Nanoelectrode Technology for Precision at the Nanoscale

Introduction

As technology moves deeper into the realm of nanotechnology, precision at the nanoscale is increasingly crucial for industries ranging from biotechnology to electronics. Conventional electrodes, while effective at larger scales, lack the precision and sensitivity required for nanoscale applications. Our patented systems and methods for making and using nanoelectrodes offer an advanced solution, designed to enhance performance and precision in a variety of cutting-edge applications. These nanoelectrodes are ideal for scientific research, diagnostics, and next-generation electronic devices.

Limitations of Current Electrode Technologies

Traditional electrodes are often too large and imprecise for many applications in nanotechnology, where a high level of detail is required to study and manipulate extremely small objects, such as cells, molecules, and nanoparticles. In biotechnology and medical diagnostics, researchers and clinicians need tools that can probe these tiny structures without causing damage or losing sensitivity. In electronics, as devices continue to shrink, the need for electrodes that function reliably at the nanoscale becomes paramount for improving performance and enabling new functionalities.

Without the ability to manipulate and measure at such a small scale, industries face limitations in innovation, from drug development to nanomaterial research, and from biosensors to nanoelectronics.

A Game-Changer for Nano-Precision

Our patented technology provides an innovative solution by enabling the creation and use of nanoelectrodes with exceptional precision and sensitivity. These nanoelectrodes are capable of detecting, measuring, and manipulating nanoscale materials, making them essential for applications such as high-resolution biosensing, single-cell analysis, and electrochemical studies. The method for producing these nanoelectrodes ensures scalability, making them suitable for both research and industrial applications.

In the biotechnology sector, these nanoelectrodes allow researchers to study complex biological interactions at the molecular level with greater accuracy, enhancing drug discovery and diagnostic techniques. For electronics and semiconductors, the nanoelectrodes can be integrated into smaller, more efficient devices, improving the performance of sensors, transistors, and other electronic components.

Key Benefits

High Precision: Provides exceptional sensitivity and control at the nanoscale, making it ideal for research and diagnostic applications.
Scalable Production: The method for producing these nanoelectrodes is efficient and scalable, allowing for broader adoption in various industries.
Versatile Applications: Can be used in biotechnology, electronics, nanomedicine, and materials science for cutting-edge research and product development.
Enhanced Performance: Improves the accuracy and efficiency of nanoscale measurements and interactions, opening new doors for innovation.

Advancing the Future of Nanotechnology and Biosensing

Licensing this nanoelectrode technology offers companies and research institutions the opportunity to stay at the forefront of nanotechnology advancements. With applications across industries, these nanoelectrodes are a key enabler for the next generation of precision devices and diagnostics, driving innovation and performance at the nanoscale.

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Abstract
Claims

Systems and methods are provided for the manipulation of a polarizable object with a pair of elongated nanoelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. The nanoelectrodes can be carbon nanotubes and are coupled with one or more time-varying voltage sources to create an electric field gradient in a gap between the nanotubes. The gradient induces the movement of a polarizable object in proximity with the field. The nanotube pair can be used to trap a single polarizable object in the gap. A method of fabricating a nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system is also provided. Applications extend to self-fabricating nanoelectronics, nanomachines, nanochemistry and nanobiochemistry. A nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system having an extended nanoelectrode for use in applications including the self-fabrication of a nanowire, as well as methods for fabricating the same, are also provided.

What is claimed is:

1. A system for manipulating a polarizable object using dielectrophoresis, comprising:

a first elongated cylindrically shaped nanoelectrode comprising at least one nanotube electrically coupled with a first time-varying voltage source; and

a second elongated nanoelectrode electrically coupled with ground, wherein the first voltage source and ground are configured to generate a time-varying electric field between the two nanoelectrodes, and wherein the nanoelectrodes are positioned to allow the dielectrophoretic manipulation of a polarizable object within the electric field.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the nanoelectrodes each have a first and second end, the first end of the first nanoelectrode being electrically coupled with the first voltage source and the first end of the second nanoelectrode being electrically coupled with ground.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second nanoelectrodes are positioned such that the first and second nanoelectrodes extend from the first end to the second end at least partially towards each other, and wherein the second end of the first nanoelectrode is separated from the second end of the second nanoelectrode by a first gap.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein each nanoelectrode is aligned along substantially the same center axis.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the gap is approximately one nanometer or greater.

6. The system of claim 3, further comprising:

a third nanoelectrode having a first and a second end, the first end electrically coupled with a second voltage source; and

a fourth nanoelectrode having a first and a second end, the first end electrically coupled with ground, wherein the second voltage source is time-varying and wherein each of the nanoelectrodes are arranged radially such that each nanoelectrode extends from the first end to the second end at least partially towards the other nanoelectrodes, the second end of the each of the nanoelectrodes being spaced apart from the others to define a common center region.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first and second nanoelectrodes are aligned along substantially the same first center axis and wherein the third and fourth nanoelectrodes are aligned along substantially the same second center axis transverse to the first center axis.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein a polarizable object is located in the common center region.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the polarizable object is configured to function as a rotor.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein each voltage source is configured to operate at a separate phase to rotate the rotor in a radial direction within the common center region, the phase of each voltage source successively lagging the preceding source in the radial direction.

11. The system of claim 3, wherein the polarizable object is a molecular transistor coupled between the second end of the first nanoelectrode and the second end of the second nanoelectrode.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the nanotube is a carbon nanotube.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the carbon nanotube is single-walled.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the carbon nanotube is multi-walled.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one nanoelectrode is capacitively coupled with one of the first voltage source and ground.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one nanoelectrode is electrically coupled with one of the first voltage source and ground at a metal electrode.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the nanoelectrodes and polarized object are suspended in a solution.

Title

Systems and methods for making and using nanoelectrodes

Inventor(s)

Peter J. Burke, Shengdong Li, Lifeng Zheng

Assignee(s)

University of California

Patent #

9102527

Patent Date

August 11, 2015