Gregg P Kittlesen

US Patent:

50341928, Jul 23, 1991

Filed:

Jun 21, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/370279

Inventors:

Mark S. Wrighton - Winchester MA
Henry S. White - Somerville MA
Gregg P. Kittlesen - Cambridge MA

Assignee:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G01N 2700

US Classification:

422 8202

Abstract:

Several types of new microelectronic devices including diodes, transistors, sensors, surface energy storage elements, and light-emitting devices are disclosed. The properties of these devices can be controlled by molecular-level changes in electroactive polymer components. These polymer components are formed from electrochemically polymerizable material whose physical properties change in response to chemical changes, and can be used to bring about an electrical connection between two or more closely spaced microelectrodes. Examples of such materials include polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polythiophene, which respond to changes in redox potential. Each electrode can be individually addressed and characterized electrochemically by controlling the amount and chemical composition of the functionalizing polymer. Sensitivity of the devices may be increased by decreasing separations between electrodes as well as altering the chemical environment of the electrode-confined polymer. These very small, specific, sensitive devices provide means for interfacing electrical and chemical systems while consuming very little power.

US Patent:

48957054, Jan 23, 1990

Filed:

May 13, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/049341

Inventors:

Mark S. Wrighton - Winchester MA
Henry S. White - Somerville MA
Gregg P. Kittlesen - Cambridge MA

Assignee:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G01N 2700

US Classification:

422 68

Abstract:

Several types of new microelectronic devices including diodes, transistors, sensors, surface energy storage elements, and light-emitting devices are disclosed. The properties of these devices can be controlled by molecular-level changes in electroactive polymer components. These polymer components are formed from electrochemically polymerizable material whose physical properties change in response to chemical changes, and can be used to being about an electrical connection between two or more closely spaced microelectrodes. Examples of such materials include polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polythiophene, which respond to changes in redox potential. Each electrode can be individually addressed and characterized electrochemically by controlling the amount and chemical composition of the functionalizing polymer. Sensitivity of the devices may be increased by decreasing separations between electrodes as well as altering the chemical environment of the electrode-confined polymer. These very small, specific, sensitive devices provide means for interfacing electrical and chemical systems while consuming very little power.

US Patent:

47216018, Jan 26, 1988

Filed:

Nov 23, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/674410

Inventors:

Mark S. Wrighton - Winchester MA
Henry S. White - Somerville MA
Gregg P. Kittlesen - Cambridge MA

Assignee:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G01N 2722
G01N 2726

US Classification:

422 68

Abstract:

Several types of new microelectronic devices including diodes, transistors, sensors, surface energy storage elements, and light-emitting devices are disclosed. The properties of these devices can be controlled by molecular-level changes in electroactive polymer components. These polymer components are formed from electrochemically polymerizable material whose physical properties change in response to chemical changes, and can be used to bring about an electrical connection between two or more closely spaced microelectrodes. Examples of such materials include polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polythiophene, which respond to changes in redox potential. Each electrode can be individually addressed and characterized electrochemically by controlling the amount and chemical composition of the functionalizing polymer. Sensitivity of the devices may be increased by decreasing separations between electrodes as well as altering the chemical environment of the electrode-confined polymer. These very small, specific, sensitive devices provide means for interfacing electrical and chemical systems while consuming very little power.