Variable resistor apparatus formed utilizing nanotechnology

• US 6,995,649 B2
• Filed: 01/31/2005
• Issued: 02/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Knowm Tech LLC
• Original Assignee: Knowm Tech LLC
• Inventors: Nugent, Alex
• Primary Examiner(s): DAVIS, GEORGE B
• Application Number:
  US11/045,846
• Publication Number:
  US 20050151615A1
• Time in Patent Office: 372 Days
• Field of Search: 338/20, 338/21
• US Class Current: 338/20
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 10/00 Nanotechnology for information processing, storage or transmission, e.g. quantum computing or single electron logic
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 3/063 using electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/932 for electronic or optoelectronic application

Abstract

A variable resistor apparatus includes a plurality of nanoparticles disposed between two terminals, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles provides an electrical resistance. An electric field applied to the plurality of nanoparticles across the two terminals results in an alignment of the nanoparticles over time and a decrease in the electrical resistance thereby providing a variable resistor apparatus. The electric or electrical field can be applied across the two terminals perpendicular to the plurality of nanoconnections. The nanoparticles can comprise nanoconductors, which can be formed as, for example, nanotubes and/or nanowires. The nanoparticles are generally disposed in a solution within a connection gap formed between the two terminals. The solution can comprise a solvent and/or a suspension of nanoparticles forming a mixture thereof. The solution can also be provided as a liquid, a gel, and or a gas. The solution may also comprise a dielectric.

Claims

1. A variable resistor apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of nanoparticles disposed between two terminals, wherein said plurality of nanoparticles acts as an electrical resistance; and

an electric field applied perpendicular to said plurality of nanoparticles across said two terminals resulting in an alignment of said nanoparticles over time and a decrease in said electrical resistance thereby providing a variable resistor apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nanoparticles among said plurality of nanoparticles comprise nanoconductors.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said nanoconductors comprise nanotubes.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said nanoconductors comprise nanowires.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of nanoparticles are disposed in a solution within a connection gap formed between said two terminals.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said solution comprises a solvent.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said solution comprises a suspension of said nanoparticles forming a mixture.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said solution comprises a liquid.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said solution comprises a gel.

10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said solution comprises a gas.

11. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said solution comprises a dielectric.

12. A variable resistor apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of nanoparticles disposed in a solution within a connection gap formed between two terminals, wherein said plurality of nanoparticles acts as an electrical resistance; and

an electric field applied to said plurality of nanoparticles across said two terminals, said electric field perpendicular to said plurality of nanoparticles, resulting in an alignment of said nanoparticles over time and a decrease in said electrical resistance thereby providing a variable resistor apparatus.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said solution comprises a solvent.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said solution comprises a suspension of said nanoparticles forming a mixture.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said solution comprises at least one of the following:

a liquid, a gel, a gas or a dielectric.

16. A variable resistor apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of nanoconductors disposed between in a solution within a connection gap formed between two terminals, wherein said plurality of nanoconductors acts as an electrical resistance; and

an electric field applied to said plurality of nanoconductors across said two terminals, said electric field perpendicular to said plurality of nanoconductors, resulting in an alignment of said nanoconductors over time and a decrease in said electrical resistance thereby providing a variable resistor apparatus.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said solution comprises a solvent.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said solution comprises a suspension of said nanoconductors forming a mixture.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said solution comprises at least one of the following:

a liquid, a gel, a gas or a dielectric.