Feedback control of dimensions in nanopore and nanofluidic devices
First Claim
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1. A method of fabricating a nanofluidic device, comprising:
- providing a substrate comprising a nanofluidic channel running parallel to a top surface of the substrate, the nanofluidic channel being bounded by an electrical conductor;
reducing the dimensions of the nanofluidic channel by electrochemically oxidizing the electrical conductor;
monitoring the size of the nanofluidic channel by measuring ionic current through the nanofluidic channel, anddiscontinuing reducing the dimensions of the nanofluidic channel once the ionic current through the nanofluidic channel reaches a level representative of a target channel dimension.
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Abstract
Nanofluidic passages such as nanochannels and nanopores are closed or opened in a controlled manner through the use of a feedback system. An oxide layer is grown or removed within a passage in the presence of an electrolyte until the passage reaches selected dimensions or is closed. The change in dimensions of the nanofluidic passage is measured during fabrication. The ionic current level through the passage can be used to determine passage dimensions. Fluid flow through an array of fluidic elements can be controlled by selective oxidation of fluidic passages between elements.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method of fabricating a nanofluidic device, comprising:
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providing a substrate comprising a nanofluidic channel running parallel to a top surface of the substrate, the nanofluidic channel being bounded by an electrical conductor; reducing the dimensions of the nanofluidic channel by electrochemically oxidizing the electrical conductor; monitoring the size of the nanofluidic channel by measuring ionic current through the nanofluidic channel, and discontinuing reducing the dimensions of the nanofluidic channel once the ionic current through the nanofluidic channel reaches a level representative of a target channel dimension. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of fabricating a nanofluidic device, comprising:
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obtaining a structure including a base, a non-metallic layer on the base and a top layer on the non-metallic layer; forming a nanochannel within the non-metallic layer of the structure; forming a channel opening within the top layer of the structure; forming an electrically conductive layer within the nanochannel, the electrically conductive layer forming a surface of the nanochannel having a bottom portion extending over the base and sidewall portions adjoining the non-metallic layer; closing the channel opening while forming the electrically conductive layer; and electrochemically oxidizing the electrically conductive layer to reduce the dimensions of the nanochannel. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification