Molecule mass detection via field emission of electrons from membranes
US8686375B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J49/025
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An active detector and methods for detecting molecules, including large molecules such as proteins and oligonucleotides, at or near room temperature based on the generation of electrons via field emission (FE) and/or secondary electron emission (SEE). The detector comprises a semiconductor membrane having an external surface that is contacted by one or more molecules, and an internal surface having a thin metallic layer or other type of electron emitting layer. The kinetic energy of molecules contacting the semiconductor membrane is transferred through the membrane and induces the emission of electrons from the emitting layer. An electron detector, which optionally includes means for electron amplification, is positioned to detect the emitted electrons.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.