Abstract:
An apparatus for leveling an array of microscopic pens with respect to a substrate surface is provided. The apparatus includes an array of microscopic pens; a substrate having a substrate surface; a controllable arm comprising a spherical ball on an end thereof; a force sensor configured to measure a force exerted on the array or the substrate surface at each of the plurality of positions; one or more actuators configured to drive the array and/or the substrate to vary a relative distance and a relative tilting between the array and the substrate surface; and a controller configured to determine a planar offset of the array with respect to the substrate and initiate a leveling of the array with respect to the substrate based on the planar offset. Methods are also provided.
Abstract:
Nanopatterned surfaces which provide for improved cell growth including improved stem cell differentiation. The patterned surfaces can comprise an array of fields of biologically active moieties and can be controlled by parameters which include the pitch between the fields and the size of the fields. Nanopatterning can be carried out with use of dip pen nanolithographic printing, microcontact printing, and nanoimprint lithography. Patterning can be carried out on surfaces over large areas, with good homogeneity, and/or using edge-to-edge methods.
Abstract:
Described herein is a systemic approach for identifying compounds and pattern dimensions for regulating a desired cell type including stem cells. High throughput screening can be carried out with use of nanolithography and chemical libraries. Cell growth factors can be patterned and screened.
Abstract:
An apparatus for use in fabricating structures and depositing materials from tips to surfaces for patterning in direct-write mode, providing ability to travel macroscopic distances and yet provide for nanoscale patterning. Useful in small scale fabrication and nanolithography. The instrument can be compact and used on a laboratory bench or desktop. An apparatus comprising: at least one multi-axis assembly comprising a plurality of nanopositioning stages, at least one pen assembly, wherein the pen assembly and the multi-axis assembly are adapted for delivery of material from the pen assembly to a substrate which is positioned by the multi-axis assembly, at least one viewing assembly, at least one controller. Nanopositioning by piezoelectric methods and devices and motors is particularly useful. The apparatus can include integrated environmental chambers and housings, as well as ink reservoirs for materials to be delivered. The viewing assembly can be a microscope with a long working distance. Particularly useful for fabrication of bioarrays or microarrays. The multi-axis assembly can be a five-axis assembly. Software can facilitate efficient usage.
Abstract:
Improved patterning at small scale including nanoscale. A method comprising: providing at least one cantilever comprising at least one tip thereon, and a material deposited on the tip, contacting the cantilever with a substrate so that the material is deposited from the tip onto the substrate to form a material deposit, wherein the temperature of the substrate is adapted to control a size of the material deposit. A device comprising: at least one heat sink, at least one heating or cooling stage, at least one vacuum system, wherein the device is adapted to function with a substrate to be subjected to a material deposition and to keep the substrate temperature substantially constant during deposition.
Abstract:
Self-assembled monolayers and other solid support/surface-layer systems are widely used as resists for nanofabrication because of its closely packed structure, low defect density, and uniform thickness. However these resists suffer the drawback of low stability in liquid due to desorption and/or oxidation induced desorption. Stabilized solid support/surface-layer systems and methods of preserving the integrity and structure of self-assembled monolayers on solid surfaces are provided. The method involves adding small amount of amphiphilic molecules, such as DMF and DMSO, into aqueous solutions as preserving media. These molecules adhere favorably to defect sites within monolayers and inhibit the initiation of both known degradation pathways: oxidation and desorption. Also provided are stabilized systems including the solid support/surface-layer system and stabilizing solution, as well as kits of stabilizing solutions for use with various systems.
Abstract:
Self-assembled monolayers and other solid support/surface-layer systems are widely used as resists for nanofabrication because of its closely packed structure, low defect density, and uniform thickness. However these resists suffer the drawback of low stability in liquid due to desorption and/or oxidation induced desorption. Stabilized solid support/surface-layer systems and methods of preserving the integrity and structure of self-assembled monolayers on solid surfaces are provided. The method involves adding small amount of amphiphilic molecules, such as DMF and DMSO, into aqueous solutions as preserving media. These molecules adhere favorably to defect sites within monolayers and inhibit the initiation of both known degradation pathways: oxidation and desorption. Also provided are stabilized systems including the solid support/surface-layer system and stabilizing solution, as well as kits of stabilizing solutions for use with various systems.
Abstract:
Nanolithographic deposition of metallic nanostructures using coated tips for use in microelectronics, catalysis, and diagnostics. AFM tips can be coated with metallic precursors and the precursors patterned on substrates. The patterned precursors can be converted to the metallic state with application of heat. High resolution and excellent alignment can be achieved.
Abstract:
Better leveling procedures for patterning at the small scale including the nanoscale. A method comprising: providing at least one array of cantilevers comprising tips thereon, wherein the cantilevers comprise at least one relatively bright spot, or at least two relatively bright spots, near the tip upon viewing, providing a substrate, leveling the array and the substrate with respect to each other, wherein the relatively bright spot near the tip is viewed to determine a contact of the tip and substrate.
Abstract:
Improved methods for loading arrays of tips with a material for subsequent deposition of the material from the tip to the substrate. Tip loading can be done by controlled vapor deposition which reduces the amount of non-specific material deposition onto a substrate. Improved nanoscale and microscale engineering and lithography can be achieved. Applications include better cellular studies including stem cell studies and stem cell differentiation control.