University of Alberta – TechConnect Briefs

Virtual pivot point MEMS rotary comb actuator with externally mounted mirror for optical applications

Amin T.M.F., Huda M.Q., Tulip J., Jäger W., University of Alberta, CA

The design, fabrication, and characterization of a virtual pivot MEMS actuator with externally mounted mirror is presented. The provision for an externally mounted mirror can be useful for many optical applications which require large and [...]

Toxicological effects of functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Felix L., Martinez-Rubi Y., Simard B., Goss G., University of Alberta, CA

Since their discovery in 1993, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have played an integral role in nanotechnology and have been extensively studied due to their unique structural, electrical and mechanical properties. Chemical functionalization and coating of [...]

Nanocomposites of Nanocrystalline Cellulose for Biosensors Applications

Incani V., Danumah C., Boluk Y., University of Alberta, CA

The development of composite materials is getting increased interest, as they can be a way to achieve adequate sensitivity and stability for biosensors. In this work, we describe the use of a composite material made [...]

SiCN nanomechanical resonators for array-based biosensor applications

Guthy C., Singh A., Tanha J., Evoy S., University of Alberta, CA

Rapid, sensitive and inexpensive analysis of biological molecules is of great importance to many biomedical applications, such as disease detection and monitoring, drug discovery, detection of pathogens, etc. Mechanical resonators have been demonstrated as highly [...]

Novel Metal Nanowire/Polymer Nanocomposites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Gelves G.A., Al-Saleh M.H., Sundararaj U., University of Alberta, CA

Novel Polymer Nanocomposites containing high aspect ratio metal nanowires with outstanding potential for Electromagnetic Interference applications will be introduced in this presentation. The development and characterization of these novel materials will be presented. Processing-structure-property relationships [...]

Flexible Morphology Control of Nanotube Arrays from Glancing Angle Deposition

Huang Z.F., Harris K.D., Brett M.J., University of Alberta, CA

Recently, silicon nanotubes (SiNTs) have attracted considerable attention. However, it has been challenging to grow SiNTs without any template. Another challenge is to engineer the shape of SiNTs, which to date has been limited mostly [...]

Fabrication and characterization of Alq3 electrically actuated nanospring arrays

Dice G.D., Brett M.J., University of Alberta, CA

Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD) is a single step physical vapour deposition (PVD) technique utilizing oblique deposition angles to create porous thin film helical structures. Previous nanospring work has used inorganic materials such as SiO2. Here, [...]

Evaluation of silver nanostructures fabricated using glancing angle depostion as localized surface plasmon resonance biosensors

Gish D.A., Nsiah F., McDermott M.T., Brett M.J., University of Alberta, CA

The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensing capability of 175 nm thick silver nanoparticle films produced by glancing angle deposition (GLAD) was evaluated. The extinction spectra of the films exhibited a peak around a wavelength [...]

Porous filter with spatially graded response

Krause K.M., Hawkeye M., Brett M., University of Alberta, CA

Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD) has become a common technique for producing thin porous films with various structural features. In the current work, we have further modified GLAD in order to create porous structures that have [...]

Optical and structural characterization of nanostructured Alq3 with negative in-plane birefringence

Szeto B., Gospodyn J., Hrudey P.C.P., Sit J.C., Brett M.J., University of Alberta, CA

In this study, we investigate the optical and structural properties of tilted columnar thin films composed of Alq3 in order to better understand the source of the in-plane birefringence exhibited by such films which is [...]