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  • This invention is a fundamentally new solid-state single-electron qubit platform based upon trapping and gating isolated single electrons on an ultra clean solid neon surface in vacuum.
    Intellectual Property Available to License
    US Patent Pending
    • Noble Gas Solid-State Single Electron Qubit Platform

    Qubits are the basic units of quantum computers, analogous to transistors in classical computing platforms. There are a limited number of demonstrated qubit platforms, and each has challenges with coherence (ability to maintain quantum entanglement), speed, fidelity, and/or scalability (ability to fabricate and couple multiple units). However, this invention is a new type of qubit platform that could resolve the coherence challenge, which will potentially open up new unprecedented opportunities for quantum computing.

  • Argonne researchers have invented functional bilayer thin film coatings based on the atomic layer deposition methods to enhance the particle detection efficiency and performance of the projection chambers.
    US Patent 11414756B2
    • Particle detection structure in time projection chambers and photodetectors (ANL-IN-18-114)

    Time projection chambers are useful for high energy particle physics, nuclear physics, and astronomy. Argonne’s novel functional bilayer thin film coatings enhance particle detection efficiency and projection chamber performance.

  • Argonne researchers have invented an enhanced electron amplifier structure.
    Intellectual Property Available to License
    US Patent 10180508B1
    • Enhanced neutron detector and electron amplifier (ANL-IN-16-041)

    Argonne’s enhanced electron amplifier structure includes a substrate that amplifies incident particle signal and a novel layer that enhances substrate sensitivity to the incident particle.

  • Argonne researchers have invented a novel method of depositing fluoride thin films.
    Intellectual Property Available to License
    US Patent 11111578B1
    • Atomic layer deposition of fluoride thin films (ANL-IN-19-039)

    Alkaline earth metal fluorides have various optical applications due to their fascinating property of exhibiting high transparency, ranging from wavelengths in vacuum ultraviolet to the long infrared spectrum. Argonne’s novel method for depositing fluoride thin films uses very low temperatures and results in epitaxial growth.

  • Enhanced electron amplifier structure (ANL-IN-15-123)
    Intellectual Property Available to License
    US Patent 10867768B2
    • Enhanced electron amplifier structure (ANL-IN-15-123)

    An electron amplifier structure or an electron multiplier may be used as a component in a detector system to detect low levels of electrons, ions, or photons. Argonne’s novel method leads to enhanced electronic signal detection sensitivity.

  • Argonne researchers have invented a method for improving tungsten thin film adhesion in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD).
    Intellectual Property Available to License
    US patent 20180094352A1
    • Methods to Improve the Tungsten Thin Film Adhesion (ANL-IN-16-031)

    At present, semiconductor microelectronic logic and memory devices use tungsten thin films as integrated device wirings and contact metallization. Argonne’s novel method improves metal layer adhesion and nucleation, enhancing the metal grain growth and increasing electrical conductivity.

  • Argonne researchers have invented scalable electron amplifier devices and atomic layer deposition (“ALD”) fabrication process methods.
    Intellectual Property Available to License
    US Patents 10062555B2 & 10121642B2
    • Digital electron amplifier with anode readout (DEAAR) device (ANL-IN-14-055 and ANL-IN-14-055B)

    Argonne’s ALD fabrication process allows for large area (e.g., eight inches by eight inches) electron amplifier devices to be produced at reduced costs compared to current fabrication processes. The Argonne ALD fabrication process allows for nanostructure functional coatings to impart a desired electrical conductivity and electron emissivity onto low cost borosilicate glass micro-capillary arrays to form the electron amplifier devices.

  • Highly energy-efficient desalination process developed by researchers at Argonne National Laboratory
    Intellectual Property Available to License
    US Patents: 8,007,647, 7,977,395 , 7,452,920 , 8,580,096, 9,339,764, 17/137,956 and 17/699,339
    • Retention of counterions in the separative bioreactor

    Electrodeionization (EDI) technology with simultaneous resin regeneration using electricity presents advantages:

    • High energy efficiency of separations
    • Direct use of electric energy for separations
    • Combined ion-exchange and membrane separation
    • Operates at ambient temperatures and pressures

    Drawbacks of traditional EDI include costly and complex and inconsistent results, which currently keep EDI limited commercial applications for ultrapure water (semiconductors, pharma).

    Argonne developed Resin Wafer to incorporate loose ion exchange resin beads used in traditional EDI, achieving:

    • Enhanced fluid and flow distribution
    • Higher conductivity
    • Superior pH control
    • Ease of materials handling and system assembly
    • Porous solid support for incorporation of catalysts, biocatalysts, and other adjuvants

    Applications:

    • Energy efficient brackish water treatment
    • Water purification
    • “Tailored” water quality with desired mineral concentrations
    • CO2 capture
    • Removal and recycle of inorganic acids during biomass hydrolysis
    • Extraction of organic acids in the production of bio-based chemicals from cellulosic sugars
  • Lower-cost microchannel plates for sensing and imaging
    Intellectual Property Available to License
    US patent 9,139,905
    • Microchannel Plate Detector

    Technology

    The invention is a method and system for fabricating micro-channel plate (MCP) detectors. An anodized aluminum oxide membrane is provided and includes a plurality of nanopores which have an Al coating and a thin layer of an emissive oxide material responsive to incident radiation, thereby providing a plurality of radiation sensitive channels for the micro-channel plate detector.

    Benefits

    By using atomic layer deposition to gain increased control, the invention allows cost-effective, larger-area MCP fabrication. Large-area, fast MCPs could have applications in research, industry, and medicine.  

  • Lower-cost, efficient fabrication of microchannel plates
    Intellectual Property Available to License
    US Patent 10403464B2
    • Method of Making and Using 3D Printed Microchannel Plates

    Technology

    The invention provides a gain device having a plurality of channels with polygonal shape. The invention also provides a method for producing microchannel plates (MCPs) by of providing a pre-polymer; and directing a laser over the pre-polymer into a pre-determined pattern. This includes a method for efficiently 3D printing an object.

    Benefits

    Microchannel plates have applications in neutron and other detection. A need exists for cheaper and more widely available methods to manufacture larger-scale MCPs. This invention overcomes many of the disadvantages to current MPC manufacture.