Feedback control of dimensions in nanopore and nanofluidic devices
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- providing an array of fluidic elements, each of the fluidic elements being connected in series to one or more other fluidic elements in the array by one or more nanofluidic passages, each of the nanofluidic passages including an electrochemically active, electrically conductive surface, andselectively closing one or more of the nanofluidic passages by oxidizing the electrically conductive surface, thereby causing an oxidized layer formed from the electrically conductive surface to electrochemically grow on the electrically conductive surface in selected nanofluidic passages.
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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
7 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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providing an array of fluidic elements, each of the fluidic elements being connected in series to one or more other fluidic elements in the array by one or more nanofluidic passages, each of the nanofluidic passages including an electrochemically active, electrically conductive surface, and selectively closing one or more of the nanofluidic passages by oxidizing the electrically conductive surface, thereby causing an oxidized layer formed from the electrically conductive surface to electrochemically grow on the electrically conductive surface in selected nanofluidic passages. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A method comprising:
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providing a nanofluidic device including a base, a first layer on the base, a second layer on the first layer, a nanofluidic passage having an electrically conductive metal or metal alloy surface extending through the second layer, a reservoir formed beneath the second layer and within the first layer, the reservoir being in fluid communication with the nanofluidic passage, and an electrolyte within the nanofluidic passage; and applying a voltage to the electrically conductive metal or metal alloy surface to electrochemically change the dimensions of the nanofluidic passage. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification