Research | CATN2

RESEARCH

CNSE RESEARCH

RESEARCH

About

COLLEGE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY, SCIENCE, AND ENGINEERING (CNSE) is driving innovation through diverse faculty and student research, from AI in computer chips to sustainable solutions and advanced wireless signal processing. Our work advances key areas such as environmental sustainability, security, and technology.

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EXPLORE

MIP PROGRAM

MIP

The purpose of the CATN2 Matching Investment Program (MIP) is to support collaborations between New York State businesses and University at Albany faculty that expand applied research capabilities, technology development resources, or operational deployment test beds. The CATN2 MIP has been designed in alignment with the CATN2’s mission to support systematic progression in technology transitions, workforce development, and business growth for our partners seeking to collaborate and grow in the State.

OVERVIEW

PROJECTS

CAPABILITIES

OVERVIEW

MIP project proposal must clearly describe how the MIP funds will be used and explain how the investment under the MIP will expand or enhance on-site infrastructure and capabilities that will

Identify a distinct technology focus area, commercialization phase (RD&D), market application, and resulting capability by
Create a sustainable operating model, such as
Expand upon prior investments in core facility capabilities
Potential opportunity to launch a focused campaign to address an unmet need or challenge confronted by industry with potential for broad industry participation.

PROJECTS

2023 - 2024

ROUND 11

Round 11

Plasmonic Diagnostics for RNA and Protein Biomarker Discovery and Detection

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Nathaniel Cady

Private Entity Partner: sxRNA Technologies, Inc. with support from Ciencia, Inc. (non NYS company)

Summary: Grating coupled fluorescent plasmonic (GC-FP) biosensing is a highly sensitive and multiplexed technology that has been proven for protein and antibody based diagnostics, and is poised for transition to other biomolecular detection approaches, such as nucleic acid based testing. This project will guide the transition of sxRNA Technologies proprietary nucleic acid based biosensing and biodetection to the GC-FP platform. The ultimate goal of the project is to transition sxRNA towards commercialization of an RNA-based diagnostic and/or biodetection assay, and to expand the GC-FP platform technology.

Impact: Establish a unique automated microfluidics capability.

Plasmonic Diagnostics for RNA and Protein Biomarker Discovery and Detection.jpg

Synthesis and characterization of nanoscale gettering materials for advanced microelectronics packaging

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Mengbing Huang

Private Entity Partner: NanoFEA

Summary: The semiconductor industry is transitioning into the More-Moore and the More-than-Moore era, characterized by continuously shrunken device footprints and enhanced chip functional features. This CATN2 MIP proposal aims to combine NanoFEA’s expertise in microelectronics packaging and assembly with UAlbany’s strengths in materials processing & characterization to address the challenges of advanced semiconductor packaging in response to the shifting trend of semiconductor manufacturing. The project goal is to develop innovative polymer-nanoparticle composite based getter technology for packaging encapsulants to improve chip performance and long-term reliability. The project will involve creation of composite materials of polymer and zeolites/nanoparticles as well as characterizations using a variety of analytic techniques to understand their structural properties and evaluate their getting abilities in the presence of different gas species from a microelectronics package.

Impact: Successful completion of the proposed effort will benefit UAlbany in several aspects, such as attracting follow-on federal funding, strengthening industry partnerships, and enhancing research capabilities in new areas of advanced semiconductor packaging. Additionally, the project is also expected to support NanoFEA’s R&D programs and accelerate the commercialization of advanced semiconductor packaging technology. These efforts will generate economic impacts in the Albany region and contribute to NanoFEA’s long-term goal of becoming a leading provider of microelectronics packaging solutions within the US semiconductor industry supply chain.

Senescence targeting for ocular disease resolution

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Andre Melendez

Private Entity Partner: Humonix BioSciences

Summary: The harmful effects of senescence have been associated with many degenerative disease processes including many ocular diseases. The Melendez Labs studies the molecular triggers that control the senescent program and has now developed a robust platform that quantifies the senescent program in the Trabecular Outflow Platform. The role of senescence in degenerative disease progression is largely attributed to the secretory activity of senescent cells referred to as the Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). The SASP is comprised of 100’s of proteins whose activities drive inflammation, tissue remodeling and creating a permissive environment that accelerates extracellular matrix disruption and loss of ocular flow and disease progression. The Trabecular Outflow platform offers a technology that can assist in testing efficacy of novel ocular therapeutics with the potential to limit or reverse severity of glaucoma and other ocular diseases. The recent development of the senescent monitoring technology provides a powerful new tool to add to screening platform. To achieve this, the team will: 1. refine and optimize assays for senescence monitoring; 2. interrogate the contribution of senescence in disrupting ocular flow using platform technology and 3. validate established ocular therapeutics in preserving ocular outflow and limiting senescence in response to glaucoma inducing agents.

Impact: This project will provide an excellent synergistic opportunity to further expand the technologies of Humonix Bioscience to an emergent biologic process which has been linked to ocular disease, neurodegeneration and many age-associated degenerative disease processes and will serve as a springboard to evaluated new senolytic therapies targeting the ocular disease market and other age associated degenerative diseases.

Improving energy resolution for direct conversion radiation detectors

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Serge Oktyabrsky

Private Entity Partner: GE Healthcare

Summary: This project encompasses experimental studies and time-of-flight simulations of novel direct-conversion radiation detectors, focusing on analyzing and proposing methods to enhance their energy resolution. The project goals include improving experimental techniques for the characterization of single- and multi-pixel detectors, analysis of CdZnTe (CZT) detectors, and design of the detectors with improved performance.

Impact: This project will renovate and enhance the CNSE’s capabilities in the analysis, modeling and improvement of novel materials, single devices and multipixel arrays for SPECT and PET imaging.

2023 - 2024

ROUND 10

Round 10

Extraction of High Quality Nucleic Acids From Yeast and Mammalian Cells

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Michael Fasullo

Private Entity Partner: NextAdvance

Summary: Extraction of high quality protein and nucleic acid is central to multiple scientific and commercial biotech endeavors. For example, recombinant protein extraction has accelerated the production of vaccines, while nucleic acid extraction has rapidly facilitated field of genetics and system biology, and toxicology. This application builds on the previous CATN2 project by isolating nucleic acids from specific organelles, such as the mitochondria, and from spores. The objectives of this grant are to maximize the utility of extraction methods by mechanical vibrations using glass and zirconium beads for this purpose. The technology will, in turn, be used to answer scientific questions and data will support federal grant applications. One deliverable will be a visual demonstration of the NextAdvance equipment for obtaining high quality Western blots, which will be published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE). We have already had success in isolating DNA and protein that has been used as templates for PCR and for Western blots, respectively. We would like to extend our goals to obtain high quality RNA from eukaryotic cells, as well as DNA from organelles and spores. These objectives will be achieved in collaboration with NextAdvance, a local company in the Capital Region. Completion of these objectives will strengthen ties between the local industry and academia, and train additional workers in the biotech field.

Impact: This project builds on a previous MIP project to expand and sustain our cell, nucleic acid, and protein research capabilities.

Development of novel singlemode sapphire fibers for photonics sensing in harsh conditions

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Mengbing Huang

Private Entity Partner: optoXense

Summary: Nanoengineering of wide bandgap sapphire material holds great promise for using sapphire optical fibers as a viable solution to tackle harsh environment sensing challenges currently confronted in many industrial and defense applications. Building upon the results from the PI’s prior CATN2 project, and the corresponding research supported by the optoXense / DARPA Phase 2 program, this follow-on project is intended to validate and refine the developed sapphire fiber processing method – which is the foundational process requirement to allow the rest of the photonic sensing program to proceed, which will then devise photonic sensors for advanced aerospace applications. The project will be again conducted in close collaboration with optoXense, and will focus on the creation of smaller cross section (5~6μm) optical cores within commercially available custom sized sapphire fibers, and the study of their fiber optic performance parameters. Previously developed baseline high energy ion implantation methods will be tuned, together with high fidelity photonics simulations, to converge on production level process parameters.

Impact: This continuing project will allow the UAlbany–optoXense team to further attract federal funding and other investments for transitioning the science towards product development cycles necessary in technology transfer and commercialization, which would then interface with the Silicon Photonics program and NAPMP for enhanced research and market opportunities in the future. Besides adding new research capabilities on campus and strengthening industry partnerships, the proposed project is expected to expand the campus' wide bandgap material programs into additional application domains.

Ethnically Diverse Human Heart Bioengineering

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Janet Paluh

Private Entity Partner: Janet Paluh

Summary: The heart is the first organ to form in the human embryo, caudal to the brain and within the developing trunk. Its functional morphogenesis, remodeling and patterning establish foundations for the lifelong functioning of the adult heart. Human stem cell derivatives are at the forefront in cardiac health applications, including pre-clinical cardiomyocyte cell therapeutics and single-cell type tissue models. The emerging field of stem cell generated 3D heart models that are organoids, assembloids and gastruloids, represent detailed cellular complexity and are transformative, including organ-on-a-chip models. EMLOC gastruloids are amongst the most complex in vitro human heart organ models to date, representing developmental multi-cell and multi-tissue lineages of cardiac organogenesis, multi-chamber tissue formation, conductance tissues, and multisystem integrations (vascular and neurogenic components), verified by RNA-Seq transcriptomics. Such models, closer to real organ functioning, will enable next generation mechanism-disease-drug studies. The CATN2 will be instrumental to strategically position EMLOC technology and Cytocybernetics at the forefront in engineered cardiac organ resources, process and analysis, providing key preliminary data for funding opportunities and extending IPs. We integrate electrophysiology, conductance, contractility analysis with tissue physiology, including spatial RNA-Seq and microRNA profiling across three ethnically diverse hiPSC lines (African American, Hispanic-Latino, Asian) to establish capabilities of the EMLOC model.

Impact: There is a dire need for human heart models in cardiac health/disease and drug studies including ethnicity applications. This proposal will enhance the relationship of UAlbany/CATN2 with NYS industry partner Cytocybernetics to demonstrate proof of concept data around the EMLOC heart model morphology and function, and lay the groundwork for publications and federal funding within years 1-2, including STTR commercialization opportunities.

2022 - 2023

ROUND 09

Round 09

Porous Silicon Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Harry Efstathiadis

Private Entity Partner: Sionic Energy

Summary: Silicon anode technology is one of the most promising battery technologies leading to exceptional improvements in cell capacity while decreasing the cost of the battery. The major challenge of cells with a Silicon anode is volume expansion and contraction over cycling leading to mechanical and electrochemical degradation over time. This can cause vehicle integration issues (e.g., cell swelling, high-pressure, reduced efficiency) and counteract capacity gains. These issues become even more prominent during fast charging of batteries. One proposed solution to accommodate the huge volume change during cycling is the fabrication of silicon anodes with a 3D porous structure and the modification of its chemistry by means of an appropriate binder that will enhance the cohesion of the anode providing more flexibility and mechanical strength. Using CNSE’s capabilities on material development, cell assembly and cycling, NRA, and X-rays 3D tomography capabilities, this project aims to modify the silicon anode structure and chemistry and study the durability of the anodes both from an electrochemical and mechanical standpoint investigating the Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) evolution during repeated cycling, the sources of lithium loss, as well as the mechanical integrity of the system.

The PI previously purchased temperature-controlled docking station for testing four batteries will be upgraded to simultaneously test up to 16 cells to help clear the gridlock on cell testing observed in the lab for cell testing.

Impact: This project builds on a previous MIP project to develop a world-renowned energy storage testing facility. This is a new collaboration with a Rochester based start-up, Sionic Energy, which expands CNSE’s support of NY based start-up companies. The purchase of the docking station for up to 16 PAT series test cells will greatly improve the Li ion battery testing capabilities of CNSE. The equipment to be upgraded would be jointly used with the industry partners and also offered as a resource to prospective partners from both the industry and academia including faculty/staff of CNSE. It takes several days to test one cell. Several currently funded projects, such as BMW, Sionic Energy, workforce training, etc. generate many battery cells that currently is almost impossible to test all of them in a timely manner.

Automated Western Blot Analysis of Recombinant Proteins in Yeast and in Mammalian Cells

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Michael Fasullo

Private Entity Partner: Next Advance

Summary:

Extraction of high-quality protein and nucleic acid is central to multiple scientific and commercial biotech endeavors. For example, recombinant protein extraction has accelerated the production of vaccines, while nucleic acid extraction has rapidly facilitated field of genetics, system biology, and toxicology. Eukaryotic organisms that have been particularly important include , , African green monkey kidney (VERO-E6) cells, and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. A large challenge is determining the quality and quantity of recombinant protein. Our objectives are to maximize the utility of extraction methods by mechanical agitation using glass and zirconium beads and to automate western blotting for the detection of recombinant proteins. The technology will, in turn, be used to acquire data for supporting federal grant applications. These objectives will be achieved in collaboration with NextAdvance, a local company in the Capital Region. Completion of these objectives will strengthen ties between the local industry and academia, and train additional workers in the biotech field.

Impact: Impact: This is a new collaboration with a Troy based start-up, Sionic Energy, which expands CNSE’s support of NY based start-up companies. Next Advance is donating the Bullet Blender Tissue Homoginizer to CNSE which can be used by several nanobio faculty. The Bullet Blender enables researchers to homogenize, disrupt, or lyse up to 24 tissue or cell culture samples at a time. Load the samples into standard polypropylene tubes, then place them in the Bullet Blender homogenizer. The “bullets” in the instrument vigorously strike all of the tubes and homogenize your sample in minutes.

Novel Scope-Prober with Spectroscopic Capabilities for Semiconductor Metrology

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Spyros Galis

Private Entity Partner: Xallent, Inc.

Summary: The intellectual merit of this project lies in the experimental advancement to create novel scope-prober-spectrometer systems operating at UV-VIS-NIR wavelengths, but also in advancing the fundamental understanding of electric and emission characteristics of micro-light-emitting-devices (microLEDs) and electrically-driven single-photon emitters (SPEs) devices (QuantumLEDs). The microLEDs are the foundation of a multitude of emerging applications, spanning from military (e.g., night-vision systems, head-mounted pilot display systems, artificial intelligence (AI) hardware), near-eye medical device applications, and smart wearable and automobile displays, to name a few. In addition, QuantumLEDs at telecom wavelengths are the cornerstone of emerging long-distance quantum information distribution networks.

Impact: The development of novel scope-prober systems coupled with spectroscopic capabilities operating at ultraviolet (UV)-visible (VIS)-near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths that can enable advanced electrical and emission measurements at the nanoscale for semiconductor photonics and metrology applications. This project would strategically position CNSE to attract photonics researchers and chipmakers to conduct research and development at CNSE facilities. We envision that such capabilities could attract immediate use from AIM Photonics, GLOBALFOUNDRIES, IBM, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, and LAM Research. In addition, Prof. Shahedipour-Sandvik's research in wide bandgap III-Nitride materials and devices could also benefit from such capabilities.

Development of Capabilities for Microelectrode Array (MEA) Analysis

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Janet Paluh

Private Entity Partner: sxRNA Technologies, Inc.

Summary: Neuroscience discoveries hold tremendous promise in biomedical and non-biomedical neuromorphic applications. Challenging to therapeutic discovery for human health is the need for ex vivo platforms to sufficiently represent the complexity of neuronal circuitry and allow detailed investigation of neuropathology mechanisms. Paluh lab-developed neuronal ribbons encapsulate human stem cell derived neural cells that are neurons, interneurons, and glia into matured synaptically active neuronal networks in an alginate-based structure. They have been used as transplantable ex vivo formed neuronal circuitry for central nervous system (CNS) spinal cord injury repair in animal models but also offer an ideal platform for ex vivo CNS brain-region specific studies. Here we recapitulate key aspects of the natural human neural microenvironment of brain regions in an ideal neuronal ribbon adaptable platform and apply MEA technology to study normal and pathology-impacted neuropathologies of senescent cells to inform on Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. sxRNA Technologies is developing a toolkit to take advantage of advancing organoid technologies and manipulate cells in complex 3D multi-cellular platforms, such as neuronal ribbons, to study Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Alzheimer's-Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). Their goal is to adapt and develop this platform and others to enable high-throughput drug screening in complex 3D model tissues.

Impact: Continued work with sxRNA Technologies by Dr. Paluh and other CNSE researchers is creating more value for the IP that sxRNA has licensed from RFSUNY, therefore has the potential to generate significant royalties. At this time there is no Microelectrode Array (MEA) Analysis system available in the Capital Region therefore making the equipment a valuable resource for any regional lab studying electrophysiological potential of neural cells and is expandable for cardiac systems.

Low temperature and controlled environment system for wide bandgap

and ultra-wide bandgap power device characterization

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Woongje Sung and co-PI Bongmook Lee

Private Entity Partner: NoMIS Power

Summary: The aim of this project is to acquire, install, and validate a low-temperature and controlled environment system. With the help of the previous CATN2 MIP supports, CNSE has set up a state-of-the-art power device laboratory including high voltage measurement, dynamic switching measurements, reliability testing, and an optical failure analysis system. In collaboration with NoMIS Power, this project will address the critical missing RD&D capability at CNSE by acquiring a low temperature and a controlled environment measurement system. Low temperature testing of power devices is critical, especially for wide bandgap power devices as WBG and UWBG devices are ideal candidates for harsh environments or under extreme conditions. Therefore, the low-temperature measurement system on WBG devices is a critical enabler to strengthen CNSE’s presence in WBG and UWBG device research. Impact: This project builds upon past MIP investments. The acquisition of an optical failure analysis system can complement CNSE CASPER’s WBG power device development ecosystem, enabling CNSE to participate in WBG or ultra-WBG research activities partnering with other research institutes, government labs, and companies.

Impact: This project builds upon past MIP investments. The acquisition of an optical failure analysis system can complement CNSE CASPER’s WBG power device development ecosystem, enabling CNSE to participate in WBG or ultra-WBG research activities partnering with other research institutes, government labs, and companies.

2022 - 2023

ROUND 08

Round 08

Nanoscale engineering of AL2O3 crystals for fabrication of single mode sapphire optical fibers required in severe environment sensing applications

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Mengbing Huang

Private Entity Partner: OptoXense, Inc.

Summary: Development of sensing technologies deployable in extreme environments (>1600°C) is a compelling challenge confronted in a broad range of commercial and military applications. This CATN2 MIP proposal is for a subsequent program to extend SUNY Poly’s prior research funded by an optoXense / DARPA Phase 2 in the past year. The goal of this (beyond Phase 2) effort is to start the transition of the research into a process refinement and pilot production result, to demonstrate a viable solution for achieving singlemode optical transmission in custom manufactured crystalline sapphire fibers of very small cross section, which are fundamental for creating advanced photonic sensing solutions capable of surviving extreme environments. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with optoXense using processes that include ion implantation, ultra-high temperature (1700°C) annealing, photonic simulation, structural characterization, fiber surface conditioning, and optical mode evaluation. The resulting nanoengineered sapphire fibers become the core technology to facilitate a proprietary program at optoXense to create hidden sensors within aerospace materials, which will later involve AIM Photonics in a separate part of that program.

Impact: The funds for this project will be used to expand the ultra-wide band gap materials research at SUNY Poly enhancing the existing strategic R&D in WBG semiconductors. This work would complement the growing efforts in power electronics based on WBG materials by extending them into the area of harsh environment sensing. The successful completion of the proposed effort will benefit SUNY Poly in several aspects, such as attracting follow on federal funding, strengthening industry partnerships, enhancing research capabilities in new areas, and facilitating technology transfer through commercialization efforts.

Group III-Sb Phase Change Memory for Artificial Intelligence Applications

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Serge Oktyabrsky

Private Entity Partner: IBM

Summary:

The proposal seeks for funding to develop, demonstrate and deploy technology for novel AI hardware phase change memory (PCM) materials, suitable for electronic industry scale-up. Based on the recent demonstration of the superior analog storage performance of Al-Sb alloys deposited from molecular beams in an ultra-high vacuum environment, Dr. Oktyabrsky’s group proposes to develop a more industry-friendly magnetron sputtering method using the available multiple-magnetron system. The technology will utilize co-sputtering from pure Al (or GaSb for Ga-Sb alloys) and pure Sb targets to deposit the PCM layers of target composition from 20% to 40% Al. The proposed research is based on the discoveries, fundamental understanding, and developed infrastructure of the group III-Sb PCM alloys. If funded, the project will immediately boost the ability to generate competitive proposals within the CHIPS and Science Act framework and contribute to the shortly envisioned NSTC proposal.

Impact: This project builds upon previously awarded CATN2 MIP projects with IBM to improve the technical capabilities of the MBE system. This project will upgrade a multi-magnetron chamber, develop and demonstrate co-sputtering technology from pure Al (or GaSb for Ga-Sb alloys) and pure Sb targets to deposit the PCM layers of target composition from 20% to 40% Al to match the previously demonstrated superior performance parameters.

Human Heart Bioengineering

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Janet Paluh

Private Entity Partner: Cytocybernetics and sxRNA

Summary: Human stem cell technologies have the potential for game-changing advancements in cardiac health, through enabling anatomically appropriate bioengineered gasatruloid models for drug discovery and organ transplantation. The global market for stem cell organoid and gastruloid models is projected at $12.8 billion by 2030, due to anticipated applications in precision medicine for a range of applications that include genetic mutations, assessing gene functions, injury and disease modeling, drug testing and more. To realize the full potential of our human EMLOC heart gastruloid model, including biomanufacturing, requires critical co-development of monitoring, validation and analysis technologies that can evolve to evaluate the 3D multi-lineage complexity of the EMLOC heart with its complex electrophysiology and neurology.

Impact: This project will build upon a previously awarded CATN2 MIP project that developed the sxRNA LiTE technology. This new project will expand use of sxRNA LiTE technology for Dr. Paluh’s ex vivo 3D human EMLOC heart model in relation to electrophysiology and will bring on Cytocybernetics as a critical additional NY state company partner with equipment, dyes and knowledge specific for cardiac electrophysiology. We will include spatial single cell RNA-Seq technology in our analysis as the gold standard to fully evaluate cardiac parameters in relation to the assays and technologies applied, due to its whole genome comprehensive analysis. Completion of this project will lay the foundation for federal funding including SBIR, STTR and NIH proposals as well as a pending and future proposals for space biomanufacturing on the international space station (ISS; Center for Advancement of Science in Space RFA).

Optical Failure Analysis System for Wide Bandgap Power Devices

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Woongje Sung (PI), Bongmook Lee (Co-PI)

Private Entity Partner: NoMIS Power Group

Summary: The aim of this project is to acquire, install, and validate an optical failure analysis system. With the help of the previous CATN2 MIP supports, SUNY Poly has set up a state-of-the-art power device laboratory including WBG power device design, high voltage measurement, dynamic switching measurements, and reliability testing. In collaboration with NoMIS Power, this project will address the critical missing RD&D capability at SUNY Poly by developing an optical failure analysis system. The acquisition of an optical failure analysis system can complement SUNY Poly CASPER’s WBG power device development ecosystem enabling SUNY Poly to participate in WBG or ultra-WBG research activities partnering with other research institutes and companies. Realtime temperature measurement of power devices and packaged devices is important as it not only provides the temperature variation of devices in the actual operation but also captures the hot spots or aging effect of the device. Therefore, failure analysis on WBG devices is a critical enabler to strengthen SUNY Poly’s leadership in WBG device research.

Impact: This project aims to address the critical missing RD&D capability at SUNY Poly by acquiring an optical failure analysis system. The addition of an optical failure analysis system establishes a complement of WBG power devices and power packaging RD&D. Finding a root cause of power device leakage and breakdown characteristics is complicated because high leakage and early breakdown are related to many factors including material defects, termination design, and fabrication processes. It is extremely valuable to locate the location of leakage or breakdown to determine its cause. Infra-red (IR) thermography is well known thermal imaging technique and is powerful for qualitative inspection. An optical technique like IR imaging has been used to monitor temperature on power devices. For example, IR imaging on Si-IGBT shows a distinct difference between normal and defective devices. This technique also detects temperature distributions due to wire bonds and wire-bond pads. In addition, high-speed IR imaging captures the dynamic changes in surface temperatures of the MOSFETs and diodes.

2021 - 2022

ROUND 07

Round 07

Fast Charging of Li-ion batteries

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Harry Efstathiadis (PI), Mengbing Huang (co-PI), and Iulian Gherasiou (co-PI)

Private Entity Partner: Eonix Energy, Custom Electronics, and BMW of North America

Summary: One of the most promising aspects of batteries is the enabling of stable cell performance with lithium metal as the anode, leading to significant improvements in cell specific energy (Wh/kg) and energy density (Wh/L). A key challenge of cells with a Li metal anode is volume expansion over cycling due to non-uniform deposition of lithium when using a 2D foil anode. These issues become worse during fast charging of batteries. One proposed solution to this problem is the use of 3D porous anode structures, in which Li from the cathode is deposited into the pores during initial charging. Options for the porous anode structure include ceramic solid electrolyte or porous metal-type. Using SUNY Poly’s capabilities on material development, cell assembly and cycling, NRA, and X-rays 3D tomography capabilities, this project aims to characterize the deposition of Li species on a porous anode substrate and study the solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) both during initial fast charging and repeated cycling. Fast charging of Li-ion batteries is a key requirement for many practical applications and for the wider acceptance of electric vehicles in order to meet consumer demands.

Impact: The funds for this project will be used to purchase a temperature-controlled docking station for testing simultaneously up to 16 batteries cells to help clear the gridlock on cell testing. Several funded projects, such as BMW, Eonix Energy, workforce training, etc generate many battery cells that currently is almost impossible to test all of them in a timely manner. Dr. M. Huang will use the funds to purchase a power supply to perform ion beam analysis of electrode materials in the in-situ and operando setup. Dr. Gherasoiu will purchase the software to analyze cell images collected before and after fast charging by the already installed X-rays tomography tool at the Utica campus. The tomography tool is currently operational, but there is no software installed to analyze the images collected.

Senescence targeting for ocular disease resolution

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Andre Melendez

Private Entity Partner: sxRNA Technologies and Glauconix Bioscience

Summary:

The harmful effects of senescence are attributed to high secretory activity, commonly referred to as the Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). The recent development of SASP specific sxRNAs provide a powerful new tool for studying their role in ocular disease and the specific role of SASP in disease progression. To achieve this, this project will: 1. refine the sxRNA prototypes to limit senescence progression; 2. interrogate the contribution of senescence in disrupting ocular flow using Glauconix Bioscience platform technology and 3. validate established and sxRNA senescence targeted therapeutics in preserving ocular outflow in response to glaucoma inducing agents.

Impact: This project builds upon previously awarded CATN MIP projects with Glauconix and sxRNA thereby providing accelerated commercialization to two SUNY Poly launched start-ups which have licensed IP from RFSUNY and will generate royalties for our campus. It is anticipated that this project will generate additional IP that will enable Glauconix to expand its offering as a CRO and be utilized by many who are interested in manipulating the senescence program. This project will also generate the data necessary to attract a new Phase II STTR ($1,000,000 for two years).

Development of Capabilities for Plating Thicker Metal Alloys for MEMS Devices

Faculty/Staff Principal Investigator (PI): Natalya Tokranova

Private Entity Partner: Xallent Inc.

Summary: Metals and metal alloys are extensively used in MEMS and VLSI manufacturing processes. Depending on the desired device performance and operating conditions, the right alloy needs to be engineered. This project is geared at setting up an electroplating workstation at CNSE in the CNSE Innovation Lab to allow MEMS and VLSI researchers and chipmakers to rapidly develop novel alloys with superior electrical and mechanical properties. Specific to this pilot project, our industrial partner Xallent INC. is interested in using the station to develop MEMS probes.

Impact: This project will result in a new electroplating station that will be used for this project as well as a wide breadth of MEMS, clean energy, and other projects.

CAPABILITIES

NEW RESEARCH CAPABILITIES ESTABLISHED BY THE CATN2 MIP

Mpro inhibitors

The Boivin lab obtained inhibitors for Mpro that could be used for thioredoxin-1. We have plasmids to express and purify the main protease of SARS CoV-2, Mpro for further studies. We also obtained from plasmids to perform bioID, a method that allows to biotinylate and to detect a network of protein that interacts with your protein of interest. We also performed some proximity ligation assays to detect proteins that interact with Mpro in cells.

Kaijo Mega Puck Ultrasonic

The Mega Puck sends up to 100 watts of 950kHz acoustic energy through a 40mm diameter piezoelectric crystal. The crystal is bonded to a PFA coated 316L stainless steel plate. The ultrasonic system can be used to process wafers (for removing resist, helping with lift-off patterning, and cleaning) and is flexible for multiple types of containers and wafer sizes.

Novel PCM UHV technology

Unique ultra-high vacuum (UHV) deposition from molecular beams for group III(Al, Ga, In) -Sb phase change memory (PCM). The technology is capable for multilayer stacks fabrication with in-situ contact metal deposition with atomic-scale precision.

Electrical probe station

Electrical probe station that can be use for probing very small sized electrodes, which cannot be achieved with existing probe station technologies. The resulting equipment setup is a flexible probe station + microscope that will enable real-time viewing and probing of very small electrical structures (micrometer and smaller).

Angle-resolved XPS measurements

Angle-resolved XPS is a characterization technique that allows one to determine the atomic concentration and chemical state of the surface region of a sample with very high surface sensitivity (<1nm). This capability has established angle-resolved measurements on the the Quantera II XPS.

sxRNA “LiTE Technology”prototype tracking system for use in human ex vivo 3D organ models and future scaled process biomanufacturing

Prototype capabilities for Lineage Tracer Enabling "LiTE” technology developed and tested on a proprietary human stem cell derived cardiac gastruloid model developed in the Paluh lab. LiTE technology is designed to monitor and control rapid changes in multi-lineage tissue differentiation and morphogenesis of the heart. It will benefit uniformity and scaling for mass production

MBE of III-V heterostructures

Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) after renovation and upgrade is capable of growth group III(Ga,In,Al)-V(As,Sb) epitaxial heterostructures for variety of electronic and photonic applications.

Lakeshore Hall Effect measurement System

Lakeshore Hall Effect system including high-field electromagnet, variable-temperature sample holder, and electronic characterization platform.

Klar Mini Pro micro-photoluminescence mapping microscope

Klar Mini Pro micro-photoluminescence mapping microscope with ultraviolet light source kit. Capability of the system is being expanded with a custom low-temperature stage to enable cryogenic study of similar structures using the same optics and automated data acquisition system.

WBG power semiconductor device static and dynamic characterization

A WBG power semiconductor device static and dynamic characterization test platform for evaluating the electrical performance of packaged single-chip discretes and multi-chip co-packs and power modules, using novel device architectures and/or packaging materials/electro-physical topologies.

High-temp (>200oC) reliability testing system

This high-temperature (>200oC) reliability testing system is capable of simultaneously accommodating 80 devices is a first of its kind for an academic institute in the United States.

Gel Permeation Chromatography Upgrade

This capability allows for the measurement of molecular weight of organic polymers and organometallic clusters. The HPLC is completely re-built. One of the important additions to the instrument were a autosampler, so samples could be run overnight.

Pulsed power stressing

Utilization of pulsed power stressing for electromigration assessments and use of COMSOL for modeling the response to pulsed power. Also, discovered capability to obtain high frequency (MHz). Another capability is to measure creep deflection on a cantilever beam through interferometry.

Senescence targeting sxRNA prototype therapeutics (SensxRNA)

Senescence targeting sxRNA prototype therapeutics (SensxRNA) developed. Unique murie model system for testing senescence therapeutics established.

Novel selection method for generating recombinant protein producing cells

A new cell selection technology used in the labs of Professor Sharfstein and Professor Tenenbaum. Plasmids and instructions can be obtained from Professors Sharfstein and Tenenbaum. Nucleofectors for introduction of plasmids and RNA into cells are available for use in the Sharfstein and Tenenbaum labs.

High voltage measurement system >20 kV

>3 kV high voltage measurement capability can be rarely found across the country. SUNY Poly has developed a system with high voltage measurement >20 kV.