New fabrication techniques for CdSe QD FETsProblem: Many researchers are attempting to create flexible electronics, which could have applications for new mobile and wearable devices. However, traditional semiconductor materials are not flexible, so new materials and fabrication techniques are needed to make flexible electronics possible. Solution: Researchers...

A COVID-19 diagnostic approach, utilizing a SARS-CoV-2 binding biosensor, that allows for real-time virus detection, without the need for sample processing, ultimately leading to population-level surveillance, outbreak tracking, reduced healthcare costs, improved treatment outcomes, and saved lives. Problem: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,...

High-performance nonvolatile memory devices integrated with ferroelectric Aluminum Scandium Nitride (AlScN) films that can be directly deposited on the silicon at low temperature (≤ 350 °C) Problem: Strong demand for high-density non-volatile memory (NVM) devices with low power consumption is being driven by new applications of non-von Neumann...

A topological insulator that routes optical signals from one port to another in a flexible manner, making use of its entire footprint. Problem: Controlling light flow is required for photonic infrastructures used in data processing, communication, and computing. However, current photonic integrated infrastructures are limited by crosstalk and...

Magnetic field-safe device for rapid disinfection of MRI bore and other types of scanners (CT, PET, PET-MR, SPECT) that is effective against COVID19, MRSA and other pathogens.</rss.brief Problem: With the advent of COVID-19, renewed emphasis has been placed on disinfecting surfaces in the medical environment. Disinfecting the MRI scanner bore...

Technology Overview: Current non-volatile memory products, a $30B market, are dominated by flash memories. However, flash memory is facing challenges of unable to scale down for future market. Resistance-switching cell is one of the most promising contenders for replacing flash memory. The new member cell developed at Penn is a resistance-switching...

Providing tactile and audio feedback during robotic surgery produces an immersive experience for surgeons that can lead to safer and more efficient procedures. Technology Overview: Robotic systems allow surgeons to carry out minimally invasive procedures using remote hand controls to guide surgical instruments. While video feeds provide visual...

Problem: New technologies and approaches are needed to miniaturize logic circuits and reduce power consumption.Solution: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed low-voltage complementary logic circuits using Aluminum Nitride piezoelectric MEMS switches. These switches have been used to create a low voltage (<1.5V) inverter with...

Problem: Phase Change Memory (PCM) is a leading contender to replace flash memory. In PCM devices, a material is heated to undergo glass transition, changing back and forth between the amorphous and crystalline state. However, existing PCM devices have experienced problems with reliability and threshold voltage drift. In order to make commercially viable...

Problem: Existing sensors for biological materials or hazardous substances can be very limited in terms of sensitivity, and can typically only detect one substance per device.Solution: A new biosensor developed at the University of Pennsylvania combines label-free detection with high sensitivity. An Aluminum Nitride resonator is functionalized with...