Abstract:
Methods of dispensing a small amount of liquid onto a work piece includes in some embodiments known providing a microscopic channel for the liquid to flow from the nanodispenser. In some embodiments, dispensing the liquid includes dispensing the liquid using a nanodispenser have at least one slit extending to the tip. Some methods include controlling the rate of evaporation or the rate of liquid flow to establish an equilibrium producing a bubble of a desired size.
Abstract:
A method and system for the imaging and localization of fluorescent markers such as fluorescent proteins or quantum dots within biological samples is disclosed. The use of recombinant genetics technology to insert “reporter” genes into many species is well established. In particular, green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) and their genetically-modified variants ranging from blue to yellow, are easily spliced into many genomes at the sites of genes of interest (GoIs), where the GFPs are expressed with no apparent effect on the functioning of the proteins of interest (PoIs) coded for by the GoIs. One goal of biologists is more precise localization of PoIs within cells. The invention is a method and system for enabling more rapid and precise PoI localization using charged particle beam-induced damage to GFPs. Multiple embodiments of systems for implementing the method are presented, along with an image processing method relatively immune to high statistical noise levels.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a plasma ion beam system that includes multiple gas sources and that can be used for performing multiple operations using different ion species to create or alter submicron features of a work piece. The system preferably uses an inductively coupled, magnetically enhanced ion beam source, suitable in conjunction with probe-forming optics sources to produce ion beams of a wide variety of ions without substantial kinetic energy oscillations induced by the source, thereby permitting formation of a high resolution beam.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a plasma ion beam system that includes multiple gas sources and that can be used for performing multiple operations using different ion species to create or alter submicron features of a work piece. The system preferably uses an inductively coupled, magnetically enhanced ion beam source, suitable in conjunction with probe-forming optics sources to produce ion beams of a wide variety of ions without substantial kinetic energy oscillations induced by the source, thereby permitting formation of a high resolution beam.
Abstract:
A method and system for the imaging and localization of fluorescent markers such as fluorescent proteins or quantum dots within biological samples is disclosed. The use of recombinant genetics technology to insert “reporter” genes into many species is well established. In particular, green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) and their genetically-modified variants ranging from blue to yellow, are easily spliced into many genomes at the sites of genes of interest (GoIs), where the GFPs are expressed with no apparent effect on the functioning of the proteins of interest (PoIs) coded for by the GoIs. One goal of biologists is more precise localization of PoIs within cells. The invention is a method and system for enabling more rapid and precise PoI localization using charged particle beam-induced damage to GFPs. Multiple embodiments of systems for implementing the method are presented, along with an image processing method relatively immune to high statistical noise levels.
Abstract:
An x-ray target, a method of using the x-ray target, and a computer program product with instructions for carrying out a method of using the x-ray target. The x-ray target includes a substrate made from a soft x-ray producing material and a high aspect ratio structure made from a hard x-ray producing material. The hard x-ray producing material is embedded in the substrate, formed on the substrate, cantilevered out from the edge of the substrate, or any combination thereof. The high aspect ratio structure comprises a plurality of high aspect ratio structures arranged in one or more grids or arrays, and the high aspect ratio structures in one of the one or more grids or arrays are arranged to form a Hadamard matrix structure.
Abstract:
An improved process control for a charged beam system is provided that allows the capability of accurately producing complex two and three dimensional structures from a computer generated model in a material deposition process. The process control actively monitors the material deposition process and makes corrective adjustments as necessary to produce a pattern or structure that is within an acceptable tolerance range with little or no user intervention. The process control includes a data base containing information directed to properties of a specific pattern or structure and uses an algorithm to instruct the beam system during the material deposition process. Feedback through various means such as image recognition, chamber pressure readings, and EDS signal can be used to instruct the system to make automatic system modifications, such as, beam and gas parameters, or other modifications to the pattern during a material deposition run.
Abstract:
An inductively coupled plasma charged particle source for focused ion beam systems includes a plasma reaction chamber with a removably attached source electrode. A fastening mechanism connects the source electrode with the plasma reaction chamber and allows for a heat-conductive, vacuum seal to form. With a removable source electrode, improved serviceability and reuse of the plasma source tube are now possible.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a plasma ion beam system that includes multiple gas sources and that can be used for performing multiple operations using different ion species to create or alter submicron features of a work piece. The system preferably uses an inductively coupled, magnetically enhanced ion beam source, suitable in conjunction with probe-forming optics sources to produce ion beams of a wide variety of ions without substantial kinetic energy oscillations induced by the source, thereby permitting formation of a high resolution beam.
Abstract:
An apparatus to permit a viewer of a digital microscopy original image to manipulate the display and/or the microscope to obtain an enhanced view of a region of interest within the original image. In one preferred embodiment a spotlight mode matches the gray shade scale for a spotlight region-of-interest to the pixel intensity variation present in the spotlight region. The gray shade scale used for the spotlight mode may then be generalized to the original image. In a preferred embodiment, spotlight mode provides an easy mechanism for permitting a user to command a re-imaging of a selected spotlight region from a displayed image. Such re-imaging may permit the use of imaging parameter selections that better fit the spotlight region.