and silver/silver chloride pseudo-reference electrodes. Living human neuron cultures survived and produced data on passive devices throughout a study period of seventy-five days. Calibration curves for dopamine taken in culture media with equipment optimized for the sensors suggests detection limits for dopamine below 100 nM. To minimize system noise, prototype devices incorporating active circuitry were developed. The active devices are formed by post-processing standard foundry-fabricated CMOS circuits from the MOSIS service to form the sensor-specific features. Data from these devices, and early results from in vivo electrochemical neurosensors, will be presented. Circuits developed for these active brain probes and for other implantable biosensors highlight several goals of circuits for biological applications: small system size; small electronics size, low voltage, and low power. <br/> <br/>Description: Dr. Richard Brown, the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Utah gave a lecture at the Nano@Tech Meeting on May 27, 2008 at 12 noon in room 102 of the MiRC building http://smartech.gatech.edu/handle/1853/23056 Title: Scanning Mass Spectrometry (SMS) Probe <br/> <br/>Authors: Kottke, Peter <br/> <br/>Abstract: Peter Kottke described the SMS probe, a tool currently under development for mass spectrometric imaging of live biological samples in vitro. In order to obtain spatially resolved images of chemical species distributions in vitro, an ion source is needed that samples from a small volume of liquid. The SMS probe is based on a novel approach to electrospray ionization (reverse-Taylor-cone electrospray), which requires a reversal of orientation of conventional electrospray ionization (ESI) sampling. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) has the advantage of providing a means for transferring large biological molecules directly from solution into the gas phase under atmospheric pressure. The unique advantages of the reverse-Taylor-cone ionization concept are the minimum and highly localized (in space) sample volume (i.e., high resolution) that is being probed and, most importantly, its unique suitability for use in scanning probe chemical imaging applications, including imaging biological samples under physiological conditions (i.e., in aqueous solution). <br/> <br/>Description: Peter Kottke, a research engineer in the School of Mechanical Engineering presented a lecture at the Nano@Tech Meeting on April 8, 2008 at 12 noon in room 102 of the MiRC building http://smartech.gatech.edu/handle/1853/23055 Title: Technology Transfer and Aspects of Patentability - Commercializing Nanotechnology <br/> <br/>Authors: Wimbish, J. Clint <br/> <br/>Abstract: Technology transfer is the critical process of capturing discoveries and innovations in the laboratory and turning such discoveries and innovations into useful applications for the benefit of society. In this seminar, the technology transfer process was discussed in relation to the field of nanotechnology. In addition to the technology transfer process, various aspects of patentability were discussed with a focus on nanotechnology. Practical tips for protecting inventions in view of United States and international patent laws were also covered. <br/> <br/>Description: Clint Wimbish, an Associate at Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP presented a lecture at the Nano@Tech Meeting on March 25, 2008 at 12 noon in room 102 of the MiRC building