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:
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:
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 microfabricated containment capsule has a bulk substrate delimiting a cavity with a boundary, a first portion of which constitutes an inner wall of a solid portion of the bulk substrate. The bulk substrate also provides at a second portion of the boundary a membrane joined to one side of the bulk substrate, the membrane having at least one porous area with controlled pores.
Abstract:
Surface micromachining and bulk micromachining are employed for realizing a porous membrane with bulk support for a microparticle fiter. The filter is sufficiently sturdy to allow for easy handling. It may be used as a diffusion barrier and under high pressures. The disclosed fabrication method is simple, reliable, and integrated-circuit compatible, and thus amenable to mass production. Electronic circuitry may be integrated on the filter surface, as may be desired for several purposes, such as fluid characterization, filter self-cleaning, or charging of the filter surfaces. Methods are shown for the realization of biological containment capsules based on this microfilter.
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.