Dielectrophoretic tweezers apparatus and methods
US8262885B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 2006 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01Q80/00
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Dielectrophoretic (DEP) tweezers apparatus and methods for various applications, including particle trapping. Two electrodes are disposed on or otherwise constitute an elongated object forming a tip. 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.