Source: http://www.allindianpatents.com/patents/255541-nanostructures-formed-of-branched-nanowhiskers-and-methods-of-producing-the-same
Timestamp: 2018-09-18 17:16:33
Document Index: 646386601

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 10', 'Application No. 10', 'Application No, 10', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 10', 'Application No. 10', 'Application No, 60', 'Application No. 10']

Indian Patents. 255541:NANOSTRUCTURES FORMED OF BRANCHED NANOWHISKERS AND METHODS OF PRODUCING THE SAME
his application claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/524,890 filed November 26, 2003, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/560,701 filed April 9, 2004, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
This invention relates generally to methods of producing structures and devices by use of techniques of nanotechnology. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to methods of producing nanostructures incorporating at least one element, essentially in one-dimensional form, and that is of nanometer dimensions in its width or diameter. For the purposes of this application, such an element will be termed a "nanowhisker". The invention also relates to structures and devices incorporating nanowhiskers, preferably produced by the so-called Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) mechanism.
Nanotechnology techniques and processes may provide structures that range in size from small devices of atomic dimensions, to much larger scale structures for example, on the microscopic scale. Commonly, such structures include "nanostructures". In certain contexts nanostructures are considered to be those having at least two dimensions not greater than about lOOnm. Ordinarily, layered structures or stock materials having one or more layers with a thickness less than 1 am are not considered to be nanostructures. Nanostructures include one-dimensional nanoelements, essentially in one-dimensional form, that are of nanometer dimensions in their width or diameter, and that are commonly known as nanowhiskers, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, etc.
The basic process of microscopic whisker formation on substrates, by the so-called VLS (vapor-liquid-solid) mechanism, is well known. A particle of a catalytic material, visually gold, for example, on a substrate is heated in the presence of certain gases to form a melt. A pillar forms under the melt, and the melt rises up on top of the pillar. The result is a whisker of a desired material with the solidified particle melt positioned on top. See E.I Givargizov, CurrenlTopics in Materials Science. Vol. 1, pages 79-145, North Holland Publishing Company, 1978.) The dimensions of such whiskers were in the micrometer rar.ge.
International Application Publication No. WO 01/84238 discloses in Figures 15 and 16 a method of forming nanowhiskers, wherein nanometer sized particles from an aerosol are deposited on a substrate and these particles are used as seeds to create nanowhiskers, and other one-dimensional nanoelements.
Although the growth of nanowhiskers catalysed by the presence of a catalytic particle at the tip of the growing whisker has conventionally been referred to as the VLS (Vapor-Liquid-olid) process, it has come to be recognized that the catalytic particle may not have to be in the liquid state to function as an effective catalyst for whisker growth. At least some evidence suggests that material for farming the whisker can reach the particle-whisker interface and contribute to the growing whisker even if the catalytic particle is &t a temperature below its melting point and presumably in the solid state. Under such conditions, the growth material, e.g., atoms that are added to the tip of the whisker as it grows, may be able to diffuse through a the body of a solid catalytic particle or may even diffuse along the surface of the solid catalytic particle to the growing tip of the whisker at the growing temperature. Evidently, the overall effect is the same, i.e., elongation of the whisker catalysed by the catalytic particle, whatever the; exact mechanism may be under particular circumstances of temperature, catalytic particle composition, intended composition of the whisker, or other conditions relevant to whisker growth. For purposes of this application, the term "VLS process", or "VLS mechanism", or equivalent terminology, is intended to include all such catalysed procedures wherein nanowhisker growth is catalysed by a particle, liquid or solid, in contact with the growing tip of the nanowhisker.
As previously noted, for the purposes of this application the term nanowhiskers is intended to mean one-dimensional nanoelements with a width or diameter (or, generally, a cross-dimension) of nanometer size. Preferably, although
not necessarily, the elements are formed by the so-called VLS mechanism, Nanowhiskers are also referred to in the art as "nanowires" or, in context, simply as "wires", and such terminology, as used in this application, is equivalent to the term "nanowhiskers". ti preferred practice of the invention, nanowhisker cross-dimensions typically do not exceed 50 run and more preferably range about 20 run or less. However, it is within the broader scope of the invention to utilize nanowhiskws haying cross-dimensions greater than 50 nrn, say up to 100 nm, or even 500 nm or more. Of course, larger nanowhisker cioss-dimensions will generally result in larger structures and may therefore be less desirable in many applications.
Several experimental studies on the growth of nanowhiskeis have been made. Hirurna et al. grew III-V nanowhiskers on III-V substrates in a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth system. See K. Hiruma, et al.; /. Appl. Phys, 74, page 3162 (1993); K. Hiruma, et el., J. Appl. Phys. 77, page 447 (1995); K. Hiruma, et a.1.,, 2EICE Trans. Electron, E77C, page 1420 (1994); K. Hirurna, et al., J. Crysial Growth 163, pages 226-231 (1996).
In prior U.S. Patent Application No. 10/613,071, published as No. 2004-0075464, to Samuelson et al., and International Patent Application Publication No, WO-A-04/004927, bot. of which publications arid their underlying applications are incorporated herein by reference, there are disclosed methods of forming nanowhiskers by a chemical beam epitaxy method. Nanowhiskers are disclosed having segments of different materials, with abrupt or sharp heterojunctions therebetween. Various nanostructures of controlled size and formation are disclosed. Such nanostructures serve as components in the formation of novel structures, as disclosed.
Gao et al., "Self-assembled Nanowire - Nanoribbon Junction Arrays of ZnO", /, Phys. Chem, B, vol. 106(49), pages 12653.- 12658 .discloses nanostructures comprising branched structures of ZnO, formed by a VLS process.
Najiocrystals have been synthesised with a wide variety of shapes. Synthesis of tetrapod-shaped structures of controlled size as integral structures by precipitation from solutions is disclosed in Manna et al,, "Synthesis of soluble and processable rod-, arrow-, teardrop-, and terrapod-shaped CdSe nanocrystals", J- Am. Chem. Sac, 122, pages 12700-12706 (2000).
As regards structures formed of large numbars of nanostructures, solar cells (so-called Gratzel cells) are known comprising optically transparent films of TiOj
particles coated with monolayers of a charge transfer dye, See O'Regan et al, "A low-cost, high-efficiency solar cell based on dye-sensitive colloidal TiOz films", Nature 353, pages 737-740 (1991).
Much research has been carried out into neural networks (neurcmorphic electronics) since the pioneering work of Carver Mead with VLSI systems. For a recent report, see, for example, Cohen et al., Report on the 2003 Workshop on Neuromorphic Engineering, Telluride, Colorado, June 29-July 19, 2003. However, techniques ofnanotechnology have not generally been applied in this area.
The present invention provides, in one of its main aspects, a nanostructure having a novel tree-like construction formed of nanowhiskers, and methods of producing such a nanostructure. Generally, the tree-like structure includes a base nanowhisker, which may be analogized to the trunk of a tree, and one or more nanowhiskers grown outwardly from a peripheral surface of the base nanowhisker and analogous to branches of a tree. Additional nanowhisker "branches" may be grown upon the periphery of one or more previously grown nanowhisker branches, yielding more complex ."tree" structures. The base nanowhisker may be formed in any desired manner, but is preferably grown on a substrate by the VLS mechanism so as to be upstanding from the substrate. Branch nanowhiskers are also preferably formed by the VLS mechanism, at intermediate points along the length of the base nanowhisker or, in the case of a nanowhisker'grown on a previously grown branch, at an intermediate point along the length the previously grown branch. Constituent materials and growth parameters of the nanowhiskers may be controlled so as to achieve structures having desired form and characteristics, Self-assembly techniques may advantageously be used to form novel structures and devices incorporating large numbers of tree-like nanostructures.
A principal concept of the invention thus relates to the formation of a nanostructure from nanowhiskers in a series of stages. In a first stage, first catalytic particles are'provided on a substrate (for example, as an array of particles), and first nanowhiskcrs (which may be referred to as first level nanowhiskers herein) are grown from the catalytic particles so as to bo upstanding from the substrate, by the VLS process, involving exposing the substrate to appropriate conditions, such as temperature, precursor, etc. In a second stage, second catalytic particles are deposited
on the sides of the upstanding nanowhiskers, Conveniently, this is carried out by aerosol deposition of catalytic particles. In a second VLS process, second nanowhiskers (which may be referred to herein as second level nanowhiskers) are formed from the second catalytic particles, and these extend transversely from the sides of the nanowhiskers, resembling branches of trees. The invention thus provides a' method for controlled step-wise growth of branched semiconducting nanowire structures, analogous to tree structures. The method utilises nanowires grown epitaxially, catalysed by nanop articles. Levels of nanowhisker "branches" can be grown sequentially, making the complexity of such structures theoretically limitless, •where each set of nanowhisker branches can ba given different length, diameter, and chemical composition, or even variation in chemical composition, as desired. Thus, the present invention provides much greater flexibility in the variety of nanostructures that can be created, as compared to the nanostructures produced by the known "single stage" processes referred to above. IT will be appreciated that although the growth of pluralities of first level and second level nanowhiskers is contemplated, the two stage process just described may use but a single nanoparticle in the first stage so as to grow a single nanowhisker trunk, with one or more branch nanowhiskers being grown form the trunk in the second stage. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that, in practice, nanowhisker growth may not occur via every catalytic particle deposited on a surface. Thus, in the context of the present application, references to specified catalytic particles, such as first catalytic particles, second catalytic particles, further catalytic particles, and like references, are intended to include those catalytic particles at which nanowhisker growth actually occurs,
In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of forming a nanostructurej comprising growing a first nanowhisker, preferably on a substrate, and growing a second nanowhisker from a periphery of the first nanowhisker such that the second nanowhisker extends transversely to the first nanowhisker.
According to one preferred mode, the invention provides a method of forming a nanostruoture, comprising:
a second stage which includes providing on the periphery of at least one said first nanowhisker, at least one second catalytic particle, and growing by the VLS
process, from each said second catalytic particle, a second nanowhiskar extending transversely from the periphery of the respective first nanowbisker.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a nanostructure comprising a first canowhisker on a substrate, and at least one second nanowhisker grown from the periphery of the first nanov/bisker and extending transversely to the first nanowhisker. The first nanowhisker is preferably grown from the substrate so as to be upstanding therefrom.
In the ensuing discussion, said second nanowhiskers may be referred to as "branch nanowhiskers", and said first nanowhiskers as "trunk" or "stem" nanowhjskers, Third, and if desired, one or more subsequent stages may be carried out, similar to the second stage, whereby in each successive stage further nanowhiskers (analogous to "twigs" or "leaves") may be grown laterally from the sides of the nanowhiskers formed in the immediately preceding stage,
In said first stage of nanowhiskar growth, the catalytic particles may be formed on the substrate in any suitable way, as by aerosol deposition, electron beam writing, or nano-imprint lithography, for example. Where a precisely positioned array of nanowhiskers is required, there may be employed the techniques disclosed and claimed in copending U.S. Patent Application No. 10/751,944, to Sarmielson et al., filed January 7, 2004, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
Any suitable method may be employed to form nanowhiskers by the VLS process from the catalytic particles. MOVPE (MOCVD), and CBE processes are currently preferred, as have been previously proposed and demonstrated, as in prior U.S. Patent Application No, 10/623,071, published as No. 2004-0075464, to Samuelson et a!,, and International Patent Application Publication No, WO-A-04/004927, both of which publications and their underlying applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Aerosol deposition of nanoparticles offers advantages in this invention, since the nanoparticles are easily deposited onto complex structures and are known to highly accurately govern the diameter of the nanowires for which they are the seeds. Their density may be very accurately controlled, so that the number of nanowhisker branches created on an existing nanowhisker may be accurately controlled. Further, the orientation of the nanowhisker branches is accurately determined, in that they may only have a limited number of orientations relative to the nanowhiskers on which they are grown, as explained in more detail below. Further control may be exercised
over the spacing of the nanowhiskers branches along the length of the nanowhiskers on which they are grown, Such control is essentially on a statistical or average basis, rather than a one-to-one positioning technique.
It has been found that by application of electric voltages to the substrate, electric fields created around the nanowhiskers greatly assist in electrostatic precipitation of the uanoparticles on to the existing grown nanowhiskers. Thus said second catalytic particles are preferentially deposited on the sides of the first nanowhiskers, as opposed to the substrate. Although there may be some deposition randomly on the substrate, the high electric fields created around the nanowhiskers will cause preferential deposition on the nanowhiskers. More generally, the nlh catalytic particle deposition (n being a positive integer greater than or equal to 2) is preferentially deposited on the (n-l)lh growth of nanowhiskers, although some deposition on the (n-2)lh growth, etc., may also occur for a third or subsequent particle deposition. Further, it has been found that the catalytic particles are evenly distributed circumferentially of the existing nanowhiskers and along the length of the nanowhiskers by appropriate control of the aerosol deposition.
As regards the orientation of the nanowhiskers relative to the substrate, it is usually convenient for the first level nanowhiskers to extend upright perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. Commonly, with Ifl-V semiconductor materials, this is achieved by using the (111) substrate surface so that the first level nanowhisksrs extend in the diction. However, if desired, other substrate surfaces may be used that may imply that the first level nanowhiskers extend at an inclined angle to the substrate surface. By careful control of the catalytic growth process, desired orientations may be achieved relative to a variety of substrate surfaces. See copending U.S. Patent Application No. 60/541,949, filed February 6,2004, to Seifert et al., the contents of which ore herein incorporated by reference. In that application, it is disclossd that nanowhiskers can be grown in a desired crystal plane of the nanowhisker material provided thai other preferential growth directions tare not activated durirg the initial stages of growth.
Further, the material of the substrate may be different from that of the first level nanowhiskers, See copending U.S. Patent Application No. 60/582,313, filed June 25, 2004, to Samuelson et al., the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. That application discloses the provision of a perfect, atomically flat, growth surface to promote growth of nar.owhiskers from a surface of a dissimilar material.
The second level nanowhiskers may be formed of a different material from that of the first level nanov/hiskers, or, more generally, the nlh level nanowhiskers may be formed of a different material from that of the (n-l)'h level nanowhiskers, This may provide a heterojuncnon at the growth point of each nanowhisker, but if a precisely formed heterojunction is required, then growth conditions are preferably changed during growth of a nanowhisker by rapidly substituting a different gaseous growth material, to form a heterojunction along the length of the nanowhisker, in accordance with the teachings of prior U.S. Patent Application No. 10/613,071, published as No, 2004-0075464, to Samuelson et al., and International Patent Application Publication No. WO-A-04/004927, both of which publications and their underlying applications are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of the use of such hctarojunctions are given in specific examples hereinafter described.
As regards the orientations of the second level naiio whiskers extending from the sides of the first level nanowhiskers, these will be determined largely by the crystal facets of the first level nanowhisker. Thus for a directed first level nanowhisker, this has six facets along its length, and there are three principal growth directions at 120 degrees to one another in the B direction; this implies that the second level nanowhiskers will also slope downwardly. This further implies that all the second level nanowhiskers on all the first level nanowhiskers will extend in these same three directions. However, as disclosed below, where the crystal structure of a nanowhisker changes along its length from Zinc Blende to Wurtzite, as may commonly occur, there may be thres further directions of nanowhisker growth, rotated at 60 degrees rek'iveto the first set,
For other directions of fust level nanowhisker, tfie second level nanowhiskers may extend in different directions, For example, if the first level nanowhisker has an direction, the first level nanowhisker may have a rectangular cross section, and there will be four growth directions of the second level nanowhiskers, one from each facet. Since, in the most common case, these dirsctions are directions, two.growth directions wil] be pointing upwards, and two downwards, but at right angles to one another in plan.
Whereas the invention is primarily concerned with nanowhiskers, it is possible that in certain circumstances, the growth of other forms of one-dimensional nanoelements, e.g., multi-walled nanotubes, may take the place of one or more of the nanowhisker grov/th stages.
The present invention'therefore provides, in a more general aspect, a method of forming a nanostructure, comprising growing a first one-dimensional nanoelemcnt, preferably on a substrate, and growing a second one-dimensional nanoelement from a periphery of the first one-dimensional nanoelement such that the second one-dimensional nanoelement extends transversely to the first one-dimensional nanoelement.
In a preferred mode, the invention provides a method of forming a nanostrucrure, comprising:
a second stage which includes providing on the periphery of at least one said fust one-dimensional nanoeleinent, at least one second catalytic particle, and forming from each said second catalytic particle, a second one-dimensional nanoelement extending transversely from the periphery of the respective first one-dimensional nanoelement.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a structure comprising a substrate, and one or more nanostrectures formed on the substrate, each nanostucture comprising a first one-dimensional nanoelement upstanding from the subsliate, and having at least one second one-dimensional nanoelement grown and extending transversely from its periphery.
In still another aspect, the present invention provides a nanostructure comprising a first one-dimensional nanoelement, a second one-dimensional nanoelement grown on and extending transversely from a periphery of the first one-dimensional nanoelement, and a third one-dimensional nanoelement grown on and extending transversely from a periphery of the second one-dimensional nanoelement. The first nanoelemem is preferably grown from a substrate so as to be upstanding therefrom,
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a structure comprising a substrate and a plurality of nanostructures disposed on the substrate, each nanostrucrure including a respective first one-dimensiona! nanoelement grown on the substrate, and at least one nanostrucruxe having a portion that contacts another nanostructure, wherein the portion of the one nanostructure includes a second one-dimensiona] nanoelement grown on and extending transversely from a periphery of the first one-dimensional nanoelenent of the one nanostrucrure.
Such a construction may require electrical isolation of the peripheries of the nanowhiskers from a surrounding conducting material (e.g., a conducting polymer) that is used to make contact wish ths catalytic particles at the ends of the nanowhiskers. In an exemplary embodiment, such electrical isolation may be created by forming an outer cylindrical shell of insulating material around each nanowhisker. Conveniently, this is done by switching conditions during a MOVPE growth operation of for example GaP, such as to cause bulk growth of a material such as A1P as a coaxial shell around each nanowhisker. Subsequently, an oxidation operation converts the outer shell of A1P to Al^Oj (transparent sapphire).
In a further application, a light-emitting panel is created by providing a structure generally similar to the solar cell array above, but wherein each seoond level and/or third level, etc. nanowhisker has grown therein a segment of optically active material that forms heterojunctions with the adjacent portions of the nanowhisker, to create Light Emitting Diodes, Additionally, or alternatively, Light Emitting Diodes may similarly be incorporated into the first level nanowhiskers, if desired. Application of a voltage between the substrate and the catalytic particles at the ends of the nanowhiskers energises the LEDs to create an overall homogeneous light
emitting area. Alternatively, the structure can be divided up into pixels or regions that are separately energisable to create an addressable display.
In another application of a structure formed from nanostructures of the invention, a neural network is created. For example, first level nanowhiskers can be positioned closely together on the substrate, and branch (e.g., second) nanowhiskers can be formed sufficiently long and in a sufficient density that, on average, electrical contact is made between (i) a controlled number of branch nanowhiskers associated with each first level nanowhisker and (ii) trunk and/or branch nanowhiskers associated with neighbouring nanotrses. Heterojunctions may be formed within branch nanowhiskers, by the techniques discussed above, to form tunnel barriers therein, allowing the branch nanowhiskers to function in a manner analogous to synapses, by build up of charge within ths tunnel barrier, that is eventually released or fired across the barrier. Similarly, such heterojunctions may be formed in trunk nanowhiskers.
Figures 1A to ID comprise SEM images of GaP nanostructures formed according to a first example of the invention. Figure 1A shows an array of nanostructures coraprising branched nanowhiskers formed by aerosol deposition of catalytic particles, followed by MQVPE growth, viewed 30° from above. Figure IB shows a modification of the example with a lithographically defined array of nanostructures or nanotiees, viewed 45° from above. Figure 1C shows 3 branch directions, from above. Figure ID shows 6 branch directions, from above.
Figure 2A to 2C comprise TBM images of GaP nanostructures of Figure 1. Figure 2A shows an image of a trunk exhibiting five branches, with three different growth directions'visible. An arrow m'arks ths position of Figure 2B. Some broken off branches are also visible in ths figure; note that these'branches are easily broken off during transfer to the TEM grid, Figure 2B shows the branch-trunk interface (indicated by arrows) at higher magnification. The horizontal bands of alternating wurtzite or sphalerite structure continue smoothly out into the branch, -with no
apparent interface region in the crystal. Figure 2C shows an image of 3-levsl growth showing the trunk: (X), first branch (Y), and second branch (twig) (Z).
Figures 3A and 3B comprise graphs indicating the control of morphology or shape of the structu ^s of Figure i by deposition of seed particles. Figure 3A shows the number of particles and branches per tree as a function of particle deposition density. Figure 3B shows length of branches as a function of number of branches per tree. This dependence is attributed to the role of Ga diffusion in branch growth.
Figure 4A and 4B show nanostruciures containing GaP-GaAsP double heterostrucrure in .the nanowhisker branches of Figure 1. Figure 4A shows a TEM dark-field image with EDX linescan data of one branch. Note the sharp increase in As/decrease in P at the first interface. Figure 4B shows photoluminescence data of six individual nanotrees containing heterostructures..
Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure incorporating nano structures of the invention and providing a solar cell array.
Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure incorporating nanostructures of the invention and providing a light-emitting panel
Figures 7A to 7D axe SEM images showing interconnected InAs nanostructures in accordance with the invention, again formed by aerosol catalytic particle deposition followed by MOVPE growth. Figure 7A shows an image of two nanowhisker trunks interconnected by a pair of nanowhisker branches, viewed from above. Each interconnecting branch is grown to a sufficient length as to make electrical contact, through its associated catalytic particle, to the adjacent trunk, Figure 7B shows the same viewed 30° from above. Figure 7C shows another pair of interconnected nanostruchores in accordance with the invention., viewed 45° from above, and in which two nanowhisker trunks are interconnected by a single branch nanowhisker. Figure 7D shows th« same from above,
Figures 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views of neural network structures each comprising a large number of nanostructures of the invention positioned closely together to make electrical contact with one another,
Description of the Preferred Erijbodimeats
In the following, it is shown how self-assembled growth of semiconductor nanowires via the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth mode, may allow tree-like nanostructures to be formed in a highly controlled way. This bottom-up method
preferably uses initial seeding by catalytic Nan particles to form the trunk, followed by the sequential seeding of branching structures. Each level of branching is controlled in terras of branch length, diameter, and number, as well as chemical composition. It is shown, by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, that the branching mechanism gives highly ideal continuous crystalline (monolithic) structures throughout extended and complex tree-like structures.
A method ha'r been developed for controlled step-wise growth of branched semi conducting Nan wire structures resembling trees. This method utilises nanowires grown epitaxially, catalyses by gold aerosol nanoparticles. Levels of "branches" are grown sequentially, making the complexity-of such structures theoretically limitless, where each set of branches can be given different length, diameter, and chemical composition, thus allowing a degree of control and flexibility not previously seen. Aerosol nanoparticles offer great advantage in this case, since they are easily deposited onto complex structures and are known to highly accurately govern the diameter of the nanowires for which they are the seeds.
Growth of nanostructures comprising branched nonvoters was performed in two steps. The first was the growth of vertical Gap nanowires to serve as "trunks." These were grown by the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism. Gold seed particles were deposited on Gap (lll)B substrate (-10 mm2) by aerosol deposition, at a density of 0.5 particles per square micron of substrate, To achieve this, gold was evaporated in a high temperature (1850 °C) furnace, then passed through a charger to obtain a uniform charge distribution. Then, electrical mobility can be directly associated with size, and so particles are size-selected using a differential mobility analyser (DMA). Next, particles were re-heated (600 CC) to sinter (within the aerosol system), resulting in a compact, spherical shape, then size-selected a second time, As ths selected particles thus have a uniform size and are singly charged, the total particle concentration can be determined by measuring the current from particles impinging on an electrometer.
Nanoparticles were deposited on the substrate by electrostatic precipitation, at a field strength of 300 kV/m. This device consists of a cylindrical chamber where a uniform electric field is applied between an upper plate and a lower plate, on which the substrate is placed (se« International Patent Application Publication No. WO 01/84238, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). Particles produced in the aerosol apparatus flow between these plates when no field is applied. When the field is applied, the charged particles are driven towards the substrate surface, resuming in random but homogeneous distribution over the substrate. Since particle concentration in the aerosol flow is constant, the total number of deposited particles (per unit area of substrate) is a function of the time for which the electric field is applied, Distribution of these particles can be accurately predicted as a function of the interplay between Brownian and electrostatic forces on the particles. For a detailed analysis, see Krinke, et al; "Microscopic aspects of the deposition of nanoparticles from the gas phase", Journal of Aerosol Science 33 (10), pages 1341-1359 (Oct 2002).
Nanowhiskers were subsequently grown from these seeds by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (JvOVPE). Particle sizes of 40-70 nrn were used to seed these "trunks"; deposition densities of 0.5-2 policies per square micron were used. Length of nanowhiskers is a function of growth time; growth time of 4 minutes was used for all trunks (length 2 urn). In this work GaP nanowhiskers were grown on QaP substrates at temperatures of 400, 430, 460, 490 and 520 °C; pressure was kept constant at 10 kPa. Trime thylgallium (TMGJ was supplied to the reactor during growth time, with molar fraction x(TMG) varied from 0.6-2.5 x JO"1. A constant flow of phosphine (PHj) was maintained, with molar fraction x(PH3) of 7.5 x 10"3, For growth of In? trunks on InP substrates, trimethylindium was the source material, with a molar fraction x(TMI) - 1.5x 10'6, growth temperature of 400 °C and pressure of 10 kPa. For heterostructures, arsine (AsHj) was introduced; x(AsHj) - 2.3 x 10"4. Nanowhiskers grow upwards at a constant rate, in the B direction, with hexagonal cross-seen'on; [001] nancwiies have a square cross-section.
The next step was to grow smaller nanowire "branches" on the trunks. Smaller aerosol particles (10> 15, 20, 30 and 40 nm diameter) were deposited on the trunks by placing the sample back into the aerosol particle deposition chamber. Deposition densities were varied from 1-25 particles per square micron of substrate (shown to be directly related to particles deposited on trunks, Figure 3A). Smaller nanowire "branches" were subsequently grown on the trunks from the new seed particles. In particular, GaP branches were produced on Gap trunks, and InP branches were produced on InP trunks. The length of these branches was a function of growth time, reagent concentrations and growth temperature; these relationships were calibrated in'
this experiment. It will be appreciated that, by appropriate selection of precursors and other growth conditions, the branch nanowhiskers of a given level may differ in composition, from the nanowhiskers of the preceding level in their total length or in shorter segments.
To demonstrate the versatility of this approach, a third set of gold seed particles (10,15, 20 run diameter) was deposited onto the branches of several samples. A third level of branches was subsequently grown, again using Gap and Imp (by methods described above). Deposition densities of 5-15 particles per square micron of substrate and growth times of 10-20 seconds were used.
Samples were "characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For the high-resolution TEM images, a 300 kV transmission electron microscope was used, with a point resolution of 0.162 nm, and equipped with a field emission gun. Chemical analyses was performed with an energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometer, normally in STEM mode, giving a probe size Branched gallium phosphide (GaP) nanostructures or "canotrees" were grown on GaP (lll)B substrates (Figures 1, 2). First, nanowire "trunks" were grown by the VLS growth method in the B direction, using metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Next, aerosol seed particles were deposited along these "trunks" and a second growth phase initiated, resulting in clearly defined "branches." Branches grew downwards in the other three B directions. Figure 1A shows an image of a "nanoforest" with each tree having this trunk-branch structure. The "forest" was grown in MOVPE, at 460°C, with 8.9 branches per tree on average. These structures are highly stable, exhibiting no morphological changes over several months when stored in air. It should also be noted that there is no variance in tree morphology across the entire substrate.
In1 addition to randomly distributed trees, ordered arrays of nanotrees have been grown (Figure IB), according to the techniques described in in copending U.S. Patent Application No. 10/751,944, to Samuelson et al,, filed January 7, 2004, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. Trunk nanowires were seeded by arrays of gold particles produced by electron-beam lithography. After this
seeding, growth of the nanotrees proceeded as for those of random distribution, previously discussed.
Viewed from above, the trees of Figure 1A or IB exhibit three branch directions separated by 120" (Figure 1C), with each branch nanowhisker extending in one of these three directions; this is a result of the alignment of the crystal planes in tlie trunk nanowhiskers, and the requirement for the second level nanowhiskers to preferentially grow in the direction from the crystal facets at the aides of the trunk nanowhiskers. In Figure 1C, there are 5.6 branches per tree on average. This symmetry is typically observed for sample with fewer than 7 branches per tree. However, stacking faults in the trunk can result in short sections rotated 60° from the primary growth direction as viewed from above (Figure ID). High resolution TEM images show clearly the numerous stacking faults within the trunk nanovdres (Figure 2B), giving a mixed sphalerite (cubic) and wurtzite (hexagonal) structure. This behaviour is well known and is dus to the small energy difference between stacking sequences in this growth direction. The growlh directions of the trunk and branches are seen to be symmetry-related D directions in the cubic cell, with the stacking faults always perpendicular to the growth direction of the nanowire (Figure 2B).
Branches that nucleate from rotated segments will grow downwards, exactly 60° from the primary branches when viewed from above. Since branches nucleate irom gold aerosol particles randomly deposited on the trunk, nucleation from rotated sections is possible but somewhat less likely than nucleation in the primary directions. It has been found that for low densities of seed particles (and thus branches), few branches grow on the rotated segments. For higher densities, branches can grow in all three rotated directions, and trees typically exhibit up to 6 branch directions, separated by 60°, when viewed from above, This is shown in Figure ID, with 10 branches per tree. This symmetry was consistently observed for samples with more than 10 branches per tree; for samples with more than 12 branches per tree, all trees showed 6 branch directions.
Growth of epitaxial nano-wires in directions other than B has been disclosed in copending U.S. Patent Application No, 60^541,949, to Seifert et al,, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Use of such nanowires as trunks would allow for variation of the directionality of the branches. In? branches on InP [001] trunks have also been grown in accordance with the invention. Under the same growth conditions as other branches in this study, such branches grow in tha
preferential B directions, resulting in four branch directions separated by 90° in the XY plane.
The number of particles deposited per square micron of substrate is controlled (in n statistical sense) during deposition. This directly determines the number of particles deposited per tree, and the numbsi of branches grown, This relationship is linear in the region studied (Figure 3A). Nols about half of particles are found to seed branches; trunks have six facets, but only three symmetry-related B directions are possible for e given crystal structure. The number of branches per tree varies by ± 10% for a given deposition density, over the entire substrate of-10 mm2 area. It is expected that the number of particles deposited will become essentially constant (independent of deposition density) for very high densities, due to the finite surface area per tree. Diameters of both trunk and branches are accurately determined by the diameters of the respective seed particles. Branch diameter has no significant effect on the morphology of the trees in this size region. Branch length can be controlled by growth time, growth temperatee, and reagent concentrations, for a given branch density. The relationship between each of these parameters and the resulting branch morphology has been calibrated; length and diameter of branches are controlled to within ± 5%.
Gallium is the limiting reagent in the growth of GaP nanowires. It is believed that branch growth proceeds via two pathways: first, by direct incorporation of Ga into the seed particle from the vapor (and subsequent formation of GaP), and second, by diffusion of Ga along the substrate, trunk, and branches to be incorporated into the particle. The first is independent of number of branches; growth rate is determined only by the mass transport. By this route, branches grow a constant volume as a function of time; and branch length is independent of number of branches,
The second route, however, allows for Ga to be incorporated into the entire tree at a constant rate, independent of number of seed particles. Thus, for higher numbers of branches, less Ga is incorporated per branch as a function of time. Branch length is then a function of number of branches. It is also seen that average branch length decreases with increasing branch density (Figure 3B), Branch length is, however, independent of branch position on the trunk, indicating that surface diffusion is not a limiting criterion under the chosen conditions.
Particle deposition on the substrate is preferably performed by means of electrostatic precipitation, whereby an electric field is applied through which the
aerosol flow passes. The distribution of seed particles on the sample is determined by the interplay between Brownian forces and electrostatic forces, and the resulting movement of particles in the electric field. See Krinke et al., "Microscopic aspects of the deposition of nanoparticles from the ges phase", Journal of Aerosol Science 33 (10), pages 1341-1359 (Oct 2002). This distribution directly determines the distribution of branches. Computer simulations indicate that varying deposition parameters will result in variance in the resulting particle distribution. Based on these simulations, conditions were selected so to ensure that fewer particles will deposit on the substrate, and that particles tend to distribute evenly along the trunk; experimental results have been consistent with this prediction.
A third level of nanowires has been grown, resembling sub-branches or "twigs". Figure 2C is an image of such a structure, wherein the first, second, and third nanowhiskers are designated by reference characters X, Y, and Z, respectively. Again, the aerosol technique is ideally suited to deposition of particles on branches. Third-level GaP branches grow from second-level branches in the other B directions, and length and diameter can be controlled by selection of growth conditions. On trees with few second-level branches, gold particles also deposit on the trunk, resulting in additional branches equivalent to those grown on second-level branches. In addition, In? third-level branches were grown on GaP trees; preliminary results indicate these maintain the B growth direction.
Different materials may be incorporated into the nanostructures, by varying the composition of each level and within individual nanowires. This will allow different device functionality characteristics to be incorporated. To illustrate this potential In? nanowhisker branches we're grown on GaP nanowhisker trunks. As well, GaP nanotrees with segments of GaAsP in the branches were also produced (Figure 4A); position and length of these segments is controlled with a high degree of precision. These trees exhibit similar morphology to homogeneous GaP trees. The photoluminescence data shown in Figure 4B shows a position of the luminescence peak consistent> with a GaAsP segment with a P/As ratio of 0.08; note the peak • position (around 1.67 eV) is very consistent over the six different trees. By alloying with As, it is possible to continuously shift the emission wavelength from the bandgap of GaP (about 550 run) up towards that of GaAs (about 900 nm).
Referring now to Figure 5, this is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell array in accordance with the invention. A substrate 50 of an appropriate semi-
conductor material (e.g., GaP) has formed on its upper surface a regular array of first level or trunk nanowhiskers 52. These nanowhiskers are produced from catalytic panicles 54 formed on the substrate surface, preferably by an NIL (nanoimprint lithography) process. The first level nanowhiskers are formed of Gap, for example, which is a suitable material for producing photoelectricity, The nanowhiskers 52 are produced by the MOCVD process and subsequently, in the manner described above, a second set of catalytic particles 56 are deposited on the sides the nanowhiskers 52 by aerosol deposition. A second stage of nanowhisker growth is then conducted to produce transversely extending branch or second level nanowhiskers 58 from the sides of first level nanowhiskers 56. The second level nanowhiskers 58 are formed of GaAsP and form PN junctions 60 with the first level nanowhiskers 52.
Each nanostructure (nanotree), comprising a nanowhisker 52 and associated nanowhiskers 58, is then encased in an electrically insulating material. For example, the nanostructures may be- encased in aluminium phosphide, as at 64, by changing the growth conditions of the MOCVD process and the growth materials at the end of the second nanowhisker growth stage. The aluminium phosphide is then oxidised to produce aluminium oxide (sapphire). This provides electrical isolation of the first, second and third nanowhiskers from a conductive transparent polymer 66, or other suitable conductive matrix, that is subsequently deposited over the nanotrees. This conductive polymer provides electrical contact to the catalytic particles at the end of the nanowhiskers and ~thus provides a means for applying an electrical voltage between the ends of the nanowhiskers and the substrate. Polymer 66 also provides a flat top surface 68 for the structure; and permits formation of a terminal 70 thereon.
Thus in operation, when the structure is exposed to light and an electric voltage is applied to catalytic particle contacts 54, 56, photocurrents are generated within the nanowhiskers 52, 58, and in particular in PN junctions 60, and the photocurrents arc swept out of the device.
To improve operation, heterojunctions may be formed within sscond level nanowhiskers 58 by forming segments of a different band gap material within the second level nanowhiskers daring growth (by rapid switching of gaseous constituents); this is not shown for clarity. These junctions provide sources of photo electricity. Further, such segments of different materials may permit the nanostructures to respond to a vanety of light wavelengths. Similarly, heterojunctions may be formed in subsequent level branches and/or in the first level nanowhiskers. Such heterojunctions may be used in place of, or in addition to, PN junctions between successive nanowhisker levels, as desired.
Thus, the structure shown in Figure 5 allows the use of single-crystalline nanorree structures for photovoltaic conversion of photons into electricity, a less complex and more efficient structure than Gratzal cells, referred to above,
In order to solve the problem of how individual nanostructures are to be contacted from the counter-electrode of the solar cell, conducting (and, to the solar radiation, transparent) polymer 66 is used to contact the gold catalytic particles that terminate each branch nanowhisker. For this contacting to be well controlled and functional, the branches are electrically isolated relative to the conducting polymer, This is achieved in that stem, branches and twigs will during growth (after wire growth) be covered by A1P 64 in a core-shell configuration, The A1P can, in a controlled process, be transformed "into AljOs, giving isolation of all "branches relative to the conducting polymer. The conducting polymer will also provide the flat top-surface of the solar cell structure.
Heterostructures within nanostructures are ideal for light-emission, with each heterostructure acting as a nano-LED. As an illustration of the potential of incorporating functional heterostructures in branches, luminescence measurements were taken from individual GaP nanotrees containing 200 run-long segments of the approximate composition GaAsg.sPo.!, showing sharp emission at about 1,67 eV (Figure 4B). This emission is clearly associated with the designed GaAsP double heterostmcture segments, illustrating the potential advantage of functional elements in a nanotree structure fc-. e.g., photonics applications.
Such nano-LEDs are incorporated in a light-emitting panel, as indicated schematically in Figure 6, where similar parts to those of Figure 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The structure of Figure 5 is modified in that segments 72 of GaAsP are formed in each second level r.anowhisker 58, which is formed of GaP
in this example. Such segments and the bounding heterojunctions create LEDs. A terminal of transparent ITO material 76 is positioned on conductive polymer 66. Application of voltage between the terminal 76 and the substrate energises LED segments to produce light. In a modification (not shown for clarity), third level or twig nanowhiskers are grown from second level nanowhiskers, with heterojunctions therein, to create further LEDs: this provides a more dense array of LEDs. Of course, heterojunctions may similarly be provided in the first or trunk nanowhiskers to form LEDs therein. In a further modification, by providing a large number of separately addressable electrodes over parts of the structure that are isolated from one another, the structure provides an addressable display panel,
Thus, in Figure 6 opposite charge carriers are injected from the branches and the gold-particles and made to recombine in designed heterostructures, in which way these will operate as nano-scale light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The overall effect is to provide a light-emitting panel. The multiple-branch layout will be beneficial for this application and any defects or burn-out of individual LEDs will only marginally affect the overall performance of such a light-emitting panel.
Figures 7A to 7D are SEM images of InAs nanostructures grown by the above described techniques, using aerosol deposition of catalytic particles and MOVPE growth. Figures 7A and 7B show a pair of nanotree structures having their first level nanowhiskers or trunks interconnected by a pair of second level nanowhiskers or branches. The trunks are positioned in such direction and distance, and the connecting branches grown sufficiently long that-each connecting branch is brought into electrical contact, through its respective catalytic particle, with the adjacent trunk. Figures 7C and 7D show another such structure, in which a pair of trunks are interconnected by a single branch, It should be noted that, for experimental purposes, only a limited number of gold particles were deposited on the nanowhisker trunks: Also, on average, approximately every second catalytic p&rticle on a trunk actually serves as a growth place. Consequently, only two of the four trunks seen in Figure 7D exhibit nanowhisker branches.
Referring now to Figure 8A, there is shown a structure providing a neural network comprising interconnected nanostructures or nanotrecs in accordance with the invention. A substrate 70 has a precisely positioned array of first level nanowhiskers 82 formed on the substrate surface. This is effected by forming on the surface catalytic particles 84 by an NIL process, and then, as disclosed in copending
U.S. Patent Application No. 10/751,944, to Samudson et al.4 the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference forming the nanowhiskers to extend exactly from the catalytic panicles sites. A second stage of formation is then carried out wherein second catalytic particles 86 are deposited on the sides of nanov/hiskers 82 by an aerosol deposition process and then second level narjowhiskers 88 are grown from the sides of nanowhiskers 82, The nanowhiskers 82 ate positioned sufficiently closely together as shown and the second level nanowhiskers are grown sufficiently long that on average, on a statistical basis, electrical contact is achieved between two or three second level nanowhiskers grown on each first level nanowhisker 82 with adjacent first level nanowhiskers from neighbouring nanotree structures,
Further during the formation of second level nanowhiskers 88, growth conditions and materials are changed such as to insert a segment 90 of a different material having a markedly different band gap (e.g., an In? segment in an loAs whisker), This forms a runnel barrier arrangement. In operation, when electric voltage is applied to the arrangement and a. charge accumulates at tunnel barrier segments 90, when a threshold voltage is overcome, electric current will flow through the tunnel barriers in a way analogous to the synapse of a neural network. Additionally, or alternatively, tunnel barriers may be incorporated into the trunk nanowhiskers by appropriate modification of growth conditions and materials thereof as previously described. Moreover, interconnections may be made between adjacent nanotree structures through branch-to-branch connections, as shown schematically in Figure 8B.
1.	A method of forming a nanostructure comprising:
-a first deposition of first catalytic particles on a substrate surface;
-a subsequent first growing stage wherein first nanowhiskers are epitaxially grown on the substrate via at least a portion of the first catalytic particles, the method characterized by
-a second deposition of second catalytic particles, wherein at least a portion of the second catalytic particles are provided on the surfaces of the first nanowhiskers;
-a subsequent second growing stage of growing epitaxially, via at least a portion of the second catalytic particles provided on the surface of the first nanowhiskers, second nanowhiskers extending transversely from the periphery of the respective first nanowhisker.
2.	The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein on a periphery of at least one said second nanowhisker, at least one third catalytic particle are provided, and growing, from each third catalytic particle, a third nanowhisker extending transversely from the periphery of the respective second nanowhisker.
3.	A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of said first catalytic particles are deposited on the substrate by a nanoimprint lithographic process.
4.	A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of said first catalytic particles are deposited on the substrate by an aerosol deposition.
5.	A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said plurality of first catalytic particles in the aerosol deposition are singly charged, and wherein an electric voltage is applied to the substrate to promote deposition of first catalytic particles on the substrate by electrostatic precipitation.
6.	A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second nanowhiskers and the first nanowhiskers are of different materials.
7.	A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first and/or second nanowhiskers have formed therein segments of a different material from adjacent portions of the respective first nanowhiskers, so as to create heterojunctions along the lengths of the first and/or second nanowhiskers.
8.	A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein second catalytic particles are deposited on first nanowhiskers by an aerosol deposition.
9.	A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein an electric voltage is applied to the substrate to promote deposition of second catalytic particles on the first nanowhiskers by electrostatic precipitation.
10.	A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first catalytic particles has a size distribution that differs from the size distribution of the second catalytic particles, and wherein the diameter of the nanowhiskers are directly related to the size of respective catalytic particle, whereby the first growing phase resulting in nanowhiskers with a first mean diameter and the second growing phase resulting in nanowhiskers with a second mean diameter.
11.	A structure comprising a substrate, and a plurality of nanostructures disposed on
the substrate, each nanostructure including a first nanowhisker grown on the substrate
and at least one second nanowhisker grown on and extending transversely from a
periphery of the first nanowhisker, characterized in that the diameters of the first and
second nanowhiskers are defined by the size of catalytic particles used to initiate the
growth of the nanowhiskers.
12.	A structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first nanowhiskers have a first
diameter defined by the sizes of a first set of catalytic particles and the second
nanowhiskers have a second diameter defined by a second set of catalytic particles.
13.	A structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first nanowhiskers comprises at their tips, a catalytic particle from the first set of catalytic particles having a first size, and
the second nanowhiskers comprises at their tips, a catalytic particle from the second set of catalytic particles having a second size.
14.	A structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first nanowhiskers comprises at their tips, a catalytic particle from the first set of catalytic particles having a first size distribution, and the second nanowhiskers comprises at their tips, a catalytic particle from the second set of catalytic particles having a second size distribution different from the first size distribution; and wherein the diameter of the nanowhiskers are directly related to the size of respective catalytic particle, whereby the first nanowhiskers have a first mean diameter and the second nanowhiskers have a second mean diameter.
15.	A structure as claimed in any of claims 11-14, wherein said nanostructure have at least one third nanowhisker grown on and extending transversely from a periphery of a said second nanowhisker.
16.	A structure as claimed in any of claims 11-15, wherein the plurality of nanostructures are arranged in an ordered array.
17.	A structure as claimed in any of claims 11-16, wherein first nanowhiskers and the second nanowhiskers are of different materials.
18.	A structure as claimed in any of claims 11-16, wherein the first nanowhiskers have formed therein segments of a different material from adjacent portions of the respective first nanowhiskers, so as to create heterojunctions along the lengths of the first nanowhiskers.
19.	A structure as claimed in any of claims 11-18, wherein the second nanowhiskers have formed therein segments of a different material from adjacent portions of the respective second nanowhiskers, so as to create heterojunctions along the lengths of the second nanowhiskers.
20.	A structure as claimed in any of claims 17-19, wherein the nanowhiskers of the plurality of nanostructures have segments formed therein of optically active material.
21.	A structure as claimed in any of claims 17-19, wherein the structure is arranges in a solar cell array having conductive catalytic particles and having a contact structure arranged to apply electric voltage between the conductive catalytic particles and the substrate, the first and second nanowhiskers being electrically insulated from the contact structure.
22.	A structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein each nanowhisker is surrounded by an electrically insulative jacket, and a transparent conductive material is formed around the insulative jackets and so as to make electrical contact with the catalytic particles.
23.	A structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein.PN junctions are formed between the first and second nanowhiskers within respective nanostructures.
24.	A structure as claimed in any of claims 11-18, wherein at least part of the first nanowhiskers or each second nanowhiskers is formed of material that is photosensitive.
3052-DELNP-2006-Abstract-(22-02-2012).pdf
3052-delnp-2006-abstract.pdf
3052-delnp-2006-Claims-(19-04-2012.).pdf
3052-DELNP-2006-Claims-(22-02-2012).pdf
3052-delnp-2006-claims.pdf
3052-DELNP-2006-Correspondence Others-(06-09-2011).pdf
3052-DELNP-2006-Correspondence Others-(19-04-2012).pdf
3052-DELNP-2006-Correspondence Others-(22-02-2012).pdf
3052-delnp-2006-correspondence-others-1.pdf
3052-delnp-2006-correspondence-others.pdf
3052-delnp-2006-description (complete).pdf
3052-DELNP-2006-Drawings-(22-02-2012).pdf
3052-delnp-2006-drawings.pdf
3052-delnp-2006-form-1.pdf
3052-DELNP-2006-Form-13-(19-04-2012).pdf
3052-delnp-2006-Form-13-(26-05-2006).pdf
3052-delnp-2006-form-13.pdf
3052-delnp-2006-form-18.pdf
3052-delnp-2006-form-2.pdf
3052-delnp-2006-form-26.pdf
3052-DELNP-2006-Form-3-(06-09-2011).pdf
3052-delnp-2006-form-3.pdf
3052-delnp-2006-form-5.pdf
3052-delnp-2006-pct-306.pdf
3052-DELNP-2006-Petition-137-(22-02-2012).pdf
3052/DELNP/2006
C/O LEDEBO,STORA FISKAREGATAN 13E 222 24 LUND, SWEDEN
1 DEPPERT KNUT WILFIED VIKINGAVAGEN 16C, S-224 77 LUND (SE)
2 SAMUELSON, LARS IVAR YNGLINGAGATAN 5D, S-217 74 MALMO (SE)
PCT/GB2004/004866
1 60/524,890 2003-11-26 U.S.A.
2 60/560,701 2004-04-09 U.S.A.