Nanotube resonator devices

• US 8,717,046 B2
• Filed: 09/03/2008
• Issued: 05/06/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Original Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Inventors: Jensen, Kenneth J., Zettl, Alexander K., Weldon, Jeffrey A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Koval, Melissa
• Assistant Examiner(s): Armstrong, Stephen G
• Application Number:
  US12/681,760
• Publication Number:
  US 20100271003A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,071 Days
• Field of Search: 324/76.49, 324/708, 333/200
• US Class Current: 324/708
• CPC Class Codes: H03D 1/02 Details
• CPC Class Codes: H03D 3/34 by means of electromechanical devices H03D3/16 takes precedence

Abstract

A fully-functional radio receiver fabricated from a single nanotube is being disclosed. Simultaneously, a single nanotube can perform the functions of all major components of a radio: antenna, tunable band-pass filter, amplifier, and demodulator. A DC voltage source, as supplied by a battery, can power the radio. Using carrier waves in the commercially relevant 40-400 MHz range and both frequency and amplitude modulation techniques, successful music and voice reception has been demonstrated. Also disclosed are a radio transmitter and a mass sensor using a nanotube resonator device.

Claims

1. A method of processing incoming electromagnetic signals having a sine wave carrier signal, comprising:

(a) providing a single linear nanostructure having a proximal end and a distal end;

(b) attaching the proximal end of the linear nanostructure to a negative electrode;

(c) positioning a counter positive electrode near to the distal end of the linear nanostructure;

(d) applying a voltage between the negative electrode and the positive counter electrode to cause a field emission current flow from the distal end of the linear nanostructure;

(e) adjusting the voltage until the linear nanostructure begins to vibrate in response to an electromagnetic signal; and

(f) filtering the incoming electromagnetic signal to remove the sine wave carrier signal.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the method tunes a linear nanostructure radio.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the method amplifies electromagnetic signals.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the method mixes electromagnetic signals.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the method demodulates electromagnetic signals.

6. A method of sensing a gas species, comprising:

(a) providing;

(i) a single linear nanostructure having a proximal end and a distal end;

(ii) an electrode attached to the proximal end of the linear nanostructure;

(iii) a counter electrode positioned near to the distal end of the linear nanostructure; and

(iv) a voltage source connected to the electrode and the counter electrode, thereby providing a concentration of charge at the distal end of the linear nanostructure;

wherein the linear nanostructure is configured to have a resonant frequency coincident with a desired electromagnetic signal frequency;

(b) measuring a first resonance frequency of the linear nanostructure;

(c) measuring a first field emission current between the distal end of the linear nanostructure and the counter electrode;

(d) exposing the linear nanostructure to the gas species;

(e) measuring a second resonance frequency of the linear nanostructure after the exposing step;

(f) measuring a second field emission current between the distal end of the linear nanostructure and the counter electrode;

(g) comparing the first resonance frequency and the second resonance frequency and determining a frequency shift;

(h) comparing the first field emission current and the second field emission current and determining the magnitude of the current change;

(i) inferring the mass of the gas species from the frequency shift; and

(j) identifying the gas species from the mass and the current change.