Dielectrophoretic tweezers apparatus and methods
US8021532B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/00
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Dielectrophoretic (DEP) tweezers apparatus and methods for various applications, including particle trapping. Multiple electrodes (e.g., two or three) are disposed on or otherwise constitute an elongated object forming a tip. Exemplary electrode configurations include, but are not limited to, coaxial and triaxial arrangements. A voltage is applied across these electrodes to produce a non-uniform electromagnetic field proximate to the tip thereby creating a dielectrophoretic trap. Once trapped, a particle may be moved to desired locations via manipulation of the elongated object or the medium in which the particle is located. Multiple DEP tweezers apparatus may be arranged to form arrays of tips capable of respectively generating local electromagnetic fields confined to the tips. Such DEP arrays may be employed in nanofabrication processes involving nanolithography or nano-manipulation, as well as data storage and retrieval applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.