Han Cao

Fabrication of 10 nm enclosed nanofluidic channels

We made uniform arrays of nanometer scale structures using nanoimprint lithography over large areas (100 mm wafers). The nanofluidic channels were further narrowed and sealed by techniques that are based on nonuniform deposition. The resulting sealed channels have a cross section as small as 10 nm by 50 nm, of great importance for confining biological molecules into ultrasmall spaces. These techniques can be valuable fabrication tools for Nanoelectromechanical Systems and Micro/Nano Total Analysis Systems.

Gradient Structures Interfacing Microfluidics and Nanofluidics

The present invention relates to a device for interfacing nanofluidic and microfluidic components suitable for use in performing high throughput macromolecular analysis. Diffraction gradient lithography (DGL) is used to form a gradient interface between a microfluidic area and a nanofluidic area. The gradient interface area reduces the local entropic barrier to nanochannels formed in the nanofluidic area. In one embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of lateral spatial gradient structures for narrowing the cross section of a value from the micron to the nanometer length scale. In another embodiment, the gradient interface area is formed of a vertical sloped gradient structure. Additionally, the gradient structure can provide both a lateral and vertical gradient.

Scanning the controls: genomics and nanotechnology

We outline some of the possible applications of nanotechnology to modern molecular biology and discuss several technologies that can be used to make nanoscale confining environments (channels or post arrays) for long polymers such as DNA. A particular emphasis is placed on making large arrays using non-electron beam lithography methods. We then discuss how focused ion beam (FIB) milling can be used to construct nearfield slits for examining molecules.