Abstract:
The invention is a method for fabricating molecular filters (20) which can separate objects approximately 1-5 nm in range, where the filtration size is controlled by using thin films of materials and technologies to form a filtration channel or pore (22) in a middle thin film layer in a multilayered structure. Lithography is used to define two offset arrays of blind holes into the opposing sides of a multi-layer membrane. The blind holes extend across a thin central filtration layer. A selective etch is used to attack the filtration to form a communicating channel between the two holes (10, 12). The only connection between one side of the filter and the other is through the channel in the filter layer, whose thickness, d, determines the largest size object which can traverse the filter.
Abstract:
The invention is a method for fabricating molecular filters which can separate objects approximately 1-5 nm in range, where the filtration size is controlled by using thin films of materials and technologies to form a filtration channel or pore in a middle thin film layer in a multilayered structure. Lithography is used to define two offset arrays of blind holes into the opposing sides of a multi-layer membrane. The blind holes extend across a thin central filtration layer. A selective etch is used to attack the filtration layer to form a communicating channel between the two holes. The only connection between one side of the filter and the other is through the channel in the filter layer, whose thickness, d, determines the largest size object which can traverse the filter.
Abstract:
Microfabricated filters (100) utilizing a bulk substrate structure (101) and a thin film structure (103) and a method for constructing such filters (100). The pores (105) of the filters (100) are defined by spaces between the bulk substrate structure (101) and the thin film structure (103) and are of substantially uniform width, length and distribution. The width of the pores (105) is defined by the thickness of a sacrificial layer (not shown) and therefore may be smaller than the limit of resolution obtainable with photolithography. The filters (100) provide enhanced mechanical strength, chemical inertness, biological compatibility, and throughput. The filters (100) are constructed using relatively simple fabrication techniques.
Abstract:
An optical component or an analytical platform includes a substrate, an array of microstructures on the substrate and microchannels formed by side walls of adjacent microstructures, a width of the microchannels varies as a function of distance to the substrate, the width continuously decreasing with increasing distance from the substrate within at least one distance-interval. In a method for producing such a component or such a platform a substrate with an array of surface microstructures is coated in a vapor treatment in such a way that shadowing effects of the coating mechanism narrow at least partially a width of the upper parts of side walls of the microstructures thereby forming at least partially embedded microchannels.
Abstract:
A membrane structure (10) comprising a silicon film of thickness (T) having a grain structure including grains (12) of diameter (D) separated by grooves (14) thereby defining pores (16) with lateral dimension (L) therebetween.
Abstract:
Using phase separation technique perforated as well as non-perforated polymeric structures can be made with high aspect ratios (>5). By varying the phase separation process the properties (e.g. porous, non-porous, dense, open skin) of the moulded product can be tuned. Applications are described in the field of micro fluidics (e.g. micro arrays, electrophoretic boards), optics, polymeric solar cells, ball grid arrays, and tissue engineering.
Abstract:
A method may include etching a number of holes into a carrier wafer layer to form a plurality of filters in the carrier wafer layer, pattering a chamber layer over a first side of the carrier wafer layer to form chambers above each filter formed in the carrier wafer layer, forming a layer over the chamber layer, grinding a second side of the carrier wafer layer to expose the number of holes etched into the carrier wafer layer, and bonding a molded substrate to the carrier wafer layer opposite the chamber layer.
Abstract:
A method of forming a membrane with nanometer scale pores includes forming a sacrificial etch stop layer on a substrate. A base layer is constructed on the sacrificial etch stop layer. Micrometer scale pores are formed within the base layer. A sacrificial base layer is built on the base layer. The sacrificial base layer is removed from selected regions of the base layer to define nanometer scale pores within the base layer. The resultant membrane has sub-fifty nanometer pores formed within it.
Abstract:
Surface micromachining and bulk micromachining are employed for realizing a porous membrane (102A) with a bulk substrate (106) to form a particle filter (100). The filter (100) is sufficiently sturdy to allow for easy handling. It may be used as a diffusion barrier and under high pressures. A disclosed etching fabrication method is simple, reliable, and integrated-circuit compatible, and thus amenable to mass production. Electronic circuitry may be integrated on the surface of filter (100), as may be desired for several purposes, such as fluid characterization, capsule formation, or self-cleaning or charging of the surface of filter (100).
Abstract:
In embodiments, a package assembly may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) having an active side and an inactive side. In embodiments, the MEMS may be coupled directly to the ASIC by way of one or more interconnects. The MEMS, ASIC, and one or more interconnects may define or form a cavity such that the active portion of the MEMS is within the cavity. In some embodiments, the package assembly may include a plurality of MEMS coupled directly to the ASIC by way of a plurality of one or more interconnects. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.